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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
Cathy Lund, DVM, is the owner of City Kitty Veterinary
Care for Cats in Providence.
Vice President
Henry Wietsma, DVM, MS, DABVP, is the owner of Wickford Veterinary Clinic.
Secretary
Courtney Rebensdorf, DVM, is the owner of Oaklawn Animal Hospital in Cranston.
Treasurer
Gary Block, DVM, MS, DACVIM, is co-owner with his wife, who is also a veterinarian, of Ocean State Veterinary Specialists, a veterinary referral center in East Greenwich.
Amintha Cinotti is a deputy planning director for the City of Providence.
Roy Dubs is a Rhode Island native and a founder of Ocean State Job Lot.
Randy Kass is a certified public accountant and owner of Kass & Associates in Providence.
Wayne M. Kezirian is a partner in the law firm Gaebe & Kezirian in Providence. He is vice president of the board of directors for the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Elizabeth M. Myers is a partner in the law firm Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP.
David Sweet, VMD, DACVS, is a surgeon at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists.
