STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As the school year inches closer, some might be thinking about how they’ll juggle helping with their child’s studies, working and managing their pets. Our furry friends need attention, guidance and support. Here are a few tips to help you get through the day.
Take your dog out for an early walk. Getting some energy early will leave them in a calmer and more relaxed state and help you start your day.
Keep them close. Place their bed near your workspace so that they feel closer to you. If they can’t get full attention from you, it can ease their anxiety to be near you.
Take breaks. The term “self-care” has been a prevalent one the past few months and for good reason. Taking time for a walk or to sit outside for a few minutes while giving attention to your furry friend can do wonders for both of you.
Interactive toys. Sniff pads for dogs and scratch pads with catnip for cats can keep your pet busy while you have that important Zoom call. Preparation is key.
Don’t give in to bad behavior. Excessive barking and scratching can be bothersome. But giving in to this behavior will only tell you pet that’s what they need to do to get your attention.
CAT SUBSCRIPTION BOXES
Subscription boxes have become popular and are available to brighten your pet’s day, keep them busy, and show them your love. Here are a few of the latest, courtesy of Rover.com.
- Litterbox (goodies for the cats and you)
- KitNipBox (toys and natural treats)
- Meowbox (toys and healthy treats)
- Pet Treater Cat Pack (treats and toys)
- RescueBox (premium pet product subscription box that donates food and vaccinations to shelter pets)
The rescue centers mentioned below don’t stop working. They would rather take in all these animals and keep them for as long as they can than see one of them be harmed.
If you’re unable to adopt, please consider volunteering, donating or fostering, or sharing this page with someone who can.
A message from Louie’s Legacy’s:
“The health and safety of Louie’s Legacy’s volunteers, staff, adopters and the community at large is of paramount importance to us. In an effort to do our part to limit any potential exposure to or transmission of illness, Louie’s Legacy will be canceling our regularly scheduled public adoption events until further notice. We will reevaluate according to the recommendations of the CDC and federal, state and local governments and resume regularly scheduled public events at a time when it is deemed safe.
“Louie’s Legacy will continue conducting pet adoptions, and foster homes will continue to be needed weekly! We are fully operational remotely, and our commitment to animal welfare remains the same. Adoptions will be conducted under modified circumstances during this time, so please continue to apply to foster and adopt pets, as the need for animal rescue is always present.”
GIFTS FOR DOG LOVERS
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 the course of 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.
ONGOING
1. Low-cost or free spay and neuter: The ASPCA’s free and low-cost mobile spay and neuter van travels throughout the five boroughs in every neighborhood.
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 exact times the van will be in your area as well as 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.
HOW TO CONTACT LOCAL RESCUE GROUPS
- Animal Care Centers of NYC; 212-788-4000, nycacc.org; located at 3139 Veterans Road West. Adoption hours: Monday-Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Fur Friends in Need, New Jersey-based group with Staten Island members and adoption events on the Island; 732-829-1426, [email protected], furfriendsinneed.com.
- Happy Homes Animal Rescue, New Jersey-based group with Staten Island adoption events; 914-393-8292, [email protected], [email protected]; happyhomesinc.org.
- Louie’s Legacy; 646-397-LLAR (5527), [email protected], louieslegacy.org.
- Mama Chris Animal Rescue Inc.; 347-983-2240, [email protected], mamachrisrescue.org.
- New York Bully Crew; 844-633-NYBC (6922), [email protected], nybullycrew.org.
- P.L.U.T.O. Rescue of Staten Island; 718-227-0553, [email protected], plutorescue.org. Please note: P.L.U.T.O. is working with and promoting the adoption of animals from the Associated Humane Society in Newark, N.J.
- Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare (SICAW); 718-948-5623, sicawsaves.org.
- Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue; [email protected], statenislandhopeanimalrescue.org, 800-477-9168.
- Victory for the Voiceless Animal Rescue; 718-442-1625, [email protected], victory4thevoicelessanimalrescue.com
AL FRESCO DINING WITH YOUR DOG
Al fresco dining is temporarily suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.
· Angelina’s Ristorante, 339 Ellis St., Tottenville, 718-227-2900
· The Burrito Bar, 585 Forest Ave., West Brighton, 718-815-9200
· Ciro Pizza Café, 862 Huguenot Ave., Huguenot, 718-605-0620
· Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn, 4254 Arthur Kill Rd., Charleston, 718-984-1202
· Shake Shack, Staten Island Mall, 2655 Richmond Ave., New Springville, 929-529-0513
· Silver Lake Golf Course, 915 Victory Blvd., Silver Lake, 718-442-4653
Call ahead for reservations. For more information, check out NYC Dogs in restaurant rules.
DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS
· Allison Park, off-leash area, 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, 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, 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 at meadow area leading to beach.
· Evergreen Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street.
· Father Macris Park, off-leash area, lawn beyond ballfield.
· Ida Court Playground dog run, Ida Court between North Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East.
· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, bottom of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace; just below 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 after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.
· Willowbrook Park, off-leash area, Archery Range Field.
· Wolfe’s Pond Park, dog run, to left of Cornelia Avenue.
For more information with rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
BEACHES AND BATHING FACILITIES
Dogs are not allowed to enter any bathing facilities, including 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.
For more information with rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
PET POISON HELPLINES
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 ANIMAL CRUELTY
To report an incident of animal abuse, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
To contact an environmental conservation police officer or report suspected violations, contact the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 844-DEC-ECOS (844-332-3267) or dec.ny.gov/.