About Us

Hospital News

An important class for expectant parents: Baby-Ready Pets

In collaboration with the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island (ARLSRI), South County Hospital is pleased to sponsor an important class to help expectant parents who are pet owners, prepare their homes -- and their pets -- for the new arrival, so that all can be safe and happy. South County Hospital is the only hospital in the state of Rhode Island offering this program.

The free 2-hour workshop, called Baby-Ready Pets^TM, is offered one evening a month, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in a first floor conference room of the Frost Family Pavilion at the Hospital. A complete list of dates is provided at the bottom of this page.

The program is led by Tammy Walter, staff member at ARLSRI and Humane Education Coordinator, and Megen Gifford, who is the Animal Care and Behavior Specialist for the Animal Rescue League.

"It's best to take the class early, three or four months into the pregnancy," noted Ruth Gobeille, former Executive Director of the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island. "We are so excited to be doing this with the Hospital. It's impressive that the Hospital realizes the value of this education for their parents-to-be. It's important to us because the number of animals that are surrendered to us because of the discomfort of parents once the new baby comes home, and misinformation, is significant. We'd like to prevent that from happening. Our job is to educate the parents as to what to expect and to give them the tools to address issues before the baby comes. To watch the faces of the folks in the class and see the revelation, it's so rewarding."

NOTE: Pets do NOT attend the class with owners.

The class is free, but pre-registration is encouraged since class size is limited. For information or to register, please call the Animal Rescue League of Southern RI at 401 792-2233.

Upcoming 2010 PROGRAM DATES (all classes are from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: