Staten Islanders may be eligible for free pet spaying/neutering certificates this holiday season

One hundred complimentary certificates covering the cost of the frequently expensive procedures will be given to Staten Island residents who cannot afford to have their pets spayed or neutered this holiday season.

Residents in need across the five boroughs will receive the free vouchers from Friends of Animals (FoA), a global animal advocacy group established in New York in 1957, on December 10 and 11.

A standard spay/neuter treatment will be covered by the certificate, which will include a quick surgical pre-examination, anesthetic, surgery, waste management, post-operative care and pain management on the day of the procedure, hospitalization if necessary, and, if necessary, stitch removal. It is estimated that the certificate is worth $20,000.

The NYC Animal Care Center has regrettably put more than 1,400 dogs and cats to death in the first half of 2024, according to a press release from the group, causing a catastrophe for shelters nationwide.

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From November 30 to December 1, 2024, at 7:30 a.m., a young artist creates art to benefit a local animal shelter.

On November 26, 2024, at 3:41 p.m., a snowy plane crash in Upstate New York claimed the lives of the pilot and rescue dog.

According to Elizabeth Forel, an animal activist, head of the Coalition for NYC Animals, and a board member of the FoA, the city of New York has not adequately handled the overpopulation of cats and dogs by providing alternatives to extermination. Friends of Animals’ kindness and wisdom in addressing this situation is much appreciated, especially given how expensive goods are in New York City.

A first-come, first-served policy will apply to the certificates. Call 1-800-321-PETS (7387) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to request a certificate.

The group can also be contacted at www.friendsofanimals.org for additional information.

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