DoodyCalls of Providence, RI

Bristol & Providence Counties, RI
Dog Resource Guide

Local Laws and Ordinances that Affect Dog Owners

Rhode Island state laws require that all dogs six months or older must be licensed with their local town or county and must show proof of rabies vaccination.

State laws also require that all dogs must wear a collar at all times. Dogs without collars will be impounded immediately and will be subject to the decisions of the animal control center staff after a period of five days. 

Portsmouth, West Warwick, Middletown, and Woonsocket have instated a law that says that all dogs that have been deemed vicious must be kept in a controlled area at all times.

For more information pertaining to these laws, visit this site.

• Leash Laws - Burrillville requires that all dogs must be kept on a leash or under the owner’s reasonable control unless on the owner’s property or in a designated off-leash area.
• Limit  Laws - Woonsocket enforces strict rules regarding the limitation of the number of pets per owner. Owners in single family homes may have up to three dogs, while those in apartments may only have one.
• “Pooper Scooper” Laws - Owners in Woonsocket may also be fined up to $100.00 per offense for failing to clean up their dog’s waste on any property, public or private, not their own. Warren, and Cranston also enforce a strict “pooper scooper” code.

Dog Parks and Dog Park Support Organizations

• The Gano Street Dog Park in Providence was built to replace the now closed Brown Street Dog Park. Though it is not yet fully finished, the dog run is available for use.
• After the closing of the Brown Street Dog Park, many community members gathered to fight for a new dog park to open. They created the Providence Dog Park Association with this vision. More information regarding the schedule of activities, updates regarding the new parks, and member information can be found at this site.
• The Kimberly Perrott Memorial Dog Park in Barrington knows that “a tired dog is a good dog!” That’s why they offer an off-leash area for dogs and their owners to play and socialize. Visit their site for directions and park rules.

Humane Societies and Animal Shelters

• The Woonsocket Animal Shelter  rescues lost or abandoned animals and cares for them until loving parents can be found. The dogs and cats that are found may be adopted five days after they come in to the shelter.
• In addition to offering lost or stray dogs and cats for adoption, the Warren Animal Shelter  also offers various programs and events to help educate the public on animal care.
• The Providence Animal Rescue League has got it all. With information from adoption, to pet services, to educational programs and events, PARL is a non-profit shelter that is dedicated to ensuring that every dog or cat that comes in finds a loving permanent or foster home.

For a complete listing of Humane Organizations in Rhode Island visit this site.

Other Dog Organizations and Ideas That We Support

• The Rhode Island Animal Welfare Coalition is the ultimate resource for pet owners in Rhode Island. It contains a complete listing of pet stores and services as well as information on important pet topics like basic pet care, obedience training, and the euthanasia debate.
• Defenders of Animals is an organization that seeks to further the cause of humane treatment to animals through legislation. Visit their site for information on pet adoption opportunities, recent legislature, and to find out how you can help.
• The Flealess Market is dedicated to helping owners find lost pets. Visitors are welcome to post lost or found pets on this site.
• Pet Walk Rhode Island partners with the Providence Animal Rescue League to provide a day each year dedicated to bringing more community awareness of the League’s objectives. For almost twenty years this event has raised awareness and support for the organization through the walk and fair-like atmosphere.
• Placing Paws This agency helps find loving homes for lovely cats and dogs. For more information regarding adoption or rescue visit this site.