PORTSMOUTH DOG PARK Separate areas for small and large dogs . Water available . 50 Smith Rd ., Portsmouth , 741-1417 , portsmouthdogparkri . com
RAYMOND F . JONES MEMORIAL DOG PARK Open daily sunrise to sunset . Dogs must be spayed / neutered and up to date on their rabies vaccine to enter . Community funded . 34 Roosevelt Ave ., Tiverton , tivertondogpark . com
SMITHFIELD DOG PARK Open sunrise to sunset year-round . Memberships ($ 25 per year ) required . Separate areas for small and large dogs . Waste bags available . Dogs must be properly licensed and vaccinated to enter . 353 Farnum Pike , Smithfield , facebook . com / smithfieldridogpark
SOUTH KINGSTOWN DOG PARK Separate areas available for small and large dogs . 60 St . Dominic Rd ., Wakefield , facebook . com / groups / skdogpark — K . M .
FOR THE MOST FETCHING
We ’ re Here for the Dogs , a nonprofit dedicated to fundraising for local shelters and foster-based rescues , regularly teams up with local pet photographer , Meaghan Susi , to host different holiday-themed photoshoots where your pup will get the star treatment they deserve . For more information and to register for their next shoot , visit werehereforthedogs . org .
Adopt Don ’ t Shop
We chatted with Karen Kalunian , the local animal advocate behind radio show “ Animal Talk ” to learn more about the local adoption scene .
Karen Kalunian with Joey , who is currently adoptable at Hotel for Homeless Animals .
Why is it so important for people to adopt rather than shop for a pet ? Adopting is the perfect option for anyone who is looking to add a companion animal to their home . There are so many animals waiting in shelters , most through no fault of their own , hoping to be adopted into loving homes . Most people don ’ t realize that you can find just about any ( if not all ) breeds of dog or cat in a shelter . Many shelters also have small animals ( like rabbits , hamsters and birds ) available for adoption .
What should adopters keep in mind while searching for the right match to bring home ? First and foremost , are you ready to make the commitment to give the time , love and patience to your new furry friend ? Is your lifestyle conducive to a new pet ? Are you home enough to give them the care , exercise , attention and training that they need ? Can you afford if any unforeseen circumstances arise — medical , training , doggie day care , etc .? If you have young children or other pets in the home , keep them in mind and consider how you will integrate the new addition .
What are some ways new adopters can best prepare themselves and their home ? Supply your pet with a comfortable , safe space , like a crate or bed , that can serve as a home base while they acclimate . Also , set their bowls in a permanent spot so they know where their food and water are at all times . If you buy new toys , always supervise them so they don ’ t ingest anything . Good food and treats are essential to good health , so whatever brand you choose , be sure to read the ingredients and watch for any adverse reactions . A good collar that fits properly , a harness ( if you choose ) and a leash are also imperative . Finally , you may also want to do a walk-through of your home to look for things on the floor that a new pup might chew — better to be safe than sorry !
What can new adopters usually expect during the adoption process ? Expect to fill out an application with basic information about yourself , family , living situation , other pets , etc . Some shelters / rescues may require a home visit , some may not . If you have another pet , be prepared to supply current vet records and for a potential meet-and-greet . There is always a fee involved ( with prices varying from shelter to shelter ), so be sure to view adoption policies and procedures on their website . Some shelters will not allow you to walk through the facility , as it can be disruptive to the animals . You may also have to make an appointment before entering .
How can people help local shelters if they aren ’ t in the position to adopt right now ? Perhaps you can offer to foster . It really does help save lives ! Donating is key to the success of many rescues , too . It doesn ’ t always have to be monetary : You can send food , toys , blankets , newspapers , cleaning supplies or any other items they may need . Reach out to your local shelter and ask how you can help ; volunteers are the backbone of animal shelters . Share as many adoptable animals as you can on social media . All it takes is one person to see them , and it might lead to a forever home . — K . M .
If you have more questions about pet adoption in Rhode Island , you can find Kalunian on Instagram @ animal talk19 , or email her at animaltalk1920 @ gmail . com .
PHOTOGRAPHY ( ABOVE TOP ): MEAGHAN SUSI ; ( BOTTOM ) COURTESY OF KAREN KALUNIAN / LAUREL LEAF PHOTOGRAPHY .
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l MARCH 2023 65