Petopia

Urban Resource Institute (URI) Opens PALS Place

The Urban Resource Institute (URI), the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter and support services, opened the country’s first entirely pet-friendly DV shelter of its size, called PALS Place.

The shelter is a seven-story emergency shelter in Brooklyn that will house up to 100 survivors and their pets. The shelter is specifically designed and outfitted for survivors and their families to heal together with their pets in the same apartment, and includes safe pet play areas, a grooming station, and unique therapeutic programming centered on the human-pet bond (more detail in press release below).

Currently only 3 percent of domestic violence shelters in the United States accommodate pets – yet more than 70 percent of DV victims report their pet was either threatened, harmed, or killed by an abuser. URI is committed to reducing barriers to DV services through inclusive shelter and programming.

With PALS Place, URI’s PALS (People and Animals Living Safely) Program is now offered in a total of six facilities across New York City, providing more than 100 survivor-pet co-living apartments.

Here is the press release:

 

Urban Resource Institute Opens Country’s First Entirely Pet-Friendly Domestic Violence Shelter, Helping People and Pets Escape Abuse Together

 

PALS Place is designed and outfitted for survivor-pet co-living, providing apartments, dedicated grooming and play spaces, and unique programming to allow people and pets to heal together in safety

 

New York – October 30, 2018 – Urban Resource Institute (URI), the largest provider of domestic violence shelter and support services in the country, today announced the opening of PALS Place, a seven-story emergency shelter in Brooklyn. PALS Place is the first-ever domestic violence shelter of its size in the country specifically designed and outfitted for survivor-pet co-living, providing 30 one- and two-bedroom apartments where up to 100 survivors, whether individuals or families, can heal together in safety with their pets. As an entirely pet-friendly facility, the shelter provides dedicated spaces for pet grooming and play as well as unique animal-centric programming to help residents of all species thrive.

According to research cited by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 70 percent of domestic violence victims report that their pets were either threatened, harmed, or killed by an abuser. However, only about 3 percent of domestic violence shelters in the United States accommodate pets, forcing individuals and families to make the nearly impossible choice of abandoning their pets to enter shelter, or remaining in an unsafe environment and risking further abuse. In fact, 48 percent of domestic violence victims stay in abusive situations rather than leave their pets behind.

“URI’s core mission is to provide compassionate and comprehensive services that benefit all victims of abuse, including historically underserved victims, and reduce barriers to seeking existing resources,” said Nathaniel M. Fields, president and CEO of Urban Resource Institute. “By providing survivors of abuse with co-living options that keep people and pets together, PALS Place marks a significant milestone in URI’s ongoing commitment to addressing service gaps through innovative programming and approaches to ending cycles of abuse.”

URI established the PALS (People and Animals Living Safely) Program in 2013 and began retrofitting existing URI shelters with pet-friendly elements, creating New York City’s first-ever co-living program of its kind. Celebrating five years of PALS, the newly designed and constructed PALS Place represents the next step in URI offering innovative services for New York City’s most vulnerable populations.

As URI’s first-ever entirely pet-friendly shelter, PALS Place will feature unique programming centered around the human-pet bond. Specific programmatic elements include:

Residents – Twice per year, PALS residents will have access to a short-term group session about human and animal healing. Quarterly, residents will be invited to attend recreational activities, such as a facility-wide barbecue or a trip to a local animal shelter. These events will incorporate tips for animal care, information about resources available for pet families in New York City, and introductions to the animal welfare profession. Special guests will be invited to these sessions, including therapy animal teams, professional dog trainers, and other animal care workers.

Survivors and pets living in PALS Place will have access to a dedicated pet grooming room complete with a pet ramp and professional-grade stainless steel tub that can be adjusted to higher and lower levels to accommodate both large and small pets. Periodic visits from groomers and/or veterinarians will be scheduled to provide care for pets in residence.

Children – Animal-focused programming will be integrated into childcare provided at PALS Place. Once per month, PALS staff will join childcare staff to provide educational sessions on safe interactions with animals and how to care for pets. Special guests will be invited to these sessions, including therapy animal teams and local educators. Once per quarter, children will be invited on a field trip into the community to learn about zoo animals, farm animals, and local wildlife to foster an appreciation of the natural world.

