A strong human-animal bond means that dogs and cats are well cared for. In fact, up to 85% of pet guardians consider their animal companions to be a member of the family. That translates to better care and increased spending on their health and well-being. In 2022, Americans spent a whopping $136.8 billion on their animal companions! They spent the money providing the best food, accommodations, and medical care.

Click here to read the full blog post on Animal Wellness!

The post PAWS NY in Animal Wellness for Human-Animal Bond Day appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Therefore, there is no better time to review all the psychological benefits of pet guardianship. According to the World Health Organization, “1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world” live with a mental health disorder. Anxiety and Depressive disorders are the most common, encompassing a broad range of negative emotions including sadness, distress, or fear. A growing body of evidence suggests that the Human-Animal Bond (HAB) can reduce many symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Specifically, research has indicated that pet guardianship and the Human-Animal Bond (HAB) produces the following results:

• improvement of social attention, behavior, interpersonal interaction, and mood
• reduction of stress-related parameters such as cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure
• reduction of fear and anxiety
• improvement of physical health, especially cardiovascular health
• increased trustworthiness of and trust toward other persons
• reduction in aggressive behavior
• enhanced levels of empathy towards others

At PAWS NY, our mission is to keep people and pets together, and protect the human-animal bond that is so psychologically and physically beneficial. And we see the impact of this every day.

“My dog is basically my savior in life,” said a PAWS NY client. “He brings me more joy and stability than anything else in the world.”

In honor of World Mental Health Day, take some time to snuggle your furry friends and enjoy the emotional and mental health benefits of your bond.

The post How Pets Improve Mental Health appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Launched during National Recovery Month, this new program will provide foster and emergency care for pets as their guardians seek inpatient treatment for substance use.

NEW YORK, NY, September 13, 2023 – Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY expanded its services with the launch of a new Substance Use Recovery Program, with the mission of caring for your pet while you care for yourself. This new program, which will provide foster and emergency care for pets as their guardians seek inpatient treatment for substance use, is specific to low-income individuals who are unable to establish care for their pets in their absence. The organization has a network of committed and vetted volunteers who are eager to open their homes for temporary foster care.

According to a July 2023 survey from health policy group KFF, 66% of U.S. adults reported that they have, or a family member has, dealt with substance use disorder. Of those, only 46% say the affected individuals ever received treatment for their substance use disorder. Additionally, data shows that returning home to a beloved pet may lead to more successful outcomes for people post-treatment. Individuals managing a substance use disorder often face concurrent disturbances including but not limited to high stress levels, elevated anxiety, and an increase in depression. Human-animal interaction (HAI) contributes to a reduction in these symptoms, leading to a higher likelihood of a positive recovery.

“For individuals seeking inpatient treatment for a substance use disorder, not having a reliable and safe option to care for their pets can present a significant barrier,” said Carrie Nydick Finch, LCSW, the Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy for PAWS NY. “No one should be faced with the choice of giving up their family member or taking care of their health. PAWS NY wants to eliminate this barrier, so individuals are more inclined to seek out, enter, and complete a treatment program.”

Dr. Emily Weiss, the inaugural funder of the PAWS NY Substance Use Recovery Program, saw the positive impact of human-animal interaction first-hand. Dr. Weiss came to PAWS NY to help start this program in memory of her sister, Susan Sydney Weiss, who struggled with substance use and ultimately lost her battle. Through it all, Susan’s beloved dogs Nugget and Chance were by her side, providing comfort and hope.

“My sister Susan was a brilliant, funny, and passionate woman, who found peace and purpose in both helping others dealing with addiction and caring for her dogs,” said Dr. Weiss. “Nugget and Chance brought her so much peace and comfort throughout her journey. While my sister’s illness limited our opportunities to work together on projects such as this during her lifetime, this program provides an opportunity to do so in her memory. It is a way to honor her and ensure that others don’t lose their battle—or their pets.”

The program is both welcomed and needed in the community, a fact that PAWS NY has seen firsthand throughs its initial outreach to treatment centers and community groups. “PAWS NY Substance Use Recovery Program will be a huge asset to the community and helping people to get the recovery services they need while their pets are cared for,” said a staff member at Elev8 Center in New York City. “This program will remove barriers and PAWS NY will be a great partner.”

