Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
B.P. Molinaro and Animal Care & Control kick off “Senior Pet Adoption Month”
In March, Staten Islanders can adopt senior pets for free
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – To encourage Staten Islanders to adopt older pets in lieu of puppies and kittens, Borough President James P. Molinaro and Animal Care & Control (AC&C) of New York City today kicked off Senior Pet Adoption Month at a press conference in Borough Hall.
For the month of March, AC&C has lowered adoption fees for people who adopt a dog or cat 5 years old or older from its Staten Island Animal Care Center. The reduced fees are $20 for senior dogs and $20 for senior cats (adopt one cat and get one at no cost). Senior citizens who adopt an older pet will get an additional 20% discount.
At the press conference, Molinaro announced that he will defray the adoption fee for Staten Islanders, so those who wish to adopt an older pet in March from the Charleston shelter can do so for free.
“Animal Care & Control has matched thousands of abandoned animals with caring New Yorkers willing to take them into their homes and into their hearts,” said Molinaro. “Today, I am inviting Staten Islanders to adopt a senior companion animal for free in March. Most people pass over adult dogs and cats in favor of cute puppies and kittens. But if a mature pet is given a new ‘leash on life’ with a loving, adoptive family, it’s very likely that she will be a grateful, loyal companion for many years.”
Earlier this month, Molinaro announced the allocation of $851,000 in capital funding for renovations to the Charleston shelter, including the construction of a new surgical suite to be named after Tommy Monahan, the nine-year-old boy who perished in a tragic house fire while trying to rescue his pets last December.
Dr. Edgar Butts, the Health Department’s Assistant Commissioner of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, said, "We're thankful for Borough President Molinaro's kickoff of 'Senior Pet Adoption Month' in Staten Island. The adoption of older pets is an important part of AC&C's work."
Richard Gentles, Director of Administrative Services for AC&C, said, “Borough President James Molinaro, through this very exciting and generous program, has recognized that older animals are difficult for us to adopt. His offer will significantly help us find those deserving senior pets a permanent and loving home. We are very grateful to the Borough President for his continued support helping the homeless pets of Staten Island.”
Medical and psychological studies confirm pets have a positive affect on an owner’s health and happiness. Senior pets are frequently overlooked at animal shelters by potential adopters who choose an adorable puppy or kitten, not realizing that older pets have already learned how to walk on a leash, are housebroken, tend not to be as destructive, and make “purr-fect” family members.
Two adoption events are scheduled for Saturday, March 1st and Saturday, March 8th at the Staten Island Mall main entrance on Richmond Avenue from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. The Charleston shelter is open for adoptions seven days a week at 3139 Veterans Road West, from 12 Noon to 7:00 p.m. For more information, call (212) 788-4000, or visit www.nycacc.org.
Animal Care & Control of New York City is the largest pet organization in the Northeast, with an estimated number of 44,000 animals rescued each year. As a not-for-profit organization since 1995, AC&C has been responsible for New York City’s municipal shelter system, rescuing, caring for, and finding loving homes for homeless and abandoned animals. AC&C facilities operate in all five boroughs.
February 25. 2008