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The RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation (CAF) was established in 2004 by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association to address a need that the veterinary community recognizes as imperative: to provide funds to care for the sick and injured pets of low income pet owners. To date, the Companion Animal Foundation has helped more than 300 pets in need at 38 veterinary hospitals across Rhode Island. Our goal is to make compassionate veterinary care available to all pets.
Every day veterinarians in our state see pet owners who are elderly, disabled or living on a fixed or low income. These individuals simply do not have the financial ability to pay the costs associated with their pets’ medical needs. They love their pets as much as we do, and can be faced with extremely difficult, even unbearable, decisions regarding the future of their pets. Whatever the situation, one fact remains the same: When an ailing pet is unable to receive veterinary care, that pet suffers.
The veterinary community in our state has been strongly supportive of our goals, both through volunteer efforts and financial help. We are now asking private individuals to open their hearts and support the cause.
Through grants-in-aid, your donation will directly impact these pets when they are most in need. Funds are reserved and then used by area veterinary practitioners who distribute money to aid in the care of these needy pets when it is most urgent. Please visit Grant Stories to learn about a few of the pets that have been helped by the foundation.
RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation
Board Members
President
Henry Wietsma, DVM, MS, Dip. ABVP-avian
Associate Veterinarian, Westerly Animal Hospital
Head Veterinarian, Foster Parrots
Westerly, RI
Vice President
Courtney Rebensdorf, DVM
Owner, Oaklawn Animal Hospital
Cranston, RI
Secretary
David Sweet, VMD, DACVS
Surgeon, Ocean State Veterinary Specialists
East Greenwich, RI
Treasurer
Gary Block, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Co-owner, Ocean State Veterinary Specialists
East Greenwich, RI
Gary P. Cournoyer
Administrator, Newport County Community Mental Health Center
Newport, RI
Jeanne D'Agostino
Development Director, Highlander Charter School
Providence, RI
Randy Kass, CPA
Owner, Kass & Associates
Providence, RI
Wayne M. Kezirian
Partner, Gaebe & Kezirian
Providence, RI
Maureen Maloney
Principal/Creative Director, Ovoo Creative, Inc.
Providence, RI
Elizabeth M. Myers
Partner, Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP
Providence, RI
Blythe Penna
Owner, Ruffin Wranglers Dog Excursions, LLC
Providence, RI