Dr. Weiss has generously provided seed funding for PAWS NY’s Substance Use Recovery Program, along with a commitment of ongoing support, but in order to ensure the growth of the program, PAWS NY welcomes additional donor contributions. Donations can be made via give.pawsny.org.

“We are deeply honored that Dr. Weiss has entrusted PAWS NY to carry out this important work in memory of her sister, Susan, and allow us to help even more New Yorkers,” said Rachel Herman, the Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY. “The bond a person shares with their pet and the unconditional love they receive can be a source of strength and inspiration, and this is especially true for those seeking treatment for substance use. By providing a loving and safe environment for pets, we hope to achieve better outcomes for both the people and animals we support.”

If you or someone you know is in need of pet care support while seeking treatment for substance use, please reach out to PAWS NY at referrals@pawsny.org or 212-203-4760, ext. 4307.

———-

About PAWS NY

The mission of PAWS NY is to help New York City’s most vulnerable residents remain with their pets by delivering critical programs and services through a community of partners and volunteers. Our programs help keep pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the human-animal bond that is so physically and psychologically valuable to our clients.  Thus, our motto: helping people by helping pets. To learn more, visit www.pawsny.org.

———-

The post PAWS NY Launches Substance Use Recovery Program appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

It’s imperative to include pets in your emergency plans. Visit the website for the NYC Office of Emergency Management or the American Red Cross to find resources regarding preparing for all types of emergencies.

In case of an emergency evacuation, your pet should have a designated bag (aka a “Go Bag”), ready at all times. Make sure to fill the bag with water, pet food, medications, an extra collar and/or leash, veterinary records including vaccinations, and a blanket or small bed. Having a way to transport a pet, like a carrier or crate, is also recommended. The ASPCA has more details, including a list of what to include in your pet’s Go Bag. Do not leave your pet behind.

In the event that NYC’s emergency shelters are open, pets are allowed on public transportation and at city evacuation centers. If your pet ever gets lost, visit Animal Care & Control of New York City.

In addition to natural or human-induced disasters, it is vital to have a plan for your pet in the case that you are faced with an unexpected health emergency and have to be hospitalized. To create a plan, we recommend the following steps:

• Identify a trusted caregiver for your pet. When exploring caregiving options, consider friends, family, building staff, and/or neighbors.
• Discuss with them how to care for your pet, including where you keep your pets’ Go Bag and all special instructions regarding your pets’ behavior, medical status, and more.
• Ensure that your chosen caregiver has a means of accessing your home (ie a set of keys).
• Carry a wallet card with pet caregiver’s name and contact information.

If your designated caregiver is not available and you are facing a hospitalization, PAWS NY may be able to help through our Emergency and Foster Program. If eligible, a foster volunteer through PAWS NY can help by opening their home and caring for your pet temporarily while you recover. Contact us at referrals@pawsny.org or (212) 203-4760.

Later this month, the NYC Office of Emergency Management will be hosting a Pet Preparedness Fair on Thursday, September 28, from 11:00am to 2:00pm at Union Square Park North Plaza. PAWS NY will be there, so stop by to learn more!

The post Make Pet Preparations in Honor of National Preparedness Month appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

The results of an exciting new survey were released last month from researchers at the

Survey: Pet Care During Health Crises

More than half of survey respondents, 63%, reported difficulty figuring out pet care during their own hospitalization and/or that of a loved one. In addition, nearly a third of the respondents said that pet care needs impacted their decision, or the decision of someone they knew, about whether to stay in the hospital even when medically recommended. Additionally, 16% of respondents said that they know someone who has left the hospital against medical advice in order to care for their pets. These results are striking and highlight this incredibly challenging issue. The researchers even noted that, due to its small scale, the survey likely under-estimates the scope of the problem.

“We see a rising need for a formalized services to identify patients early in their course who need assistance with pet care, and a need to provide better resources, before it becomes a crisis and impacts their care or the welfare of their pets,” said Tiffany Braley, M.D., M.S., the senior author and principal investigator. Read more about the survey here.

