East Prov veterinary group wins grant to help pet owners with financial need

East Providence, RI – The Rhode Island Foundation has awarded a $58,000 grant to the R.I. Community Pet Project in East Providence. The funding will be used to provide veterinary care exclusively for the pets of people who receive governmental financial assistance.

"Many of the pets that are brought in will ultimately need treatments that require a more intense surgical or dental procedure of some type. Most of the funding will cover the cost of consumable surgical supplies necessary to successfully treat these conditions," said Dr. Hank Wietsma, the Project's president.

The organization offers a full array of services to ensure and maintain the health of Rhode Island pets, including wellness checks, vaccines, sick appointments, dental cleanings, radiology and ultrasounds.

"While some of these medical procedures will actually save the patients’ lives and some will alleviate pain, such as treatments for dental abscesses, our primary goal is to provide as many affordable surgical and dental procedures possible for our patients and their families," said Dr. Wietsma.

The grant comes through the Rhode Island Foundation’s Program for Animal Welfare (PAW), which funds organizations that promote and provide humane treatment of animals or work more generally on the welfare of animals. Grants are for projects or programs that have a positive impact locally or statewide on animal care, education about the humane treatment of animals and animal welfare in general.

“The delight that pets bring to our lives carries over into our own health and well-being. Keeping pets healthy and preparing animals for adoption are just more ways the Foundation helps Rhode Islanders lead healthier lives,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

Donors have established a number of special funds at the Foundation that relate to the humane treatment of animals. Collectively, these funds enable the Foundation to support the work of animal welfare groups through its PAW program.

“We could not offer this help without the generous support of the donors who establish funds with us for this purpose. Their generosity – together with the dedication of our community partners– is improving care for animals and the lives of their families," said Cicilline.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is improving the lives of all Rhode Islanders. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org.