FAQs
Where is Animal Control located?
Animal Control is located at 200 Terminal Road the facility is near the port of Providence.
What are the hours of operation?
Animal Control Officers are on routine patrol from 7:00am - 11:00pm seven days a week. There is also an officer on stand-by duty after 11:00pm to respond to emergency calls. The office is open six days a week from 11:00am - 3:00pm. The office is closed on all City Holidays and on Sundays. You can call the office at 243-6040 from 7:00am - 3:00pm (M-Sa), for general information, license questions, to report lost and found animals or assistance with animal complaints. Our fax number is 467-9746.
What services do you provide?
We regulate uncontrolled domestic animals, investigate bites and attacks by aggressive animals, investigate reports of animal nuisance and cruelty, pick up stray and unlicensed animals, rescue injured animals, keep records of lost/found cats and dogs, license dogs, enforce city ordinances, state statues pertaining to animals, give animal information and referrals, and promote responsible pet ownership through education.
How do I file a complaint?
To have an Animal Control Officer respond to a complaint, call the office at 243-6040., or call Providence police 272-3121 a dispatcher will dispatch an animal control officer or police officer to investigate your complaint. If the officer sees a violation when he/she arrives, appropriate action will be taken.
How you can help us resolve difficult problems when an officer does not observe a violation?
If you provide good photographic evidence which shows a dog running at large for example, an Animal Control Officer may be able to issue a citation based on such evidence. If still pictures are taken, the photos should have the date, time, location, address of animal owner, and name of owner, if known on the back of the photo plus who took the photo. Videos need to have the date and time shown on the tape and attached paper explaining what is being shown, the location, address of animal owner, and name of owner if known. In case of a dog at large, the photographic evidence should clearly show the animal off the owner's property.
Who do I call if I am missing my animal?
Come to (200 Terminal Rd) or call the Animal Control office at 243-6040. We will try to determine if an animal fitting the description of your animal was picked up and impounded. Please be mindful that it is very difficult to identify mixed breed animals due to discrepancies and variations in descriptions. The best way to ensure the safe return of your lost animal is to have a city pet license on the animal. In most cases, animals wearing tags can be returned to the owner instead of being impounded. If no one is home, the officer will leave a note on the door advising that the animal was picked up. If the officer is unable to access the pet tag information immediately and cannot leave a note, the owner will be notified by telephone as soon as the information is obtained. If the animal is wearing tags, the owner will be notified within twenty-four (24) hours. Please remember, animals will sometimes lose their tags or have them removed by someone. Even if your animal leaves home wearing a collar and tags, there is always a chance the collar may not be on when the animal is picked up. Impounded animals are held for five days when picked up. You should also contact the RI SPCA at 438-8150, Providence Animal Rescue League at 421-1399 Even though they do not pick up animals, they will frequently take in a stray animal that has been found by a citizen and brought to their facility. Also contact local animal control in neighboring communities
What does it cost to reclaim my animal?
The impoundment fee to reclaim an animal is $10.00 for the first impoundment and $4.00 for each day the animal is held at animal control. Only money orders accepted for impoundment fees checks are accepted for license fees - SORRY, NO CREDIT CARDS.
What are the rules on animals running loose?
No dog is permitted to roam free off the owner's property. All dogs a required to be leashed at all times. A dog can be loose on the owner's property if within a fenced enclosure or tied. It is illegal to just open the door for the dog to go to the "bathroom" and wander about the neighborhood.
The "leash law" covers dogs only. This ordinance states that when a dog is being walked on any city sidewalk, city street or public right-of-way, it has to be on a leash or lead at all times. Dogs being walked on a leash must also be wearing a city pet license.
Cats are only allowed to roam if they are wearing a current collar Id and have been spayed or neutered.
When do animals need licenses and where can I get one?
All dogs over the age of 3 months need a rabies vaccination and only dogs and cats need city pet license at 6 months of age. The rabies vaccination is given by your veterinarian. City tags may be purchased at the Animal Control Office. To purchase a city tag, you must present proof of a valid rabies vaccination. The price for tags is $5.00 anyone bringing a dog into the city has 30 days to purchase a city pet license if they intend to keep the animal in the city for more than 30 days. Licenses are due April 1st.
How many animals can I own?
You are allowed to have up to 3 adult dogs (more than 6 months old) at one residence. There is a limit of 3 adult cats that can be kept at a residence.
Can I have a pot-bellied pig for a pet and what animals are illegal to own?
Animal Control has restrictions on the types of animals that can be kept in the city. A pot- bellied pig is swine which is prohibited in Providence. Before acquiring any animal other than a dog or cat, be sure to check with Animal Control to make sure you can legally keep the animal in your neighborhood.