How PAWS NY Tackles This Issue

Here at PAWS NY, we have long known that pet guardians make decisions about their health care based on whether or not they have access to care for their furry family members. We have personally heard over and over from guardians who either delay medical care or leave the hospital against medical advice, because their pets are home alone. Because our clients are socially isolated and under-resourced, they often do not have the support needed to arrange for pet care and freely seek medical care when necessary.

PetSmart Charities has also recognized this challenge and wants to help address the issue. The organization recently awarded funding to PAWS NY, Animal Haven, and Search and Care in order to assist the most vulnerable pet guardians at risk of losing their animals due to health crises and hospitalizations. The resulting project, “Preserving Families in Times of Crisis,” will support older adults and other vulnerable populations by helping them prepare for emergencies with their pets, and providing emergency and foster care for pets while their guardians recover and are ultimately reunited.  

We are excited that scholarly research is supporting the importance of tackling this issue on the ground level and hope our work continues to highlight the importance of emergency planning for pets.

If you or someone you know is in need of pet care while dealing with a health crisis, email PAWS NY at Referrals@pawsny.org. 

The post The Importance of Pet Care During Health Crises appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

September 28, 2021—New York, NY—PetSmart Charities has awarded a three-year, $400,000 grant to three New York City-based organizations as part of their Preserving Families Initiative. The grant will support a new partnership between Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY, Animal Haven, and Search and Care. The funding promises to impact the most vulnerable pet guardians at risk of losing their animals due to hospitalizations and other crises. 

While most people see their pets as integral family members, few services exist to help pet guardians facing extraordinary crises. As a result, these individuals often have no option but to surrender their beloved animals to local shelters. With this grant, these three organizations will launch and implement the “Preserving Families in Times of Crisis” project, an innovative collaboration that aims to preserve the bond between pets and their people by offering emergency support, as well as engaging healthcare institutions and community-based programs to join them in this work.

“Pets have a profound impact on a family — and for the elderly, can often be their only source of companionship,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president at PetSmart Charities. “New York City is home to 1.7 million older adults, and we estimate about 170,000 of them have pets and need some support. A warm greeting from a beloved pet after a hospital stay can build emotional well-being — and stimulate the healing process. The innovative collaboration among these stellar organizations is exactly the kind of work we’re proud to support.”

PAWS NY, Animal Haven, and Search and Care each have extensive experience combining animal welfare and human welfare. The organizations champion the value of human service agencies proactively engaging clients in emergency planning for the entire family, including pets. The new project’s outreach to a network of New York City agencies will highlight not just the benefit of asking about pets and documenting them, but the cost saving that can also occur by helping pet guardians plan for these emergencies.

Overall, Preserving Families in Times of Crisis will support older adults and other vulnerable populations by helping them prepare for emergencies with their pets and providing emergency and foster care for pets while their guardians recover and are ultimately reunited.

“Thank you to PetSmart Charities for supporting this innovative collaboration between PAWS NY, Animal Haven, and Search and Care,” said Rachel Herman, the Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY. “Through the dual lens of human services and animal welfare, we will develop and implement a first-of-its-kind program that aims to preserve families in times of crisis. Together, we will do everything we can to maintain the beneficial relationships shared between New Yorkers and their animal companions. We are excited for this amazing opportunity!”

“We are excited to be part of this partnership because we get calls all the time from social workers looking for help for their clients’ animals,” said Tiffany Lacey, Animal Haven’s Executive Director. “This three-year grant is a true opportunity from PetSmart Charities to develop solutions that will lift barriers experienced by the most vulnerable and help pets and their guardians before a crisis like an unexpected hospitalization. While our goal here is pet retention, we also hope that the services we offer will allow these pets and their people not just to remain together but to thrive.”

“Search and Care helps older people and their pets age in place together, and our collaboration with these two New York City organizations is both exciting and challenging,” said Robin Strashun, Outreach, PET and Medical Escort Coordinator. “Together we are encouraging social service, homecare, and healthcare organizations to incorporate vital pet-related information during intakes so that both owners and companion animals have every opportunity to remain together. New Yorkers are devoted to their pets and, with the help of PetSmart Charities, we are united in raising awareness about the importance of advance planning for companion animals as they are an integral part of the family.”

