RI Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

RI Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Rhode Island SPCA) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization.
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Protecting and caring for animals since 1870. About the Rhode Island SPCA: Founded in 1870, the Rhode Island SPCA is the oldest humane animal welfare organization in the state of Rhode Island and the third oldest in the United States. As a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, it does not receive any local or federal funding nor is it affiliated with any national humane organization. It reli

es on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to provide critical programs and services for the animals and people in the community. Donations should be addressed to the Rhode Island SPCA. The RISPCA is not affiliated with the ASPCA.

As we continue to celebrate throughout the month of August, be sure to check out all of our adoptable animals including...
08/18/2025

As we continue to celebrate throughout the month of August, be sure to check out all of our adoptable animals including these fabulous fur babies! www.rispca.org

Back by popular demand!! Check out our monthly programs for homeschoolers! Morning sessions are recommended for student...
08/17/2025

Back by popular demand!! Check out our monthly programs for homeschoolers! Morning sessions are recommended for students ages 10 & under. Afternoon sessions are geared towards students ages 11+. Sessions are limited to 10 students each. Register today @ https://web.charityengine.net/RISPCA_HomeschoolHeroes_2

So it turns out I need a few more tests to figure out what is going on with me. The nice specialist I saw last week, Dr...
08/16/2025

So it turns out I need a few more tests to figure out what is going on with me. The nice specialist I saw last week, Dr. Spelman, is recommending an ultrasound and some additional bloodwork.💉 Unfortunately, these tests are not inexpensive. I'm hoping that some of you will be able to support my friends at the RISPCA by making a donation to help with my medical costs. I mean, how can you say no to this cute face?

Up next in our double the fun series....Say hello to the dynamic duo of Tater and Sammy! Tater and Sammy are the very b...
08/14/2025

Up next in our double the fun series....

Say hello to the dynamic duo of Tater and Sammy! Tater and Sammy are the very best of friends, and they're looking for their forever home. Tater is the smaller and shyer of the two, preferring to take her time getting to meet new people. We affectionately call her Tater Tot, as she is so adorable. Sammy is a bit more confident, loves to relax under a good hidey, and helps her best buddy feel safe. Once they're settled, you'll see the special bond they have as they snuggle, explore, and enjoy life together.

These two sweet girls would be the perfect fit for any family who will cherish them both and give them the cozy, happy home they both deserve.

Adopt Sammy & Tater and help us

Shelters helping shelters! We're all in this together 💙
08/14/2025

Shelters helping shelters! We're all in this together 💙

Fourteen young cats on their way to Massachusetts from Maryland are now at the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) after their transport van got into a crash in E…

We Got the Pups!Meet Terry & Quito (right). We are 4-month-old Miniature Pinscher mixes. We are the perfect balance of ...
08/13/2025

We Got the Pups!

Meet Terry & Quito (right).

We are 4-month-old Miniature Pinscher mixes. We are the perfect balance of spunky energy and snuggly sweetness. Each of us has a unique personality, but we all share one thing in common: we’re ready to find our forever homes!

Whether you’re looking for a playful companion, a cuddle buddy, or a little adventurer, one of these pups is sure to steal your heart! (will be adopted separately)

Adopt one of these cuties and help us

Help! We are running super low on thin fleece blankets for our cats and smallies! The best ones we found are the ones ...
08/13/2025

Help! We are running super low on thin fleece blankets for our cats and smallies! The best ones we found are the ones from Walmart as pictured with adoptable Bailey! We will be so wheeking grateful!
https://tinyurl.com/walmartfleeceblankets

Paws in the Park is 1 month away! We will be posting weekly updates and reminders! Our first reminder is to make sure ...
08/13/2025

Paws in the Park is 1 month away! We will be posting weekly updates and reminders! Our first reminder is to make sure to SIGN UP soon if you would like to receive a swag bag filled with goodies from our sponsors! Only available to the first 100 registered walkers!
https://p2p.charityengine.net/pitp2025

Bun Update: Coco & Oreo have been adopted!!We have some bonded pairs of bunnies, guinea pigs, and cats at the shelter! ...
08/12/2025

Bun Update: Coco & Oreo have been adopted!!

We have some bonded pairs of bunnies, guinea pigs, and cats at the shelter! If you believe that 2 is better than 1 then perhaps one of these pairs is for you!

Today we say hello to the sweetest couple, Oreo and Coco!

Oreo and Coco are a bonded pair of Netherland dwarf rabbits who have the tightest of bonds. Oreo is the more confident of the duo, the one who is more likely to investigate the latest toy, treat, or happily explore the room during floor time.

On the other hand, Coco is the more reserved of the two. She is the gentle year, more tentative in trying new things, but she exudes empathy and compassion. She's such a good listener, and a very, very sweet soul.

This duo must go home together, but they would be the perfect fit for any family!!

Adopt Oreo & Coco and help us

There's a ghost at the shelter! But his hauntings are not very scary!Meet Ghost, the wiggliest, happiest, cuddle bug!Thi...
08/11/2025

There's a ghost at the shelter! But his hauntings are not very scary!

Meet Ghost, the wiggliest, happiest, cuddle bug!
This playful pup has won over the hearts of all our staff members and is ready to meet his new family. Ghost would do best in a home with teens + and as an only dog. He may not mind having dog friends that come to visit, but at the end of the day, he'd prefer to be the only king of the couch. Ready to add a new ghoul to your haunted mansion?

Adopt Ghost and help us

SUNDAY SMILES ☺"This gorgeous girl is feeling right at home! We’re very happy to have gotten Mabel off the streets, and ...
08/10/2025

SUNDAY SMILES ☺

"This gorgeous girl is feeling right at home! We’re very happy to have gotten Mabel off the streets, and even more grateful to the kind animal control officers who helped us, and the RISPCA. In the past month she’s shown us some ridiculous quirks and habits. Her favorite toy is the little felt mice which she throws around everywhere, all times of the day. She’s taking things slow with her new dog friend, learning that she is safe now! She spends lots of time in her tree. Little Mabel is just wonderful."

Address

Warwick, RI

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 6pm
Tuesday 11am - 6pm
Wednesday 11am - 6pm
Thursday 11am - 6pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

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Our Story

The Rhode Island SPCA is the third oldest humane society in the United States. In 1870, Henry Bergh, founder of the American SPCA in New York and George T. Angell, founder of the Massachusetts SPCA, were asked to address a committee in Rhode Island to aid in forming a humane society which ultimately became the present day RISPCA. The committee appeared before the State Legislature and directors of the RISPCA were elected. Governor Elisha Dyer invited the body to meet in his office. W. Lloyd Bowers was appointed the first general agent of the newly formed organization.

In 1872, a Ladies’ Auxiliary to the SPCA was formed and 100 women joined. Any lady who had one dollar to spare annually was eligible to become a member. The Society was criticized by many citizens who felt that there were too many poor people to care for first. The Society’s response? “The poor we have always with us. ‘Tis useless to wait until there are no poor.”

On March 12, 1873, the women of the Ladies’ Auxiliary started a new project by going to schools and talking with children about the care and training of pets. This was the beginning of the Rhode Island Humane Education Society, which is still in existence today. Its mission is carried on by the Humane Education Department at the RISPCA.

In 1920, a woman named Sarah E. Gardiner of Newport, whom the Society helped from time to time in removing stray cats, passed away. Her estate, valued at approximately $33,000, was bequeathed to the Society. This made it possible to erect our first headquarters, located at 372 Fountain Street in Providence, Rhode Island.