Since Ten Lives Cat Rescue was founded in May 2018, Volunteer Services for Animals (VSA) in Rhode Island has been one of our rescue’s top supporters. Founded in 1979, VSA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of animal shelters. From the very beginning, VSA has helped improve conditions and the standard of care at shelters throughout Rhode Island.
Thanks to VSA’s efforts, most shelters now provide veterinary care for sick animals and provide vaccinations against rabies and distemper. One of VSA’s most effective programs to date is the promotion of spaying and neutering of pets. Over the last 40+ years, VSA has expanded its mission to advocate at international, state, and local levels for the humane treatment of all animals.
From the beginning, VSA has helped us in many ways. They have donated towards every spay and neuter we have had completed—they donate $25 towards all neuters, and $35 towards all spays. In addition, VSA has donated to the care of many of our cats who have been sick or who have needed specialist veterinary appointments. The Warwick branch of the VSA has also given us cat food and litter to alleviate some of the financial burden in caring for our foster cats. Ten Lives currently has 68 cats and kittens in foster homes, and VSA is committed to helping us give them the best possible care they can receive.
Ten Lives receives an average of one request each day to help an unwanted cat, and as the weather gets colder, that number is growing. Our volunteer-run rescue includes administrators, coordinators, and foster families who work tirelessly to rescue these helpless animals. Rescue is often a daunting task, but thanks to our supporters and donors, we are not alone. Since our inception, Ten Lives has helped 748 cats, and VSA has provided financial assistance to most of these cats. Ten Lives Cat Rescue truly appreciates everything they have done for us, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without their support.
Volunteer Services for Animals is an incredible resource for any animal. If you have a question about an animal or group of animals, or if you would like to learn more about the VSA’s efforts to improve the quality of life for animals, please contact them here, or visit their website.