STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Millions of stray animals enter U.S. shelters annually, but adopting a pet can make a difference.
More than 6 million stray cats and dogs arrive at U.S. animal shelters each year, according to the ASPCA. While it’s impossible to know the exact number of homeless pets nationwide, estimates suggest there could be as many as 70 million.
Unchecked breeding contributes significantly to this overpopulation problem. A fertile cat can have two litters per year with up to six kittens each, while a dog may produce six puppies annually. Spaying and neutering, done by owners or shelters, help control these numbers.
Meet Bertha
Bertha is a super-cute gray tabby with a lust for life. Her activity level and playfulness make it hard to believe that she is 13 years old. Of course, Bertha enjoys her downtime, too. She loves treats, naps, and soaking up the sun. She’s a great companion cat who will relax by your side as you watch your favorite TV show or movie, but she also has an independent side. She won’t demand your attention, but she’ll always make you feel like someone is in your corner.
More information: Visit ASPCA.org/Adopt to learn more and submit an application. (Courtesy/ASPCA)ASPCA
Shelters take in a nearly even split of cats and dogs. The ASPCA reports euthanasia rates have declined as more people adopt from shelters – around 4 million cats and dogs each year. Reunifications are up, too, with over 800,000 lost pets, primarily dogs, returned to owners annually thanks to tags and microchipping.
Adoption is usually cheaper than buying from a breeder, often covering initial vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, and sometimes microchipping. The Humane Society of the United States notes many adoptable pets are already housetrained. Some cities offer additional subsidies, and adopted animals may come with discounts for training and supplies. Petfinder estimates annual costs of pet ownership at $500 or more.
Beyond saving an animal from potential illness, injury, or death on the streets, adopting from a shelter frees space for another homeless cat or dog. It also provides financial support for the shelter’s critical work in the community.
Meet Wolfe
Wolfe is an amazing dog! He’s about 3 years old and weighs 23 lbs.
He is amazing with children, other dogs, and is currently in a foster home with a cat as well.
Very energetic, loves the outdoors, absolutely needs daily exercise!
He gets groomed every 6 weeks and that’s great with the Groomer! Such a good boy all around.
Apply today on our website victory4thevoiceless.com. We look forward to speaking with his potential Furever home! (Courtesy/Victory 4 the Voiceless)(Courtesy/Victory 4 the Voiceless)
Victory for the Voiceless has a mission to raise awareness of the importance of spaying/neutering and manage the stray and unwanted animal population. To encourage adoption and perform TNR with the primary objective of helping stray and unwanted animals have a second chance at a better life and a happy home.
Meet Millie
Come meet me and 75+ of my adoptable friends at Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue’s Super Adoption Event, Furever Yours! Sunday, February 15th, 2026 at Paradise Island in Staten Island from 11am – 3pm!
Meet Millie! This petite 3-year-old beauty weighs just 8 pounds but has a huge heart full of love to give. Millie is a gentle, affectionate soul who’s been through a lot—she was sadly found abandoned on the street after recently giving birth, though none of her kittens were found. Despite her rough start, she’s ready to open her heart to a family who will love her forever.
Millie can be a little shy at first and appreciates a calm space where she can decompress and have cozy spots to hide. Once she feels safe, though, she’ll come out to greet you with the sweetest little purrs and head bumps. When it comes to affection, Millie is a total purring machine! She loves gentle pets and quiet companionship far more than chasing toys—she’s all about love and snuggles.
If you’re looking for a tender, loving cat who just wants a peaceful home and a kind heart to trust, Millie could be the one for you.
Millie is currently being fostered in New Jersey. Her adoption fee is $125.
To adopt this animal, please visit https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/Louie’sLegacy)Louie’sLegacyAdoption 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 companionship.
Feb 7
Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart (Secaucus, NJ) – 400 Mill Creek Drive, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart (Woodbridge, NJ) – 863 St Georges Ave, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Feb 8
SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.Louie’s Legacy will be at Petsmart (East Brunswick) – 300 NJ-18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.mLouie’s Legacy will be at Staten Island Mall – 2655 Richmond Ave, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.mStaten Island Animal Hope Rescue will be at Petco, located at 165 Bricktown Way, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.A special message from NYACC
Interested? Email accfosters@nycacc.org and let them know you’d like to participate! (Courtesy/ACC)ACC
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, visit www.nycacc.org.
You can also visit ACC to register and purchase a NYC dog license from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Meet Great White
Meet Great White (aka Max) — a 2-year-old, 70-lb Great Pyrenees with a big heart, a goofy personality, and the most magnificent feather-duster tail you’ve ever seen.
Great White is a lovable, silly boy who truly thrives being near his people. His tail is basically an accessory with its own personality — always wagging, always dramatic, and guaranteed to make you smile. He’s dog-friendly, super smart, and eager to please. He already knows Sit, Paw, and Down, and with his love of routine, he does best when his days have a predictable flow.
This handsome fluff is house trained and crate trained, making him an easy addition to the right home. He loves playing with toys, and once he’s settled, you’ll find him happily chewing on a good dog chew or treat. Zoomies in the yard? Absolutely — GW lives for them and would happily spend all day outside if he could.
GW would do best in a home without cats, but he gets along well with other dogs and would enjoy a canine companion.
Most of all, GW is looking for his forever family — a place where he can be loved, included, and finally settle in for good. If you’re ready for a loyal best friend with a heart of gold and a tail that could double as a luxury broom, Great White is ready to meet you 🤍
Great White is currently being fostered in Clark, NJ. His adoption fee is $475.
To adopt this animal, please visit
https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/Louie’sLegacy)Louie’sLegacyGifts for animal 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 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 naturalness of loss.
Meet Elena & Hannah
Meet Elena and Hannah a Double Dose of Love!
Hiking trailsDog-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 the 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 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: Dogs are permitted on the 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 on 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 Cassius
Meet Cassius, a 10-week-old, 10 pound (as of 1/14), adorable Heeler/Beagle mix. This delightful puppy is soft, sweet, cuddly and super loving. He is great with other dogs and friendly.
If you would like to adopt this Rockstar, 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 need you! In addition, we cannot guarantee the breed, size, temperament or age of a puppy.**
**Please note that puppies can grow .5-2.5lbs a week based on their breed** (Courtesy/Pupstarz)Pupstarz
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/.provides financial support for