STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Whether going on a lengthy road trip or running a few errands, taking your dog along makes the trip more enjoyable. However, when driving with your dog, you must ensure they are adequately secured. As pleasant as it is to let them stick their heads out the window, roam around, or sit on your lap, the reality is that this can cause a distraction for you and possibly cause an accident. The safest way for your pet to travel in the car is in a crate that has been secured to the vehicle using a seat belt or other safety measures.
If you and your dog prefer, here is a list of seat belts and harnesses to consider. The Center for Pet Safety is the only nonprofit organization that tests and performs performance standards for these items, and the test results are available online.
According to a 2010 American Automobile Association (AAA) poll, more than 80% of drivers realize the hazards of driving with an unrestrained pet, yet just 16% utilize pet restraints. Millions of car accidents occur annually. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued its most recent road fatality forecast for 2022, which projected that 42,795 people were killed in motor vehicle collisions.
Kurgo Tru-Fit
The Kurgo Tru-Fit Quick Release & Seatbelt Tether Smart Dog Harness easily slips on and off your canine companion's head and secures with two quick-release buckles. With your pup's comfort in mind, this harness features padding on the chest piece, which helps reduce stress on the trachea and sternum. The two leash attachments, one located on the chest and one on the back, adds versatility, while the five adjustment points help you find the paw-perfect fit for your furry friend. There is also a 10-inch tether included, so you can secure your dog in the car and prevent distracted driving.Kurgo
Whether you plan to use it in the car or while out on walks, this Kurgo Tru-Fit harness has you covered. It has a seat belt attachment, all-steel buckles, and a no-pull style front D-ring leash attachment for walking. This harness also boasts five adjustment points on the straps to ensure a good fit for your dog.
Sleepypod Clickit Sport
It features a three-point design to reduce forward and sideways movement and attaches to the seat belt directly. It can also be used as a walking harness, as it sports a D-ring leash attachment on the back of the neck strap.
Certified by the Center for Pet Safety, this dog car seat harness is made of durable ballistic nylon and has undergone intensive safety testing. “It’s unique because it’s actually crash-tested,” says Rover’s Dog People Panel member and expert trainer Nicole Ellis, who highly recommends this dog car harness.
Sherpa
Sherpa crash-tested multipurpose seatbelt dog harness.
The Sherpa Crash-Tested Seatbelt Harness is the perfect accessory for traveling with your furry friend. This multipurpose dog harness is crash-tested and comes equipped with multiple features that ensure the comfort and safety of your dog, whether out on the road or on walks. Available in numerous sizes.
Meet Blue
Meet Blue! This kitty is a wonderful DSH who is 9 weeks old and weighs 2.6 pounds (as of 12/21)
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
Ongoing
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.
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.
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 Volbeat
Volbeat has it all: Good looks, tons of spirit, lots of brain power, and the ability to chill. This 3-month-old, 26-pounds (as of 12/13) Boxer/Hound mix is an exceptional blend of everything you’d ever want in a handsome young pup…and THEN some!
An ultimate love bug, Volbeat is a super sweet fella who doesn’t have a mean bone in his furry little body. He’s affectionate to the max and no amount of cuddling, petting, or snuggling is too much for him. He adores all humans, young and old, and he’s terrific with other dogs. He is playful and upbeat, and never met a toy he didn’t like. He also has the ability to self-entertain, which is quite remarkable for a dog so young.
Volbeat is making fantastic progress in the housebreaking department, and in between outdoor walks, he’s becoming more reliable in his use of the wee-wee pads. He enjoys being outside, loud sounds don’t seem to startle him, and he is rather well-mannered on a leash, especially for such a beginner! Volbeat sits on command, he’s treat-motivated, and he is eager to keep learning.
Friendly, warm, funny, and curious, Volbeat is VERY easy to fall in love with. He is a gorgeous sugar baby with a joyful heart and a tender soul…and he can be all YOURS!
If you would like to adopt this wonderful dog, 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
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.
For more information on 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/
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/
