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These lovable adoptable pets are eager to meet you.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Air conditioning is the gold standard for keeping your animals (and people) comfortable in the heat. However, it isn’t always accessible. It’s not exactly possible to bring your air conditioning to the park. Many houses don’t even have air conditioning, particularly those constructed decades ago.

Like people, dogs can have serious consequences, such as heatstroke, if it becomes too hot. You shouldn’t expect your dog to go outside on a hot day without taking any precautions, just as you wouldn’t. Fortunately, there are also strategies for keeping your dog cool that don’t blatantly alter the local temperature. The most crucial thing to do to keep a dog cool is to keep them inside or in the shade, along with drinking lots of cold water.

For various tips on how to keep your dog cool and secure this summer, continue reading below.

CHOOSE THE BEST TIME FOR EXERCISE: The warmest period of the day is frequently around 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Exercise should be avoided during this period. You and your dog will feel much more comfortable on morning and evening walks. It’s probably too hot for your dog to go for a walk if it’s too hot for you.

COOLING VEST: Cooling vests facilitate evaporation by creating a large surface area. They employ the same method people use to cool off when they perspire: As water transforms from a liquid to a gaseous state, it absorbs energy from its surroundings, causing a slight reduction in temperature.

These lovable adoptable pets are eager to meet you.
Canada Pooch Dog Cooling Vest - Evaporative Cooling Vest for Dogs with Breathable Mesh Material & Reflective Lining, Adjustable Dog Cooling Vest Great for Dogs 10 (9-11" Back Length), Aqua (COURTESY/CANADA POOCH)

PUPPY POOL: Some dogs don’t like to play in the water. But when it’s hot outside, many people will try it. Similar to how relaxing in a pool keeps you cool, a little kiddie pool for your dog might be helpful. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers and others enjoy the water a lot. They excel at swimming and making splashes. Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and other like breeds? Not really.

SPRAY BOTTLE OR WET CLOTH: Spray the areas of their body that are not exposed to the scorching sun, like the bottoms of their feet, the insides of their lips, and the groin area (where the hair is sparser).

COOLING PET PAD: The cooling pad activates when your dog lies on it and starts to chill him off. Your pet stays comfortable during the warmest portion of the day because of the long-lasting cooling effects of several mats.

Meet Dodge...

These lovable adoptable pets are eager to meet you.
Meet Dodge! He is a 7 week old, 10 lb pittie mix. He may be small now, but he’s got a big heart and even bigger personality waiting to shine! He is still learning about the world - everything is new, exciting, and a little wobbly. He loves playing with toys and cuddling, but also loves being by your side. Out of his siblings, he's more laid back. He's working hard on the basics, like potty and crate training. Dodge isn’t quite ready to go home just yet; he's eligible to move into a foster-to-adopt home starting June 14, and will be officially available for adoption on June 28 after receiving age-appropriate veterinary care. We're sharing Dodge early because we know the right family will be ready and waiting when the time comes. If you’re looking for your new best friend, Dodge is your boy. He will be your loyal shadow and cuddle buddy! Dodge is currently being fostered in Spotswood, NJ. His adoption fee is $550. To adopt this animal, please visit https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/Louie’sLegacy)Louie’sLegacy

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 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday through Sunday from 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 visit ACC to register and purchase a NYC license for your dog from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

This is Styles...

These lovable adoptable pets are eager to meet you.
Meet Styles! This sleek and silly 7-month-old, 7.8 lb Russian Blue/DSH mix is equal parts mischief and mystery. With his gorgeous silvery coat and striking gaze, Styles is a curious and playful companion who keeps things interesting. While Styles isn’t your typical lap cat, he loves being near his people—often lounging nearby and staring into your soul with his big, expressive eyes. He enjoys gentle head pets and soft nose scratches, and every now and then, he’ll curl up next to you at bedtime for a quiet snuggle. A fan of feather wands, crinkly toys, and his favorite soft mice, Styles has a bold play style and may even let out a funny little growl when he “captures” his prey—don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun. He’s also known for chasing wand toys his bonded brother, Mittens, proudly drags around the house. Their sibling antics are endlessly entertaining! Styles is also a certified foodie and will kindly remind you it’s mealtime by gently nibbling at fingers or toes. He’s fascinated by water, enjoys fountains, and might even sneak a peek at you in the shower. With his quirky charm and smart, observant nature, Styles brings so much personality to a home. Fully litter box trained, Styles is looking for a forever family who can appreciate his funny habits, give him plenty of playtime, and maybe even laugh at his curious love of bath-time surveillance. If you’re looking for a low-key cuddle buddy with big personality and a big heart, Styles is your guy. 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

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.

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 N. Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East

· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, the 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 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

Meet Jabba

These lovable adoptable pets are eager to meet you.
Meet Jabba, a beautiful 3-year-old female rabbit with a playful spirit and a heart full of love. She’s the definition of the Energizer bunny—full of bounce, curiosity, and charm! Jabba thrives with room to run and would love a home that can give her plenty of space to explore, zoom, and binky to her heart's content. While Jabba prefers to keep all four paws on the ground, she loves being cuddled and stroked during quiet floor time. She's not a fan of being picked up, but settle in beside her, and she'll happily enjoy your company. Staff at ACC describe Jabba as calm, cautious, and curious. She's been at the shelter for just over a month and has slowly opened up, now greeting visitors at the front of her kennel with relaxed body language, gentle sniffs, and a love for treats. She’s a gentle soul who digs for treasure in her food bowl and is always on the lookout for her next adventure—especially if it involves a new nook or cranny to explore. Jabba would do best in a quiet, rabbit-savvy home where she can feel safe and adjust at her own pace. If you're looking for a sweet, active companion who will hop her way into your heart, Jabba is ready to meet 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

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/.

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