###

About Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY

The mission of Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY is to help New York City’s most vulnerable residents remain with their pets by delivering critical programs and services through a community of partners and volunteers. Our programs help keep pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the human-animal bond that is so physically and psychologically valuable to our clients.  Thus, our motto: helping people by helping pets. To learn more, visit www.pawsny.org.

About Animal Haven

Animal Haven is a nonprofit organization that finds homes for abandoned cats and dogs throughout the Tri-State area and provides behavior intervention when needed to improve chances of adoption.  Founded in 1967, the organization runs an animal shelter in Manhattan and provides programs, including the Community Engagement Program, that provides support and services to pets and their people in crisis. To learn more, visit www.animalhaven.org.

About Search and Care

Founded in 1972 as a church outreach program, Search and Care’s mission is to seek out vulnerable older New Yorkers who need help managing life’s daily activities or accessing essential services. Having served over 20,000 clients, community stakeholders continue to refer older adults in need (age 60+) to the agency for in-home, fee-free Care Management and complementary services such as bill paying (“Money Matters”), telephonic/virtual mental health support (“Talkin’ It Out”), medical escorting, PET (Pets + Elders Together), and a groups component that fosters virtual communities. Staff members, and a multigenerational volunteer team, try to meet the varied needs of a multicultural and diverse client base regardless of race, gender, religion, creed, sexual orientation, or economic capabilities.  To learn more visit www.searchandcare.org.

About PetSmart Charities®

PetSmart Charities, Inc. is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps nearly 600,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter and emergency relief. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $475 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart Inc., PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 17 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.

Follow PetSmart Charities on Instagram: @PetSmartCharities
Follow PetSmart Charities on Twitter: @PetSmartChariTs
Find PetSmart Charities on Facebook: Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities
See PetSmart Charities on YouTube: YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc

Media Contact:

PAWS NY: Kimberly Green
212-203-4760 ext. 304
Kimberly.Green@pawsny.org                       

Animal Haven: Shannon Kirkman
212-274-8511
ShannonK@animalhaven.org

Search and Care: Robin Strashun
212-289-5300 ext. 203
strashun@searchandcare.org

24-Hour PetSmart Charities Media Line:  623-587-2177

The post PAWS NY, Animal Haven, and Search and Care Receive Three-Year $400,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities® to Help Keep Pets and People Together appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Additionally, Wilson, a 10-year-old yorkie-poo, is Bridget’s best furry friend and she is proud to support PAWS NY through the Marathon this year: “Our pets are such important sources of love and support, and I’m grateful that this organization exists to protect that for people who need it most.”

Read more about Bridget in her Q&A below. One fun fact? She has been a contestant on Jeopardy! 

Why did you decide to run the Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

This will be my fourth marathon, and my second NYC Marathon. There’s nothing else like it in the world! All of NYC is one big block party on Marathon Day, and being able to take in the whole city on foot is something most people don’t get to do. The hospitality and kindness shown to runners by NYC’s neighborhoods that day is truly inspiring. I’d run it every year if I could! 

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

I’ve followed PAWS NY on Instagram for some time now and I really appreciate the way it fills a very specific need, and affords people who are ill or hospitalized some peace of mind that their pet is loved and cared for. Our pets are such important sources of love and support, and I’m grateful that this organization exists to protect that for people who need it most. 

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets?

We didn’t have pets growing up and I never thought of myself as a pet or dog person, so I was initially quite reluctant when my husband lobbied to get a dog. But Wilson, our ten-year-old yorkie-poo, and I have been pretty much inseparable since the day we brought him home—he’s my best furry friend. His sweet and calming presence takes the edge off a bad day, and his wagging tail brings infectious joy to most everyone he meets. 

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I’ve been running long distances for about eight years. I love running in Central Park and along the Hudson River, and as a frequent traveler (in the beforetimes, anyway) I love the fact that you can run most anywhere you go; it has been a wonderful way to see the world’s cities! 

What do you do in your free time (besides run)?

I love to cook and eat, which is also great running motivation! Wilson and I hit up a few of the farmers’ markets around our neighborhood almost every week and can often be found picnicking in Central Park or checking out the Upper West Side’s outdoor dining scene. 

Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?

I grew up in Wyandotte, Michigan, and in addition to being a runner I love trivia games and am a one-time Jeopardy! Contestant. 

