About Us
The Rhode Island Community Pet Project (RICPP) offers quality veterinary care exclusively for the small animal pets of low-income Rhode Island residents. Eligibility for services requires documented enrollment in a federal or state public assistance program. The RICPP was founded as the non-profit Pets in Need Clinic in 2016 by Dr. Henry Wietsma. In 2020 the Potter League of Rhode Island (a non-profit animal welfare organization) took over the program. The Potter League determined in 2025 they could no longer sustain the clinic. Dr. Wietsma responded by forming the current RICPP to again provide a full array of services to eligible low-income pet owners including wellness checks, vaccines, sick appointments, spay/neuter, other surgery, dental cleanings, radiology and ultrasound. RICPP is one of the only clinics in the Northeast dedicated solely to accessible, affordable veterinary care for low-income members of the Rhode Island community.