Helping animals, one at a time...
Since 2001, Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter (FOWAS) has helped the Warwick Animal Shelter provide a humane place for thousands of homeless cats and dogs. FOWAS is an all-volunteer organization: we have no staff or a building. Volunteers work hard so our funds directly benefit shelter animals.FOWAS is a registered 501c3 non-profit organziation and donations are tax-deductible, as allowable by law.
Spaying and Neutering...
FOWAS supports spaying and neutering to help end cat and dog overpopulation through programs of education and assistance. RI State Law requires every shelter dog and cat be spayed or neutered before adoption.
Spay and neuter your pets too! Warwick was one of the first RI communities to require mandatory spaying and neutering of owned cats. Now Rhode Island State Law mandates all owned cats be spayed or neutered. To fill that need, twice a month, the Warwick Animal Shelter hosts a low-cost spay/neuter clinic for cats.
To schedule an appointment for your cat, call 401-468-4377.
The animals need your help...
Our work is supported by private donations and fundraising events. We are all volunteers.
Donor support funds veterinary care including surgeries, dentals, special tests (MRI, Cat scans, etc), prescription medicines and foods. FOWAS has purchased equipment, supplies, enriching toys & treats for the animals. Fundraising proceeds have installed central air conditioning in the dogs’ kennels and quarantine room, a surveillance camera system, epoxy flooring in the cat room, an outdoor playpen for the dogs, a water filtration system, additional larger stainless cat cages and more.
What can you do?
Use your time, compassion and skills to change an animal's life. There are many ways to help! Volunteer - volunteers work in and out of the Shelter (volunteers must be 18 years old). Adopt! Follow FOWAS and share adoptable animals on your social media. Help fundraise, or organize a fundraiser. Make a tax-deductible donation. Attend meetings*. Sign up for our newsletter (be sure to include your full name in the email). By volunteering, you can make a difference in an animal’s life!
*Monthly meetings are on hold at the Pilgrim Enrichment Center (3rd Thursday of the month), and will resume when Pillgrim resumes a night schedule.
Our vision for Warwick Animal Shelter...
FOWAS is committed to a humane, healthy and happy environment for the animals in the Warwick Animal Shelter and our community. Throughout the year, volunteers and shelter staff meet to discuss the shelter’s needs. Each year, the Warwick Animal Shelter cares for hundreds of dogs and cats until loving homes are found. View adotpable animals on our social media or on the shelter's Petfinder:
Our vision is "No More Homeless Animals"! Please support our efforts - thank you!