Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Animal Health

Reportable Animal Disease Updates and Notices

Photo by Michael Morse: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-adult-chocolate-labrador-retriever-1582825/

Canine Respiratory Disease

Photo by Alexas Fotos: https://www.pexels.com/photo/flock-of-hens-on-green-field-2255459/

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Animal Health Complaints

The Department of Environmental Management's Animal Health Unit fields questions, concerns and complaints regarding the health and welfare of domestic animals, inclusive of exotics. We take complaints very seriously; before making a complaint, you should be aware that the associated records are public information, including the name of the complainant.

Pet Store Complaints

Who hasn't been charmed by a pet store puppy? Many puppies are purchased from pet stores in Rhode Island, and most transactions are entirely satisfactory. However, there are times when you may have a question, a concern, or a complaint.

The Department of Environmental Management's Animal Health Unit licenses pet stores in Rhode Island. In general, questions and concerns about the condition of animals at pet stores or the condition of the stores themselves would most appropriately be directed to DEM. If you have such concerns, please get in touch with the Animal Health Unit at (401) 222-2781.

However, questions about sales contracts and business practices should be directed to the consumer protection unit at the state Attorney General's office at (401) 274-4400.

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