R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-19-3: Registration of municipal dog pounds.

No municipality shall operate a dog pound unless a certificate of registration for that dog pound has been granted by the director. Application for that certificate shall be made in the manner provided by the director. No fee is required for the application or certificate. Certificates of registration are valid for a period of one year or until revoked and may be renewed annually on the first day of January for like periods upon application in the manner provided.