Pets In Need (PIN), located in East Providence, Rhode Island is a small animal veterinary clinic established to provide affordable clinical services for the pets of low income Rhode Islanders. PIN requires individuals to provide proof of participation in a Rhode Island or Federal assistance program and expects that the pet’s family will pay for services at a greatly reduced rates.

PIN opened in June of 2016 and as of June 2018 has seen close to 6000 pets. PIN’s founding members are the Companion Animal Foundation (CAF), the philanthropic arm of the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association (RIVMA) and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA).

PIN is structured as a 501(c)3 and has in place governance and operating structures. The clinic is dependent on patient fees, philanthropy and grants to cover operating costs. Currently PIN is open four days a week, employs a full time veterinarian as Clinical Director, three veterinary technologists and administrative staff.

• In addition to clinical care PIN provides academic experiences for individuals interested in veterinary medicine. To this end PIN collaborates with New England Tech’s School of Veterinary Technology, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Ocean State Veterinary Specialists.