STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Millions of stray animals enter U.S. shelters annually, but adopting a pet can make a difference.
More than 6 million stray cats and dogs arrive at U.S. animal shelters each year, according to the ASPCA. While it’s impossible to know the exact number of homeless pets nationwide, estimates suggest there could be as many as 70 million.
Unchecked breeding contributes significantly to this overpopulation problem. A fertile cat can have two litters per year with up to six kittens each, while a dog may produce six puppies annually. Spaying and neutering, done by owners or shelters, help control these numbers.
Meet Bless
Meet Bless, a 3-month, 13 lb Labrador mix! One look into her soulful eyes, and you’ll fall in love with the sweet, playful bundle of joy that she is! Bless loves to explore and is curious about the world! She is working on leash training and can be a bit shy at first, but she's friendly with humans and dogs. She loves to sniff around and is gaining in confidence every single walk. She is also working on house training, but making quick progress and tends to do her business quickly outside. At home, Bless is the sweetest dog. She loves attention and will gladly snuggle up for a hug and cuddle. She gets excited by chew toys and loves to play, but settles down nicely during the day as well and is making great progress with crate training. But the minute you give her some time and attention, she’ll wag her tail happily and gladly play with you! If your family is looking for a loving, lively and curious sweetheart, then Bless will be just the pup for you! Bless is currently being fostered in Manhattan, NY. Her adoption fee is $500. To adopt this animal, please visit https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/Louie’sLegacy)Louie’sLegacy
Shelters take in a nearly even split of cats and dogs. The ASPCA reports euthanasia rates have declined as more people adopt from shelters – around 4 million cats and dogs each year. Reunifications are up, too, with over 800,000 lost pets, primarily dogs, returned to owners annually thanks to tags and microchipping.
Adoption is usually cheaper than buying from a breeder, often covering initial vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, and sometimes microchipping. The Humane Society of the United States notes many adoptable pets are already housetrained. Some cities offer additional subsidies, and adopted animals may come with discounts for training and supplies. Petfinder estimates annual costs of pet ownership at $500 or more.
Beyond saving an animal from potential illness, injury, or death on the streets, adopting from a shelter frees space for another homeless cat or dog. It also financially supports the shelter’s critical work in the community.
Meet Patches…
Meet Patches! This kitty is a wonderful DMH who is 6-months-old and weighs 6.10-pounds. (as of 1/27) If you would like to give this wonderful cat a home, please email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org or visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application! www.pupstarzrescue.org Please Follow us on Instagram: @pupstarzrescue Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/PupStarzRescue PupStarz Rescue cannot guarantee the breed, size, temperament, or age of any dog or cat. (Courtesy/Pupstarz)Pupstarz
If you want to adopt, please remember that there are loving senior and disabled pets who need your care and attention, too. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering or sharing the information with someone who could use some good company.
Feb. 8
Feb. 9
Weekly event: Animal Care Centers of New York City is open for adoptions of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits at 3139 Veterans Road West from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. For general information on adopting from ACC and other community-based programs through ACC, go to www.nycacc.org.
This is Taylor Swift
Meet Taylor Swift, a 6-week-old adorable Lab/Terrier mix. This delightful puppy is soft, sweet, cuddly and super loving. She is great with other dogs and friendly. If you would like to adopt this Rockstar, please email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org or visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application! www.pupstarzrescue.org Please Follow us on Instagram: @pupstarzrescue Like us on FaceBook! www.facebook.com/PupStarzRescue **Puppies are hard work. If you are not ready for a 'new baby' please adopt an adult or senior who needs you! In addition, we cannot guarantee the breed, size, temperament, or age of a puppy.** (Courtesy/Pupstarz)Pupstarz
1. Low-cost or free spay and neuter: The ASPCA’s free and low-cost mobile spay and neuter van travels to every neighborhood in the five boroughs.
Low-income pet owners in the five boroughs with proof of public assistance, such as welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability, food stamps, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or public housing qualify for free spay/neuter services for their cat or dog. If you have a pit bull, pit-bull mix, or certain large breed dogs, it’s also free.
For the exact times the van will be in your area and pre-visit instructions, visit aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter or call 877-SPAY-NYC (877-772-9692).
2. Apply for a dog license. Save time and postage by applying online. For an application or more information, visit nyc.gov/doglicense. View the flyer in the gallery above.
Julie Forlenza, a former teacher at I.S. 7 and PS 62, and manager at Woof and Tails Lodge , took action after Hurricane Ian to help animals in shelters. She is the owner of Black Dog Portrait. Her passion for helping animals is exceptional. Check her out on Facebook or Instagram.
Stellar Villa is a New York City-based artist who recently raised over $11,500 for pet shelters after she single-handedly created 1,252 custom pieces of art of people’s pets over 21 days. Now, she is working to create ongoing partnerships with local animal shelters to continue raising money. If you’re looking for a gift for a dog lover, check out Stellar’s work.
Sophia Di Meglio wrote and illustrated A Big Life for Buddy, a children’s book that offers a lighthearted look at an exceptional dog and teaches children about growing older, belonging, and the fact that loss is a natural part of life.
Meet Lana…
Lana is 1 year old and has been in foster with other cats and a small dog. She has blossomed with her foster family over the past few months and also did well at our Petsmart adoption center. However, Lana is ready for her forever home. It’s heartbreaking leaving this girl after a shift because all she wants is love and attention. Whether it be cuddles on your lap or to be held while she purrs. Lana is truly the best companion and so deserving of a home! She is up for adoption and taking applications. If interested in applying for Lana, please head over to our website at www.Victory4thevoiceless.com (Courtesy/V4V)V4V
· Allison Park, off-leash area in the field at the end of the trail bordered by Prospect Avenue, Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery and the pond
· Amundsen Trail, off-leash area between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard
· Arthur Von Briesen Park, off-leash area, lawn area, mid-park on the right side
· Bloomingdale Park, dog run, Maguire Avenue behind athletic fields closer to Ramona Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area in the open field above picnic area near Royal Oak Road and Rice Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, Brookside Avenue between Alpine Court and Kingsley Avenue (lawn area)
· Clove’s Tail Park, off-leash area in lawn area, corner of Victory Boulevard and Little Clove Road
· Conference House Park, dog run, Clermont Avenue and Massachusetts Street
· Cozzens Woods Park, off-leash area, Page Avenue between Hylan Boulevard and Amboy Road
· Crescent Beach Park, off-leash area, Tennyson Drive, and Glover Avenue; located in the meadow area leading to the beach
· Evergreen Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street
· Father Macris Park, off-leash area, lawn beyond ball field
· Ida Court Playground, dog run, Ida Court between North Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East
· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, the bottom of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace; just below the playground
· Siedenburg Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue, and Evergreen Street
· Silver Lake Park, dog run, Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from the Parkview Apartments
· South Beach Park, off-leash area. Note: On sand only after Labor Day and before Memorial Day
· Willowbrook Park, off-leash area, Archery Range Field
· Wolfe’s Pond Park, dog run, to the left of Cornelia Avenue
For more information, rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
Dogs cannot enter any bathing facilities, including those at New York City beaches. However, from Oct. 1 through May 1, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Midland Beach and South Beach.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at Midland Beach and South Beach.
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661 or petpoisonhelpline.com, or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or aspca.org.
As the seasons change, keep in mind the plants that are poisonous to animals: https://www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/
To report an incident of animal abuse, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
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