Do I need to spay or neuter my pet even though she/he doesnít go outside?

YES! Absolutely. This is a common question and most often asked by people who have male companion animals. First and foremost, pet overpopulation is out of control and too many animals are put to death because there are not enough homes. Even if you think that your pet will not get out, somehow, some way, they always seem to get out and come back pregnant or have impregnated another animal. Neutering males is just as important as spaying females.

Secondly, spaying/neutering your companion animal is considered preventative health care. Unaltered companion animals are more likely to develop cancers, diseases, frequent infections and behavior issues (spraying, aggressiveness, etc)

How do I go about placing a cat or dog that I can no longer keep?

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE! Placing pets takes time, sometimes a lot of time especially if the animal is sick, elderly or has behavior issues. If you wait, you may find yourself and your pet in a situation that is not satisfactory.

Make sure your pet has had all her/his shots and has been spayed or neutered.

Place an ad in the classified section of the newspaper, and always describe your pet in human terms (caring, loving, etc).

Never give your pet away to a stranger. Do place a price on the pet to discourage persons with foul play on their minds (dog fighters, research labs, animal abusers). Always ask a lot of questions, such as, where will the pet sleep; have you owned pets before; what happened to them and which veterinarian do you use.

Put posters up everywhere. Your veterinarian may allow you to post an ad in his or her office.

Contact Volunteer Services for Animals if you need more information. 

How do I cope with the death of my pet?

Some people find it comforting to adopt another animal right away, while others find they need the time to mourn their pet. Sometimes having a memorial service for your pet helps. Volunteer Services for Animals offers pet loss counseling. For more info contact Volunteer Services for Animals.

Isnít it good to let my cat or dog to have a litter before getting spayed?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Again, the pet overpopulation problem is staggering. Please do not contribute to it. Having a litter doesnít improve the petís health or personality.

What if you canít find homes for the kittens or puppies? What will you then do with those precious lives?

If you do find homes, you will be taking away homes from the many kittens and puppies and adult animals in foster care and animal shelters that are already homeless and waiting to be adopted.

In 2004, approximately 5,000 cats and dogs were euthanized in RI animal shelters because there were not enough homes.

Please donít contribute to the tragedy of pet overpopulation; spay or neuter your companion animal. Call VSA if you need help.

How can I help the feral cat colony near my home?

First and most important, call us so we can help you devise a plan. VSA supports the efforts of those who trap, test, fix and release the animals into a maintained colony. Feral and stray cats are a growing problem in Rhode Island and require a commitment of time and money. Never release an animal if no one will take responsibility for that animal (daily food, water and shelter). Every situation is different.  For advice on a specific problem, please contact Volunteer Services for Animals by phone before attempting anything on your own. If you would like to help feral cats, consider joining the VSA Cat Committee, too.

I have health insurance; why doesnít pet insurance exist?

It does! For a low monthly fee you can insure your pet for regular visits and vaccines or just extraordinary expenses. Volunteer Services for Animals has pamphlets in the office; contact us and weíll be happy to send you the information.

How much does it cost to own a dog?

Puppies ñ 1st year ñ can cost up to $1,050. (Veterinary care/lab tests $50-$125, immunizations $50 - $100, Internal/External Parasite Treatment & Control $100-$150, Spay/Neuter - $50-$150, Food $150-$250, Miscellaneous expenses-collars, leashes, toys, training $200-$225.

Dogs ñ annual ñ can cost from to $340 - $775 (Veterinary care/lab $50-$125, immunizations $40-$75, internal/external parasite preventatives $100-$150, Food $150-$300, Miscellaneous expenses- $100-$125

How long do dogs and cats live?

Plan on having your companion animal for about 15 years. If you let your cat out, you can cut that number in half. Some breeds of dogs are known to develop certain diseases, shortening their life expectancy. Smaller dogs live longer than big dogs.

Where can I find a cat or dog to adopt?

Almost every town has an animal shelter. Visit our web page ìLocal Animal Sheltersî for a complete list.

The classified section of the newspaper has listings of pets that people need to place.

Try www.Petfinder.com, a website that lists adoptable animals throughout RI and this country.

Contact breed rescue organizations if you are looking to adopt a purebred.

What do I do if I've found a stray dog or cat?

Keep the animal safe until help arrives. Call your local animal control officer (see our list on Local Animal Shelters on this website) as well as the animal control officers of the surrounding communities. Sometimes animals that are scared or stray can travel quite a distance before someone helps them. The owners may be looking for him and that is where they will look. Also, check the lost and found ads to see if there is an ad for a lost animal matching the description of the animal you have found. Dogs and cats are usually available for adoption 5 days after being turned in to the shelter.

What is the difference between a feral and a stray cat?

A feral cat is a cat born away from a human home and has is afraid of humans. A stray is a socialized animal that was once part of a human home, but has been abandoned. All cats should be spayed or neutered.

How often do I have to get my pet vaccinated for rabies?

Rabies vaccinations come in one or two year periods. Contact your veterinarian for more information on vaccination schedules.

It is the weekend. My dog got hit by a car, and my veterinarian isnít open. Who do I call?

There are several 24-hour emergency veterinarians located in Rhode Island. Look in the telephone book and start calling clinics before you set out. Sometimes, one clinic is overwhelmed with emergencies and will refer you to another nearby veterinarian. Spending a few moments making preliminary calls can save your pets life. Also, take another person along with you so one can drive and the other can watch the animal.

My dog is well trained and I never put a collar or leash on him when we go for walks. Someone told me that is really bad. Is it?

Yes. If your dog runs off or is chased, how will the people who find him know who to call? What if he travels a long distance and those people take him to the pound in their town?

Your dog could get hit by a car or picked up by unscrupulous people. If itís cold outside, he could freeze to death. Your dog could come in contact with a rabid animal. An up-to-date rabies tag, ID tag, collar and leash should always be on your dog when taking him out. Also, RI law requires cats to be inoculated against rabies and wear an ID tag.

ID tags save lives and it could be the life of your pet.