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Boarding Partners Provide Bridge for Animals

For some Little New Yorkers awaiting a permanent new home, the journey doesn't always lead directly from shelter to adopter. Some animals awaiting adoption are placed in temporary foster homes. But because foster homes are in such great demand and their availability is extremely limited, for many animals the "bridge" between rescue and permanent home is a boarding facility. Fortunately for these dogs and cats, New York is blessed with several exceptional boarding facilities that are genuinely interested in seeing that these animals receive excellent care as they await a permanent home.

Sherry Field, owner of Paws in Chelsea (145 West 24th Street, Manhattan), has welcomed dozens of dogs and cats into her facility for the Mayor's Alliance over the past several years. Whether for a night or two or for several weeks or months, Sherry and her animal-loving staff are always anxious to work with the animals, providing basic training and socialization when appropriate, and giving the animals a sense of security and well-being during their stay.

"Providing a safe place for these wonderful animals is my favorite part of what I do," Sherry explains. "Helping to make the animals more attractive to adopters, and getting them ready to take their place within a new family — that's the best thing we can do for them."

Paws In Chelsea offers cageless boarding, and will be opening a new facility — Paws in Soho at 504 Greenwich Street — later this month.

At The Wagging Tail (354½ Greenwich Street, Manhattan), owner Keith Durst and his staff have cared for numerous dogs and cats in transition for the Mayor's Alliance. "We do it because it makes us feel good," says Keith. "And it's good for the animals. It gives them the chance to be around other animals, and also helps them get used to being treated well, like they should be treated, in their future homes."

The Wagging Tail's feline expert Marcia Paley says that when working with the cats, her goal is to "bring out the best I can in their personalities." She says she tries to make the cat feel comfortable enough to develop its real personality and get him or her ready for the next step — into a new home.

Dan Rubenstein of The Paw Stop (21 Murray Street, Manhattan) sees his role as helping not only the dogs he takes into his care, but also helping the community. "We do it because we love doing it. We genuinely care about the animals…and if you look at the big picture, by taking the responsibility of caring for just one dog off the City's burden, it saves the city money. And the dog gets terrific care. Everyone wins."

In addition to providing care for Mayor's Alliance animals — often at special "rescue" rates — each one of these businesses actively seeks homes for rescued animals in their care. The Mayor's Alliance wishes not only to acknowledge the valuable role each one of these boarding partners plays in its important mission, but also to encourage pet owner/guardians to remember them when they are in need of daycare or boarding services.

If you think your business might be a valuable partner to the Mayor's Alliance and its goal of transforming New York City into a no-kill community, please contact us at info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org.