STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — “Pets are a massive part of the family, so it’s right that we try to mitigate their carbon paw print in whatever way we can, and pet food is the biggest one,” says Gudrun Ravetz, chair of Vet Sustain, a non-profit dedicated to promoting sustainability in the veterinary industry.
While there is no universal definition of what makes a pet food brand sustainable, we looked for companies with independent verifications from reputable organizations, certifications from the FDA, and those offering full transparency into their ingredient sourcing and production processes.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog creates a variety of human-grade recipes that are simple in nature, using different proteins and vegetables to accommodate dietary restrictions.
The Farmer’s Dog is a pet food brand that states their aim is to replace standard dog kibble with a freshly-cooked meal delivery service. (Courtesy/Farmer's Dog)Farmer's Dog
Open Farm combines high-quality organic ingredients with ethical partnerships and impressive traceability.
However, we found several other excellent sustainable brands, as well:
Best Overall: Open Farm
Best Organic: Tender & True
Best Human-Grade: Wet Noses
Most Trusted: The Honest Kitchen
Best Vegan: Wild Earth
When evaluating sustainable pet food, look for transparency around sourcing and production, third-party certifications, alignment with your pet’s dietary needs, and the use of human-grade ingredients. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure any diet changes meet your dog or cat’s nutritional requirements in the most eco-friendly way possible.
Meet Bohemian
Meet Bohemian! Bohemian is a 3-month-old, 12-lb, Collie/Terrier Mix who loves belly rubs and being rambunctious. His superpowers include making the sweetest faces at you (those eyes), being a fast learner (got the hang of pee pads super fast), and sharing all his things with his brother (no signs of resource guarding). He is still unsure about being left alone when he's not sleeping, but is getting more comfortable in his crate and mostly sleeps through the night! In terms of house training, Bohemian uses pee pads since he is still too young for all of his vaccines to safely go outside. He loves to be rewarded for a good job with his favorite treats (currently Pupford Train freeze dried chicken treats). Some of his favorite things are his rope tugging toy and lick mat (mmm greek yogurt and blueberries). If you're looking for an uber-cutie who will bring a ray of sunshine to your household and is eager to please, he might be your perfect match. Bohemian is currently being fostered in Brooklyn, NY. His adoption fee is $500. To adopt this animal, please visit https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/Louie’s Legacy)Louie’s Legacy
We are continuously grateful to the volunteers who organize pet events every week in and around the borough, send out announcements, hold fundraisers, help with supplies, clean cages, feed animals, make sure the pets’ medical needs are attended to and so much more. All of this is done without pay, all for love, and behind the scenes. Their work every day can never be overlooked.
Adoption Events
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.
March 28
March. 29
March. 30
Animal Care Centers of New York City is open for adoptions of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits at 3139 Veterans Road West on Monday and Tuesday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m to 5 p.m.
For general information on adopting from ACC and other community-based programs through ACC, go to www.nycacc.org
You can also come into ACC to register and purchase a NYC license for your dog from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
This is Chai
This is Chai! Chai is about 1 year old and gets along well with other cats. She has developed relationships with many of our volunteers and waiting for her big day! She is so sweet and just wants her forever home! She would do great with your cats in a home and be the sweetest companion. Apply today on our website at www.Victory4thevoiceless.com (Courtesy/V4V)V4V
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.
Grapes anyone?
Meet Grape, a 2-month-old puppy with a heart full of sweetness and a tail that never stops wagging! Grape, her Mama, Banana, and her siblings made the long journey to us from Texas in search of love and their forever homes. She's a curious, inquisitive little lady who adores cuddles and snuggles—always ready to shower you with affection. Grape is still a baby, learning how to navigate this big, exciting world, but her curiosity and enthusiasm make her the perfect companion for someone who wants to help guide her as she grows. Whether she's wiggling with excitement or resting contently in your arms, Grape is sure to steal your heart. She’s waiting for her forever home, where she can finally settle in and enjoy the love and care she deserves. Grape is currently being fostered in Middletown, NJ. Her adoption fee is $500. To adopt this animal, please visit https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/Louie’s Legacy)Louie’s Legacy
· 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.
Meet Shannon!!
Shannon is a gentle soul searching for a home where she can feel safe and understood. She is fearful and anxious in unfamiliar situations, but with the right family—one that is calm, patient, and willing to let her move at her own pace—she has the potential to thrive. Shannon needs a quiet, adult-only home without young children, where she can build trust and confidence without pressure. She will flourish with owners who respect her boundaries, provide positive reinforcement, and allow her to approach new experiences in her own time. Though she may take time to open up, the love and loyalty she will give in return will be well worth the wait. Shannon is looking for someone who believes in her—could that be you? If you would like to visit me, stop down to the Staten Island Animal Care Center – 7 days a week from Monday and Tuesday (12pm – 4pm) or Wednesday – Sunday (11am – 5pm) or you can search and see all the other adoptable animals in our Care Centers here: https://nycacc.app/#/ (Courtesy/ACC)ACC
· 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.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025).
© 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us).
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.
YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here.
Ad Choices
