It isn’t uncommon for the dogs at the Cranston Animal Shelter to cruise with staff to Dunkin or Honey Dew for a Puppachino. The staff, who treat the animals at its Phenix Avenue facility like their own pets, spend their days helping residents with animal calls and assisting pets in finding forever homes. With a recent uptick in surrenders to animal shelters nationally, Cranston’s animal shelter continues to promote its animals for adoption via Facebook and Petfinder.

The shelter has fewer than 10 dogs currently available for adoption. Shelby Boudreaux, Shelter Manager/ACO Supervisor, said most of the dogs are either transfers from another shelter or strays found within the city. Boudreaux said dogs are transferred every so often to give them a change of scenery and more exposure.

There are currently four pit bull terriers and one American Staffordshire terrier/pit bull terrier mix looking for a home this holiday season; two huskies will also soon be looking for a home. Since Covid has slowed, shelters are finding more people are surrendering dogs since they are spending less time at home; in other cases, people are losing housing and the places they end up may not take certain animals, dog breeds or sized dogs. Boudreaux said smaller dogs are adopted more quickly since they are allowed in places like apartments or condos.

When the Cranston Animal Shelter finds a stray dog, the staff checks for collar, tags or chips that would help reunite the animal with its owner. Nine out of 10 times, the dog is returned to its owner, however, if a dog is not claimed, it goes up for adoption.

The shelter likes staying under 15 dogs at the site so every dog has attention. During the day, the animals spend time running around and playing with toys in the playpen or sitting in the office with the staff. Volunteers from Shelter to Sofa RI work to train the dogs at the Cranston Animal Shelter.

Meet the pooches

Corduroy, is a one to two years old pit bull that loves everyone he meets. He is a loyal, quiet and curious house-trained dog and is up to date on vaccinations. Corduroy came to the shelter about four months ago as a stray and would do well in a household with no other pets – cats are a no. While he may be a bit timid at first, Corduroy warms up after a few treats. He loves the sprinkler in the summertime and a warm bed in the winter. Corduroy would do best in a home with children over age 10.

Gideon is a playful and affectionate pit bull terrier that is house-trained and up to date on vaccinations. As a two to three year old dog, he loves giving kisses and running around. He has no problem with other people and is okay with other dogs. Gideon would do well in a home with older children since he can be rambunctious and easily excitable. He has been with the shelter for six weeks and loves getting pets and attention. 

Padme is an American Staffordshire terrier and pit bull terrier mix who is around five years old. She is a gentle dog that loves car rides and is loyal, playful, smart, protective and independent. She is housebroken, up to date on vaccinations and would do well with no other animals – especially cats. She likes saying hi to people at first and then goes and does her own thing. She loves her squeaky toys and peanut butter treats.

Phantom, who’s around one year old, is a very hyper and playful pit bull terrier that is curious and loves kisses. He is up to date on vaccinations and needs training. Since his arrival at the shelter, Phantom has been a bit more reserved while inside his kennel, however, outside, he loves attention. He is a sweet and gentle natured dog who would prefer to remain the only animal in the household.

Timmy is roughly two years old and is a loyal, quiet, friendly and smart pit bull terrier. He is house trained  and is up to date on vaccinations. Timmy also loves to play, walk and jump – adventure is his middle name. He is known to guard his food and he is looking for a home with experience. He would not do good with other dogs, cats, children or other animals.

Katie and Russo (two huskies) will be ready for homes shortly. Katie is three to four year old and loves snuggling and needs training. She would do well with an owner who knows the breed. Russo, who’s around two years old, is an escape artist. His future owner should be familiar with the husky breed.

The Cranston Animal Shelter is located at 920 Phenix Avenue and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday. Hours of operation Tuesday through Friday are from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All adoption applications are to be completed at the shelter with the adoption coordinator. Adoption fees are required – dogs are $250, cats are $150, kittens are $175 and microchips are an additional $50. For more information or for questions, call 401-464-8700.