Hello there, September. I’d like you to meet your adoptable pet. Aug. 31-Sept. 1 (2024)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As we prepare to celebrate Labor Day, it’s crucial to remember that although it frequently signals the end of a joyful summer, there may be some risks for our cherished pets. Sometimes, your pets are at risk from the celebrations, get-togethers, and even the meals surrounding Labor Day.

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) veterinary team reached out to share information on keeping pets safe during the festivities. AMC is the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital and NYC’s only Level 1 Veterinary Trauma Center. Here is a video from their senior veterinarian, Dr. Carly Fox, with some tips to keep your pets.

WATCH WHAT THEY EAT: Keep alcohol, grapes, onions, chocolate, and foods containing Xylitol out of your pet’s reach.

BEWARE OF CORN COBS, PEACH PITS, AND BONES: While not poisonous, they can lead to choking and gastrointestinal obstructions.

MIND THE SKEWERS: If swallowed, they can migrate and cause serious issues like esophageal or gastrointestinal perforations.

AVOID FATTY FOODS: Scraps from the grill can trigger pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening.

SECURE THE TRASH: Unattended garbage is a treasure trove of dangers.

GUARD THE GRILL: Pets might accidentally knock it over, leading to burns or other accidents.

LEAVE THEM HOME: If you can’t keep a close eye on your pets while enjoying your barbecue, leaving them home is safer!

Meet Tripoli

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.

Aug 31

• SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Louie’s Legacy will be at RICHMOND COUNTY FAIR, 441 CLARKE AVE, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sep 1

• SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• SICAW will be at Petco, 165 Bricktown Way, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Staten Island Animal Hope Rescue will be at Petco, 165 Bricktown Way, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 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.

Meet Morty

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. 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 programs

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

• Greenbelt Nature Conservancy Center
• High Rock Park
• Trail behind St. Andrews Church
• Mt. Loretto Unique Area
• Mount Moses

Dog-friendly parks

· 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.

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.