DoodyCalls of Providence, RI

Newport, Kent & Washington 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 - Jamestown, Newport, Richmond, and Tiverton require 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.
• “Pooper Scooper” Laws - Owners in Westerly must clean up their dog’s waste on any property, public or private, not their own.

Dog Parks and Dog Park Support Organizations

• The Newport Dog Park opened recently in Newport, RI. It offers half an acre of off-leash fun for pets and owners alike.

Humane Societies and Animal Shelters

• The Charlestown Animal Shelter is a branch of the local animal control. This site offers great tips for anyone looking to become a new pet parent.
• Potter League for Animals is an adoption agency for pets. There are short biographies on each of the animals that are adoptable along with statistics about their height, weight, and breed on this site. There is also a picture along with each animal that is put up for adoption by this company.
• Pet Refuge - Located in North Kingstown, this Animal Shelter is operated by the North-Kingstown Exeter Animal Protection League, Inc.

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.
• Placing Paws - This agency helps find loving homes for lovely cats and dogs. For more information regarding adoption or rescue visit this site.