East Providence Completes $476,746 Renovation of Municipal Animal Shelter

East Providence has completed a $476,746 renovation of its municipal animal shelter at 62 Commercial Way, with improvements intended to make daily animal care, sanitation and staff operations more practical.

The city announced the completed project in a July 25, 2026, press release and a July 27 city posting. A ribbon-cutting was held for the renovated East Providence Animal Control Center. The city said the work was paid for through a combination of general funds, capital funds and allocated American Rescue Plan Act funding, rather than through ARPA money alone.

New climate control, drainage and outdoor areas

The renovation included a new HVAC system and replacement air-circulation fans. The city says those changes improve the facility’s indoor climate-control equipment.

Work also included new interior drains for all kennels, replacement plumbing in kennel areas and a drainage system for the rear half of the building. The entire shelter interior received rubberized flooring, while exterior kennels received epoxy floors. The city said the flooring and plumbing changes will make cleaning and sanitation easier.

Outside, the project added exterior kennels, a perimeter fence and fencing around kennel and play areas. Two astroturf dog play pens were installed, with trees providing natural shade. The city also reported new trees and greenery around the parking-lot perimeter and dog-play areas.

Changes to daily shelter work

The project addressed several routine staff needs inside the building. New cabinetry provides more room for food, treats and medication, while replacement countertops use a durable surface designed for easier sanitizing.

A new dishwasher allows staff to clean food and water bowls without relying on harsher cleaners, according to the city. A new washer and dryer eliminate the need for an outside laundry service and are intended to keep clean laundry available on site.

The renovation also added a larger storage shed, a concrete storage room, new freezers and shelving for supplies. Doors were replaced throughout the facility, and the restroom was fully replaced with an ADA-compliant design.

Municipal shelter serving East Providence

The Animal Control Division describes the facility’s mission as providing temporary shelter and permanent homes for stray and abandoned domestic animals in the city while enforcing animal-safety and welfare laws.

The city says the shelter can hold up to 18 cats and up to 22 dogs. Its quarantine areas are used for dogs and cats and are intended to help protect residents and animals from the spread of zoonotic diseases, including rabies.

Animal Control Supervisor John Cinquegrana said the renovations created a safer, cleaner and more functional environment for staff and animals. Those are city and supervisor assessments; the verified announcements did not provide adoption, intake, disease, live-release, welfare or staffing data showing measurable outcomes from the project.

Address and listed hours

The East Providence Animal Control Center remains at 62 Commercial Way, East Providence, RI 02914. The July 25 city announcement and July 27 city posting say the center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. However, the city’s current Animal Control Division page lists operating hours as Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents should confirm Sunday availability with the city before visiting.

Sources

• East Providence shelter renovation press release
• East Providence Completes $476K Animal Shelter Upgrade