On September 6, we joined with many other nonprofit organizations, community groups, and on-campus clubs for the New York University Fall Service Fair. This gave us a chance to meet with hundreds of NYU students who are interested in giving back to the community, and we hope many of them will join us as volunteers in the coming weeks and months.

Later that week, on September 9, the PAWS NY team headed up to Harlem to participate in the first-ever Harlem Dog Fashion Show, hosted by Harlem Mothers & Fathers S.A.V.E. and the NYPD’s Patrol Borough Manhattan North. It was amazing to meet so many pups and see their fabulous outfits—what a day!

We continued our college tour with a visit to the Community Partners Fair at Pace University on September 21, where we had the perfect spot right under some funky lights. This was the first time in several years that this event was held in-person, so we were happy to make some IRL connections with Pace students.

On September 21, we also stopped by the recently-renovated Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, where we set up a table in the lobby to spread the word about PAWS NY among library patrons.

During the month, Carrie Nydick Finch, our Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy, gave several presentations at partner organizations across New York City, including at the Rodney Kirk Center, a social services program in Manhattan with a focus on older adults. On September 20, she presented at the Project FIND Pet Expo alongside our partner Search and Care, connecting with dozens of older pet owners looking for resources.

And then last week during a break in the rain, we hung out at the NYC Office of Emergency Management’s Pet and Service Animal Preparedness Fair on September 28 in Union Square. We spoke with New Yorkers about PAWS NY programs and making emergency plans for their families that include pets!

In addition to all of the September festivities, PAWS NY also participated in the Macaulay Honors College Community Resources Fair on August 21, and we were out and about at The Baroness Bar in Long Island City for their Haute Dog Fashion Show on August 30.

Thanks to everyone for inviting us to participate in these wonderful events! Have an event that you’d like PAWS NY to attend? Email Kimberly.Green@pawsny.org.

The post PAWS NY in the Community: September Events 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.

Last week, PAWS NY participated in the NYC Office of Emergency Management‘s Protecting One Another: Pets and Service Animal Preparedness Fair in Union Square. Other local animal welfare organizations participated as well, including Animal Medical Center, Animal Care Centers of NYC, ASPCA, and more. Visitors received information about emergency preparedness from the city and we spoke with New Yorkers about PAWS programs and services.

PAWS works closely with our clients to plan ahead when it comes to pet care during emergencies. In addition to our ongoing support through our Pet Pantry, Housecall Program, and Veterinary Care Program, PAWS NY also provides Foster & Emergency Care services to our clients if they need to be hospitalized or are dealing with an emergency situation.

Do you have an emergency plan for your pet?

Pets are family, and it’s important to include your furry companions in your emergency plans. The NYC OEM offers plenty of online resources to help you make plans and prepare for all types of emergencies: evacuations, health emergencies, weather-related issues, and more.

Additionally, the ASPCA offers advice on disaster preparedness and what to include in your pet’s Go Bag. Food, water, medication, vet records, a current photo, pet first aid kit, and a blanket are all good items to include.

The post National Preparedness Month 2021 appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.