Thanks for your support and dedication, Bridget! We can’t wait to cheer you on this November! Donate to Bridget and the rest of Team PAWS NY here.

The post Marathon Runner Spotlight: Bridget appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

The funds from The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation will allow PAWS NY to continue to host virtual volunteer orientations, manage targeted outreach in areas of need, and coordinate digital outreach across New York City. Thanks to The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation for their ongoing support!

The post PAWS NY Receives Generous $40,000 Grant from The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Volunteer Amanda has been working with PAWS NY since January 2019, mostly walking guide dog Valla for her guardian Dawn.

“Growing up with pets, I’ve always been aware of the love, companionship, and support they provide in good times and bad,” Amanda says.

“I believe no one should have to lose a pet due to indigence or disability, especially when other members of the community are ready and able to help out.”

Read Amanda’s full Volunteer Spotlight Q&A below to learn about what she and Valla like to do on their walks, how she’s helped out during the pandemic, and her sweet childhood job!

How did you hear about PAWS NY? 

I was looking to do some volunteer work in the city and had been exploring various shelter and rescue programs. When I learned about PAWS NY, which would enable me to give back to the community while combining my love of animals, I was sold. 

Why are you passionate about PAWS and our mission of helping people by helping pets?

Growing up with pets, I’ve always been aware of the love, companionship, and support they provide in good times and bad. I believe no one should have to lose a pet due to indigence or disability, especially when other members of the community are ready and able to help out.  

Do you have pets of your own? Or have you in the past? Tell us about them!

I do not have a pet of my own at the moment, but have had family dogs since I was born. My parents’ current dog, Andy, is a rescue from Puerto Rico!

What do you do during your volunteer shift? Which clients & pets do you help? What do you do with the pets during your shift? 

I support PAWS client Dawn, who is blind, and her lab mix Valla. I visit once a week to walk Valla, helping her to get some exercise and fresh air. On hot days, or when she’s particularly tired, Valla also likes to sit on her stoop and people watch. Over the years, we have met many people (and their pets!) from around the neighborhood.

Did you stay connected to PAWS NY and our clients during the COVID-19 pandemic? What did you do?

First and foremost, I wanted to make sure Dawn and Valla were safe and healthy as the pandemic unfolded. We kept in communication via text, and I checked in periodically to make sure all was okay and to see if they needed anything. Later, as vaccines became available, I also spoke with Dawn about the process of getting an appointment and offered to help if needed.

What is your favorite part about volunteering? Do you have any favorite memories?

I have many favorite parts about volunteering. Obviously I love dogs, and Valla gives me my “fix” while I am unable to have a dog of my own. No matter what’s going on in my life, she is happy to see me, and our walks always brighten my day. 

On a personal level, I’ve also greatly enjoyed getting to know Dawn. Despite the fact that she lives in my neighborhood, our paths would likely not have crossed but for PAWS NY bringing us together. 

Where are you from? Where in the city do you live now?

I grew up in Connecticut, but currently live in Chelsea.

What do you like to do in your spare time (besides volunteer with PAWS NY)?

I love to read, watch movies, and go for bike rides around the city. 

Share some  fun facts about yourself!

I appeared on several cereal boxes as a kid! I can also complete a Rubik’s cube. 

Thank you for supporting PAWS NY and our community, Amanda! Read more Volunteer Spotlights here. 

The post Volunteer Spotlight: Amanda appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 each year. This national event traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities while celebrating the heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. 

September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Belize, Mexico, and Chile also celebrate their independence days on September 10, 16 and September 18, respectively.

Throughout the month, we encourage you to learn more and celebrate through individuals’ stories, art, webinars, and more!

• General Resources for National Hispanic Heritage Month
• Latinx History is Black History Presentation
• Current Latin Art Exhibitions in NYC
• Rising Stars of the Latino Community in NYC
• Latino Civil Rights Timeline, 1903 to 2006, via Learning for Justice

PAWS NY always welcomes Spanish speakers to volunteer with our clients, particularly those in Upper Manhattan and Astoria.

Do you have an event, article, or other resource to share? Email us now!

The post Hispanic Heritage Month Resources appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.