Staff – PALS Place will employ over 30 administrative, clinical, and operational staff trained in creating a healing environment that helps adults, children, and pets recover from trauma and prepare for independent living. This includes staff training on animal body language and offering ongoing professional development opportunities like tours of local animal shelters or presentations from animal welfare experts. Every three months, staff will be invited to share their ideas for improving and expanding PALS Place programming via survey. They will provide ongoing support of PALS families, including coordinating free pet medical care courtesy of the ASPCA and identifying pet-friendly housing options for survivors after shelter.

From a construction and architecture standpoint, every aspect of PALS Place is designed to be as welcoming, safe, and healthy as possible for families and pets adjusting to life in the shelter. This includes painting hallways non-white colors that are calming to pets’ eyes and installing Crane Composite Fiberglass reinforced wall panels and in-apartment wainscoting to maintain a durable and hygienic space free of stains, scratches, and smells.

PALS Place also has several communal areas for residents to assemble and engage in recreational and therapeutic activities, including an outdoor rooftop and an indoor recreation space with computers. A community room with a kitchen provides opportunities for residents to socialize, hold celebrations, and participate in educational workshops. Additional amenities for individuals and families include an on-site laundry room and secure outdoor play area for children. Heights Advisors, a community real estate developer focused on strengthening local communities by creating housing with access to social services, was URI’s partner in the construction of PALS Place.

To encourage the exercise, play, and bonding time that is vital to pets’ health during times of transition and stress, an outdoor “Pet Haven” play area is located on the property. The Pet Haven features a play structure and padded grass that creates a safe and resilient playground environment for pets and children alike. PALS supporter Purina will provide each resident with a welcome kit containing pet food, treats, toys, and critical supplies like water bowls, collars, leashes, litter, and litter boxes.

URI first announced the development and construction of PALS Place during a jointly-hosted panel discussion (full video here). The panel included national experts in the domestic violence and animal welfare spaces discussing the often misunderstood role pets play in abusive situations and how to create an ecosystem of services to protect families, individuals, and pets experiencing abuse.

URI’s PALS program now spans six facilities located throughout New York City, providing more than 100 pet-welcoming units for domestic violence survivors and their pets. To date, URI has welcomed over 130 pets into its residences, including dogs, cats, turtles, birds, guinea pigs, lizards, and fish.

For more information about URI’s services and to donate to support the mission of PALS, please visit http://www.urinyc.org.

About Urban Resource Institute

Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a leading non-profit organization that provides comprehensive, holistic, and supportive social services that aid and empower New Yorkers in times of crisis. URI’s programs provide care for survivors of domestic violence, individuals with developmental disabilities, homeless families, and other at-risk populations, allowing them to live in safety and recover from trauma in both residential and non-residential settings. With deep community relationships and a flexible, innovative approach to program development and service delivery, URI is uniquely equipped to provide solutions to the challenges affecting New York City’s most vulnerable populations. URI merged with the Center Against Domestic Violence in 2018, the first licensed provider of domestic violence shelter in New York. With nearly 80 years of combined experience, the organization is the largest provider of domestic violence residential services in the country, with the ability to shelter over 1,000 individuals, including survivors and their families, on any given day. For more information, please visit www.urinyc.org.

About Heights Advisors

Heights Advisors is a community real estate developer, serving as the lead investor for more than $1 billion in real estate projects, and an investment management firm. The firm is currently overseeing more than one million square-feet of ground-up development and residential conversions in New York and Philadelphia.

Pillars of Heights Advisors’ mission is to provide development with social impact, a commitment to strengthening local communities by creating critical housing with access to much needed social services, and engaging with community partners. Heights Advisors is particularly proud of the 41-unit (30 apartment) domestic violence shelter in Brooklyn built from the ground-up for Urban Resource Institute to house people and their pets. It is the first domestic violence shelter of its size in the country built for co-living. The firm is building an expanded animal shelter to house the nonprofit Brooklyn Welfare Coalition’s Brooklyn Cat Cafe.

 

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Pet Financial Aid Resources for Low-Income Families

Pets are an incredible source of love, affection, and joy for many people across the world. Many of us are taking advantage of the benefits of having a furry, feathery, or scaly friend to call our own. In fact, as of 2017, as many as 68 percent of US households have a pet.