Can I adopt a pet from Animal Control?
Yes, first all stray animals have to be held for five days before being available for adoption, at the end of the holding period applications will be accepted. Adoption will not be based upon being the first person to apply, applications will be reviewed by the supervisor and a determination as to the best matched for that animal.
I've been bitten by an animal - what should I do?
All animal bites are to be reported. This is a matter of public health and enforcement of these regulations is the responsibility of Animal Control. Any animal that bites someone must be placed in quarantine for a 10-day period and cannot be removed from the If you or any family member are bitten, call Providence Police at 272-3121 immediately. An Police Officer will respond to complete the paperwork. If medical treatment is required, the doctor or hospital providing the treatment should report the incident. Every attempt should be made to identify the animal so the owner can be contacted and the necessary paperwork completed. If a wild animal is involved and cannot be located, you will be advised by the Department of what treatment is necessary.
My animal bit someone - what do I do?
As outlined previously, the bite should be reported by calling Animal Control at 243-6040 or Providence Police at 272-3121 the animal must be placed in quarantine for a period of 10 days. This quarantine is required even if the animal has been vaccinated for rabies. You may be able to keep the animal at your home under certain circumstances and if the license and rabies vaccination are current. If you don't have a current license or a current rabies vaccination, Under certain circumstances you can either board the animal at a veterinarian's office or have it quarantined at Animal Control. Boarding fees at veterinarians vary and are the responsibility of the animal owner. The fee for boarding an animal is also the responsibility of the animal owner. After the bite report is completed, Animal Control will follow up on the observation and release the animal from quarantine at the end of the quarantine period.
What are the liabilities concerning property damage or personal injury and my pet?
Any property damage or personal injury caused by an animal is the responsibility of the owner of the animal causing the damage or injury per state statute. There is an ordinance relating to property damage or injury to another animal. However, there is no ordinance relating to personal injury or medical cost. Your options for recovery of personal injury expenses are home owners or health insurance coverage, small claim court, or a personal attorney.
What constitutes a "barking dog?"
The "Barking Dog" ordinance states that it is illegal for any dog to bark in a manner that disturbs the peace of the neighborhood. We are aware that dogs will bark when they see something or someone. However, they should not bark at every person walking by. We look for a cause of the dog's barking or whether the dog is barking for no reason. When Animal Control receives a complaint, a license and rabies vaccination check is done. The normal procedure is to a send an animal control officer to visit the dog owner, and make him/her aware of the complaint and to the complainant advising what the next steps are. If the barking continues the complainant must complete documentation forms on the barking. An Animal Control Officer Will then respond and try to get as close to the area as possible without letting the animal see or hear him/her. The officer will sit and listen to determine if a dog is barking in the area. Once the officer hears a dog barking, he/she will then try to determine if there is anything in the area causing the dog to bark. He/she will look for a letter carrier, children at the corner bus stop, etc. If there is something or someone causing the dog to bark, the officer will wait for the area to clear and see if the dog stops barking. The officer will also contact neighbors to determine to verify your complaint. The officer will approach the residence and contact the dog owner, making them aware of the situation and advising them of the steps they must take to prevent the barking in the future (based on the officer's observation of the possible causes or the dog's behavior), and depending what the results of the investigation are, issue a citation. The complainant must be willing to testify in court for a citation to be issued.
What constitutes "cruelty to an animal?"
Pet owners must provide proper food, water, and adequate shelter for animals at all times. The animal must be fed at least once every twenty-four (24) hours and have clean, fresh, drinkable water available at all times. Shelter must be a structure that is adequate to provide protection from the weather, keep the animal dry, and well maintained. The size of the shelter must be in proportion to the size of the animal. Inflicting inhumane pain or suffering or failing to provide veterinary care also constitutes cruelty. Violations should be reported by calling Animal Control at 243-6040.
Can I trap stray cats or wild animals that come in my yard?
Yes, as long as you use a humane trap that does not injure the animal. Officers will pickup any cat caught in the trap upon notification and you may reset your trap.
Due to the threat of injury to our personnel, there are some situations involving wild animals that cannot be handled by the City. Some services we cannot provide are climbing into attics, going under structures, climbing trees, and disassembling any structures to get or remove animals. There are a few private companies in the area that provide these services, and one or more of these companies should be contacted in these situations. Costs for these services are at the home or property owner's expense.
Does the city have a "poop scooper" ordinance?
Yes, the city does require the owner to clean up after his dog when walking or jogging with his pet. The owner must carry something to pickup and carry the dog waste which must be properly disposed of. There is also a sanitation ordinance which requires the owner to clean up the animal feces on his property and properly dispose of it.