Philanthropy

Up Country Cares

Here at Up Country, we are committed to giving back to our community - both in our backyard and far afield. As a local company with a Made in the USA mantra, it’s natural for us to have a grassroots approach to giving. Our goals are to not only provide monetary support for these organizations, but to also raise awareness for their important causes. Here are a few of the organizations we proudly support:

RISPCA Give a Dog a Collar Program

When we moved to our current location years ago, we couldn’t help but notice the parade of adorable dogs that walked by every day. We quickly realized that this was serendipity at work because the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was our new neighbor! We met with the shelter to discuss the best way for us to help, and our RISPCA Give a Dog a Collar program was born. Since then, we have donated over 1,000 sets of collars and leads to newly adopted dogs from the RISPCA. They come to us straight from the shelter, and we fit them with a collar and lead set that their new adoptive parents choose. It’s our way of saying thanks to them for adopting, all while outfitting their new family member with a special gift of love. Learn more about the RISPCA at www.rispca.com.

Canine Camo Collection to Benefit Dogs on Deployment

We created our Canine Camo Collection as a way to thank members of the military for their service! This product line features the camo pattern and name of the 5 U.S. military branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. Most importantly, 20% of sales from each item sold is donated to Dogs on Deployment. DOD is a national, non-profit providing a central network for military members to find volunteers willing to board their pets during deployment or other service commitments. Their mission is to give military members peace of mind concerning their pets during this time, as no pet should ever be surrendered to a shelter due to a military commitment. You can find out more about DOD at www.dogsondeployment.com.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Our love of animals extends beyond dogs and cats. With the 2015 introduction of our Leader of the Pach design and the 2018 introduction of our Elephants design, we partnered with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to help achieve their mission of protecting elephants with anti-poaching education, protecting the natural environment, enhancing community awareness and providing veterinary assistance to animals in need. 20% of the proceeds of every Leader of the Pach and Elephants collar, leash and harness sold is donated to the SWT to help their efforts. We have also adopted several elephants and rhinos who have needed care over the years. You can find out more about this wonderful organization based in Nairobi at www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

The Potter League

This shelter holds a special place in our hearts because this is where our very own Minnie was adopted! Besides taking in over 2,000 needy animals every year, the Potter League offers pet training classes, educational outreach at schools, and their Fetching Friends program. This life saving initiative transports dogs and cats from areas where high euthanasia rates due to kennel overcrowding are the norm. You can learn more here at www.potterleague.org.

Waterman St. Dog Park

When we heard about this project, we couldn’t wait to get involved. Anyone who lives in a city knows how important these special spaces are to the mental and physical health of our dogs. This beautifully designed park in Providence has agility and play structures, 2 acres of fenced woodland, and a water fountain for thirsty pups. You can visit their website www.watermanstdogpark.org.

Product Donations

We donate various products to shelter and rescue organizations all over the country. These wonderful groups come in all shapes and sizes just like the animals they support. If you are interested in a product donation for your pet related, non-profit group, please contact donna@upcountryinc.com.