At Fall Fiesta in Central Park on October 2, the ASPCA provided free spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats and the Mayor's Alliance provided free microchipping.
Photo by Stephanie Norris, ASPCA
October Events Bring Free Services to NYC Communities
On October 2, the ASPCA and the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals presented the second annual Fall Fiesta in Central Park to kick off the second annual New York Week for the Animals. The ASPCA offered free spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats on five ASPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics, while the Mayor's Alliance provided free microchipping. Some event-goers met their new BFF on the ASPCA mobile adoption van. A trainer and groomer were available to answer questions, and plenty of useful information about resources for pet parents was distributed. Music, giveaways, and a fun raffle rounded out the day's activities. At the end of the day, more than 100 dogs and cats were spayed or neutered, and 80 pets were microchipped.
Three weeks later, on National Pit Bull Awareness Day, the Bronx's Crotona Park was the setting for Pet Bull Palooza, billed as a celebration of Pit Bull Terriers and other short-haired muscular mutts and their families. Here the Mayor's Alliance teamed up with Best Friends Animal Society and the ASPCA to offer free spay/neuters for dogs and cats on ASPCA mobile clinics, free vaccinations by the Mayor's Alliance and Best Friends, and free microchips by the Mayor's Alliance. Trainers, TTouch specialists, and a groomer were on hand to discuss issues concerning responsible pet ownership, answer pet owners' questions, and work hands-on with their pets. Event-goers had the opportunity to have a photo taken with their pet, and most of the event's guests went home loaded down with free products.
Families and friends of Pit Bull Terriers, Pit mixes, and similar breeds had a great day at Pet Bull Palooza at Crotona Park in the Bronx on October 23.
Photo by M DeMarco
Neighborhood events such as Fall Fiesta and Pet Bull Palooza are important, especially during these tough economic times when many pet owners are feeling that they can't afford proper care for their pets. In addition to providing free services for pet owners who need them, these events also help to increase awareness among pet parents about how to provide the care their pets need, including the importance of spay/neuer as a part of responsible pet ownership. We were thrilled that so many people in attendance for vaccinations and microchipping made appointments to have their pets spayed or neutered on the ASPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics at a later date.
For information about more free and low-cost resources for NYC pet owners, visit our Financial Help for People with Pets page.
