STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Are you contemplating insurance for your pet? It’s not unexpected that you’re willing to go above and beyond for your pet’s health, given that pet insurance has consistently expanded as an industry year after year and has become a standard family cost. So, whether you’ve just acquired a new puppy or are searching for coverage for an old buddy, we’ve got a few references to doubts regarding the worth of dog and cat insurance coverage.
The TV dog Lassie was the first insured in the United States in 1987. Veterinarian Jack Stephens devised the strategy in response to his worries about the pet owner’s inability to pay for costly medical treatment. The pet insurance market is driven by Stephens’ passion for providing coverage so pet owners can afford the best care for their dogs.
Meet Freya
Meet FREYA (Aurora adopted) Two siblings-Freya and Aurora were found in a luxurious location in Todt Hill hanging out in the back of the ‘pool cabana’. Aurora has been adopted and now it’s Freya’s turn. This beautiful brown tabby is a true lap cat in every sense of the word. She will sit on your lap, no matter where you are, make herself comfortable, extend her paws, and gaze up at you with the most beautiful eyes. She is playful and so affectionate. Freya loves being in the company of her person and deserves tons of love. Do you have what it takes to be this lovebug’s forever friend? Freya and Aurora, born in June 2023, are up to date with vaccines, and will be spayed and microchipped when age-appropriate. They can be seen in their foster home by appointment or on the days they are at Petco Bricktown Way or PetSmart Forest Ave for adoption events. For more information contact SICAW at 718.948.5623, Mon-Sat 9am-8pm. We’re based in Staten Island, New York. Home visits are required for adoption.SICAW
How much does pet insurance typically cost?
According to a recent analysis, pet insurance costs (approximately) $55 per month for an unlimited accident and illness plan for dogs. The average price of pet insurance for a cat for the same plan is about $47 per month.
Best options out there today courtesy of Nerdwallet:
Between July 8th and 31st my adoption fee is sponsored! Thanks to the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters campaign, my new family can take me home for only $50! Please apply online to start the adoption process. Here are a few looking for a home.
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.
July 27
- Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue will be at Petco, 2975 Richmond Ave., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
July 28
- SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
- SICAW will be at PetSmart, 165 Bricktown Way, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart (Woodbridge) – 863 St. Georges Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ 07095, from 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m.
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.
VOLUNTEERS
We are always 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, and ensure the pets’ medical needs are met, and so much more.
GIFTS FOR ANIMAL LOVERS
Julie Forlenza, a former teacher at I.S. 7, 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.
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 the 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.
HIKING TRAILS
DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS
· Allison Park, off-leash area, 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, 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, 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 with 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.
For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
AL FRESCO DINING WITH YOUR DOG
· 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
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/