Founded in 1929, under the name “Newport County League for Animals” our mission was to take care of abandoned, sick, lame, overworked or cruelly-treated animals. Since its inception we have undergone changes in name, location and scope of services.
As an open admission shelter, the Potter League is able to help as many pets as possible. We accept approximately 2,000 animals annually, including both owner-surrendered as well as strays from the neighboring communities. We consistently maintain a Live Release Rate of 90% or higher through placement to new families, returned to owner or released to another organization or rescue group.
Through a variety of services including dog obedience programs, Potter Pet University, and a behavior help line for all animal’s guardians, the Potter League has become a trusted animal welfare resource for the communities that it serves and beyond. We have heavily invested in providing funds for medical care for sick, injured or elderly animals. Foster programs expand temporary care for those requiring special attention or behavior rehabilitation. Animals are spayed or neutered prior to adoption and financial assistance is given to help others sterilize their pets.
In support of our mission to foster relationships between people and animals, the Potter League for Animals offers programs that promote humane values and compassion for animals to schools and local organizations throughout Newport County and neighboring Bristol. More than 600 educational classes are taught each year, in addition to after-school programs, badge programs for scouts and the Pet University for adults. Further, Camp Happy Tails provides a summer outlet for the area children. Additionally, we save hundreds of dogs and puppies from overpopulated shelters in the south and match them with forever families through our Fetching Friends Transport Program. We conduct “Pet Loss Support” groups every month to help bereaved pet owners and those deciding upon euthanasia for their animal and we provide “Pet Safe Haven”, offering temporary housing for animals whose owners require hospitalization or are victims of domestic violence and have no one to care for their pets.
The Potter League strives to work collaboratively and in partnership with local community-based organizations as well as with animal welfare and rescue groups nationwide. We are a founding member of the Ocean State Animal Coalition and its high-volume subsidized spay/neuter clinic. The Potter League serves as an animal emergency location for disasters and has been instrumental in helping animals following catastrophic events. As an advocate for all animals, the Potter League monitors statewide legislative issues and works to ensure that those passed into law are beneficial and sound.
We are proud to be the Animal Resource Center of Newport County and to offer our unique support and programs to the voiceless, helpless animals who rely on the care and compassion of humans.