The shelter and animal control is a branch of the Bristol Police Department run by Animal Control Officers Dyanne Gibree and Jen Federico.
The Bristol shelter is for stray, sick or injured cats, kittens, dogs and puppies only, and is not used for animal drop-off. It is also one of the only no-kill shelters in the area. According to state law, if an animal is picked up by an Animal Control Officer, owners have two days (for cats) or five days (for dogs) to claim their pet and pay the fine before it becomes property of the town and may be available for adoption.
The shelter can hold up to 16 dogs and 40 cats. The fee for adoption is $85 for cats or kittens and $100 for dogs and puppies. Dogs and cats are treated monthly for internal and external parasites and are tested for leukemia, heart worm and Lyme disease. Ninety percent of adopted animals are spayed or neutered; animals adopted from the Bristol shelter that have not been spayed or neutered can receive a $50 rebate if it is done through the RI Community Spay Neuter Program. More information on adoption can be found on the shelter website.
Friends of the Bristol Animal Shelter, a nonprofit organization to benefit the shelter, hosts many fundraisers and food drives annually, including a macaroni dinner in November and a Mardi Gras Ball in February. The shelter is continuously looking for volunteers and canned and dry cat, kitten and dog food. Towel and blanket donations are also greatly appreciated.