The Bristol Animal Shelter impounds stray dogs and sick or injured cats only. Persons wishing to surrender an animal must contact a private humane agency. Click HERE for a list.
All complaints must be filed either through the Bristol Police Department or the Bristol Animal Shelter. Animal control does not respond to wildlife complaints – any and all wildlife complaints must be handled by the Department of Environmental Management, which can be reached at 401-222-2284. If you have a concern about injured wildlife, please contact the Wildlife Hotline at 401-294-6363 or visit Wildlife Rehabilitators of RI Association’s website.
Adoption Policies
In order to adopt an animal from the shelter, you must be at least 18 years of age ,and have a valid form of identification. Adopter must show proof of home ownership, or a rental lease which allows pets. The adoption fees are $250 for cats and $350 for dogs, payable by check or money order only. All animals available for adoption can be viewed on Petfinder.
Volunteering at the Shelter
When you volunteer for the Friends of the Bristol Animal Shelter, you are joining a dedicated family of volunteers and staff committed to providing love and support for the homeless pets in our care until they find their forever homes. For the safety of all persons and our animals, we kindly ask that all volunteers be able to work independently and without supervision once they are trained. All volunteers should be able to bend and lift 20 lbs. All volunteers must attend a tour of the shelter as well as a training orientation.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many ways to get involved with the Friends, and help in any area is greatly appreciated. Below you will find your passion. It could be one or as many as you want.
Animal Assistant Attendees: You are the first person that our shelter animals see in the morning. You are there to make them comfortable in any way possible, by giving them their favorite food, cleaning their cages, picking out that comfy blanket and even their favorite toy and or treats. Please make sure you have reviewed and understand your responsibilities as listed in this Volunteer manual. Duties are listed on page 26.
Dog Companion: Duties may include dog walking, socializing, exercising, and playing. Companions will provide routine obedience training, grooming, and continued routine care. Dog walkers must be 18 years or older. If younger you must be accompanied by an adult.
Cat Companion: Duties may include socializing, playing grooming, and continued routine care.
Small animals: Duties may include feeding, cleaning and socialization.
Rescue Transport Volunteers: Duties may include set up preparations, meeting the Transport, bathing and grooming of new arrivals, process/log dogs into shelter, clerical, adoptions contracts, research background checks, register microchip with Home Again.
Contributory Volunteers: Participate/Organize Humane Education programs, Community outreach, Shelter tour guides, fundraising, shelter maintenance. Answer phones and be a greeter at the front desk. Any Friends’ volunteer chaperoning an event involving school-aged children must pass a background check prior to their participation in any event.
Unexpected/Urgent Needs: If you or your group has the flexibility to respond on short notice during the unfortunate occurrence of natural disasters or other emergency situations, we would appreciate being able to call on your assistance. Such assistance may involve getting to the Shelter in adverse weather conditions, or other functions as directed by the Volunteer Program Coordinator.
Types of Volunteers
Community Service: The Bristol Animal Shelter accepts court ordered community service. Please call 401-253-4834 and speak to the Animal Control Supervisor. Please bring your driver’s license or state ID, and the required court documents. Minimum age for community service is eighteen. Community Service participants will be functioning as an Animal Assistant Attendee.
Family Volunteers: What a special experience and commitment to volunteer as a family. We know how your time together is important and we are truly honored that you want to spend it with our shelter animals. We can inspire and fulfill the passion in our youth who have the desire to be with our companion animals and make a difference in their lives.
Group Volunteers: Your organization or company can volunteer as a group. Group size should be no bigger than (10 – 12). We will require the group to perform the duties of Animal Assistant Attendees.
To volunteer at the Bristol Animal Shelter, please contact the volunteer coordinator via email – friends@friendsofthebristolanimalshelter.org.