Adoption Information

Find out how to adopt a pet quick & easy

Adopting a Pet

Animals end up in shelters for a wide variety of reasons – economic distress, home foreclosure, illness to the owner, inability to properly care for the animal, changing family dynamic, and many others – but the goal is the same for each and every one: to find the perfect new home! One of the primary missions of the Rhode Island SPCA is to find good homes for animals in need, and to provide care and support to those animals while they wait for their new family. Your donations make it possible for us to care for the animals awaiting a second chance at the RISPCA.

The RISPCA is home to more than just dogs and cats. At any given time we may have rabbits, ferrets, mice, rats, gerbils, degus, chinchillas, hamsters, turtles, snakes, lizards, lovebirds, cockatoos, finches or even a pot-bellied pig!

In foster care, we often have horses, cows, pigs, goats, ducks and chickens. In the spring, our fosters take care of kittens and puppies.

Is your new best friend waiting for you here at the RISPCA? The only way to find out is to visit us today!

 

  • How do I adopt a pet?

    If you are interested in adopting a pet you either saw online or when you visited the RISPCA, then be sure to read our step by step process.

  • Are there any adoption requirements?

    The short answer is yes. The long answer, you must fill out an application and when the animal is available for adoption, all applications will be considered on a “best fit” basis. The selected applicant will then be contacted. Because of the volume of applications we receive, only the selected applicant is contacted. However, feel free to contact us about the status of your application at any time.

  • What is the Adoption Fee?

    Adoption fee varies on the animal. Check out all our adoption fees here.

  • What does the Adoption Fee include?

    The adoption fee includes spaying/neutering when applicable, current on rabies and distemper vaccines, as well as flea, tick, ear-mite treatment, roundworm and hookworm treatment, and one free veterinary visit. And thanks to a generous donation from Up Country, Inc. dog adopters will receive one free collar and leash of their choosing, as well as a subscription to our newsletter, Happy Tails to You!

  • What is the adoption isn′t working out?

    Every adopter must sign an agreement to return the animal that they are adopting to the RISPCA if, for any reason, they are unable to keep the animal or if any verifiable cases of mistreatment are discovered.

    Before returning an adopted pet to the shelter, please contact us first. Our training staff may be able to assist you with any training and behavior issues.