Our History 

The Potter League for Animals was founded in 1929 under the name, "Newport County League for Animals" in order to take charge of abandoned, sick, lame, overworked or cruelly treated animals. The three woman founders, Virginia Potter, Mary Van Beuren and Emma Norman were individuals of timeless vision.

The League's first shelter opened in 1931 on Harrington Street in Newport. In 1958, Virginia Potter died leaving a bequest upon the condition that the League be renamed in honor of her late husband, Robert Potter.

In 1978, a  facility was built in Middletown when the Newport shelter could no longer meet health department standards. In 1989 an addition doubled the size of the building. This allowed us to increasing capacity to 59 dog runs and 87 cat cages. We were also able to increase programs to more fully realize our commitment to promote humane attitudes through community education.