Ask the Vet

Visit our Ask the Vet page to ask a general, non-emergency question to our staff veterinarian, Dr. Burke. She cannot recommend specific hospitals, nor guess or discuss what they may charge. Not all questions are answered.

Low-Cost Veterinary Services

• RISPCA’s Marvin Fund – Offers assistance to eligible elderly, disabled and low-income pet owners.
• Pets in Need Veterinary Clinic – Full service clinic for pets owned by eligible elderly, disabled and low-income pet owners.
• RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation
• Hands that Heal RI

Spay/Neuter Services

The Rhode Island SPCA does not offer Spay/Neuter services. Some resources we recommend include:

• Rhode Island Veterinary Association’s SNAP program
• Rhode Island Community Spay/Neuter Clinic

Emergency Veterinary Services

• Mass-RI Veterinary ER (508) 730-1112 http://www.massriveter.com/ in Swansea, Ma.
• Bay State Veterinary Services (508) 379-1233 http://www.bsves.net/ in Swansea, Ma.
• Ocean State Veterinary Services (401) 886-6787 http://www.osvs.net/ in East Greenwich, RI

Boarding

The Rhode Island SPCA offers boarding services on a limited basis. More information.

Local Resources

• Contact Voltage Information Center
• Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association
• U.R.I.’s Tick Encounter Resource Center

Veterinary Topics

• Animal Poison Control Center ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is dedicated to helping animals exposed to potentially hazardous substances by providing 24-hour veterinary diagnostic and treatment recommendations. This is the premier animal oriented poison control center in North America; their phone number is (888) 426-4435.
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Up-to-date information on behavior, nutrition, and common health problems, plus recommended reading.
• American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) The ACVIM is the international certifying organization for veterinary specialists in internal medicine, cardiology, neurology and oncology. Search online for an internal medicine specialist.
• American Pet Association (APA) Dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership through action, services, and education.

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

• Here’s an excellent resource from the Humane Society of the US, with details on Disaster Preparedness – Pets.
• Pet Disaster Preparedness – ASPCA http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness
• Some other resources for emergency preparedness for your pets and family include:
• National Safety Council | Emergency Preparedness Plan & Checklist http://www.nsc.org/safety_home/EmergencyPreparedness/Pages/EmergencyPreparedness.aspx
• Guides to Disaster Recovery http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/disaster-recovery/
• Prepare, Plan & Stay Informed for Emergencies http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

Military

If you’re in the military and headed on deployment, there is a wonderful organization that works with you to find temporary foster care for your pet(s) so that you don’t have to give them up. Dogs on Deployment