Riverside, Rhode Island’s Low-Income Veterinary Clinic to Close Amid Rising Costs and Economic Challenges

Pets in Need Veterinary Clinic, a vital resource for low-income pet owners, will close its doors at the end of April, the Potter League for Animals announced. The clinic, located in Riverside, has long been a lifeline for families in need of affordable veterinary care.

Since its inception, the clinic has provided essential services such as wellness exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, and treatment for minor illnesses—all at reduced costs for those who qualify as low income. The clinic's mission was to ensure that pet owners, regardless of their financial situation, could access basic veterinary care to keep their beloved animals healthy.

However, the rising cost of veterinary services, along with staffing shortages and broader economic struggles, have led to the difficult decision to shut down the facility. The Potter League, which took over the clinic in 2020 after the original nonprofit could no longer sustain its operations, has cited these mounting challenges as the driving factors behind the closure.

For many pet owners in the community, the clinic was an essential service. As the end of April draws near, those who have relied on the clinic for affordable care are facing the loss of an invaluable resource.