Our Timeline

1996		The Riverhead Shelter Volunteer Program is founded by Deborah Benjamin, Michele Walton and Suzi Korovics. RSVP members actively volunteer at the Riverhead Animal Shelter, walk dogs, provide enrichment, socialization and promote adoptions.
1999		DBA “Responsible Solutions for Valued Pets” A virus infects the Riverhead Shelter and all dogs are euthanized, despite protests from volunteers. RSVP leaves the Riverhead Shelter but focuses on an Outreach Spay/Neuter Program under the name, “Responsible Solutions for Valued Pets”. They provide education, support for basic care of pets, and TNR (Trap, neuter, return) to reduce the number of animals entering shelters.
2003		Board of Directors A benevolent group of NYC/Hampton women support fundraising events. The Pet Fashion Show and Westhampton Dog Walk become a tradition.
2004		Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals partnership RSVP volunteers rescue dogs to be euthanized. Foster care provides rehabilitation and permanent homes are found. See animalalliancenyc.org
2005		Promote shelter reform Attend Town Hall meetings, write Letters to the Editor of local newspapers, organize protests to improve conditions at municipal shelter.
2006		Volunteer program re-instated at shelter Riverhead Town Board passes resolution to allow volunteers at the shelter, despite union concerns.
2007		Promote privatization of Riverhead municipal shelter Advocate privatization as a solution to improve shelter management.
2009		Petco, Hampton Bays partnership Petco invites RSVP to be their adoption partner and showcase cats for adoption at their Hampton location.
2011		Suffolk County Law RSVP works with other advocates and local legislators. Local law passed limiting outdoor restraint of dogs to two (2) hours.
2012		Riverhead Animal Shelter privatized Town Board contracts North Fork Animal Welfare League (NFAWL) to privatize shelter.
2013		Humane Education Program Lillian Lennon, President of RSVP, implements the HEART program with NYC teachheart.org.
2014 & 2017		Suffolk County Laws RSVP works with other advocates and local legislators. Local laws passed regulating pet stores, restricting purchases from puppy mills and strengthening laws to prohibit outdoor restraint of dogs over one (1) hour during extreme weather conditions.
2015		RSVP Headquarters Establish headquarters in East Moriches office with Maddies Fund Grant.
2018		Petsmart, Riverhead partnership Petsmart invites RSVP to be their adoption partner and showcase cats for adoption at their Riverhead location.