Unfortunately, for all the great things about having a pet, there’s also inevitable fact that at some point they’ll get sick or injured and need medical treatment. For low income families especially, the question of how to pay for vet bills, especially unexpected emergencies, is one that may loom large.

What’s more, the cost of paying for veterinary care has been drastically increasing over the last several years. It’s estimated that US pet owners will spend an astounding $18 billion on vet bills in 2018 alone.

And, because these costs are rising so dramatically, many people are reporting an increase in what’s known as “economic euthanasia,” the tragic situation where a pet owner decides to put down their companion animal because they can’t afford necessary medical treatment.

Still, many nonprofits and charitable organizations have come to rescue, recognizing the fact that no one should have to face losing their companion animal because they cannot afford their medical care. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 40+ organizations that offer financial assistance for pet owners, financial aid for sick pets, and pet surgery assistance for low-income families.

Luckily, there is a new guide available for families seeking a way to have a pet as provide for them. It is called the Pet Financial Aid Resources for Low-Income Families

The guide offers the following:

• A ton of financial aid resources for pet owners
• National organizations offering pet financial assistance
• Financial aid programs for dogs & cats
• Mobility assistance programs
• An updated section on crowdfunding and payment plans for pets

 

Island of Cats Looking for a Caretaker

As posted on Lost At E Minor:

A chance to spend your days looking after cats, while being paid a salary and living on a Greek island. Surely this is a hoax? It would appear not, with the preceding job having been advertised on the Facebook page ‘God’s Little People Cat Rescue’ – then subsequently shared more than 24,000 times!

The job itself is a part-time gig – just four hours work per day – although you’ll be taking care of and sharing a house with 55 cats, so the “part-time” aspect sort of goes out the window, as animals don’t tend to respect punch cards.

Please let us know if this is on the up and up.

 

Pet Information for Emergencies

Anything can happen nowadays and you will want to be as prepared as possible for any emergencies - including those for your pets. The American Kennel Club offers pet owners valuable advice through a pet emergency planning guide. Here is more:

Disasters and the unexpected can happen.  Being prepared ahead of time is essential during an emergency to be sure everyone, including your pets, are cared for.  Complete your Pet Emergency Planning Guide now, so if disaster strikes, you and your pet will be ready!

Create an easily portable & waterproof tote with emergency supplies and provisions that you can easily access from your home or grab-and-go if you need to evacuate.

1. Food, Water and Meds: Fill waterproof containers with a week’s supply of food and medications; remember drinking water, too!
2. Necessary Supplies: Bowls, extra leashes, and collapsible carriers or crates, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener, favorite toy or treats.
3. Organize your pet’s information – and keep this guide and checklist!
   • Photo and description of your pet, as well as any proof of ownership.
   • Microchip number – be sure to verify your pet’s microchip enrollment information with AKC Reunite at 1-800-252-7894.
   • Veterinarian contact information along with your pet’s medical and/or insurance records.
   • Feeding schedule information.
4. Easily readable map with potential evacuation routes highlighted.
5. Blanket, flashlight and batteries.
6. First Aid Kit, a helpful tool for both humans and pets.

Review the materials in your emergency supply tote and all plans and preparations on a regular basis.

• Check expiration dates on your emergency supplies.
• Are your packed materials seasonally appropriate.
• Have planned evacuation routes changed due to construction or other reasons?
• Is your pet’s microchip record current?
• Assess your flashlights, batteries, drinking water, emergency gasoline, blankets, non-perishable food items.

The Safest Place for Your Pet is to be With You

At the first mention of a pending disaster, take action!

• Ensure all pets are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification.
• Check your pet emergency supplies are accessible and easily portable at a moment’s notice.
• Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
• Bring pets inside so you won’t have to search for them if you need to evacuate quickly.

If evacuating:

Never leave your pet at home.  Most evacuations last only a few days, but sometimes you may not be able to return to your home quickly.  Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times and have a sturdy crate or carrier for transport.

• Call 800-252-7894 confirm your pet’s microchip has your current contact information, or confirm online using our online records system.
• If you plan to go to a hotel, call ahead to confirm your pet is welcome.

Download a PDF of our Pet Emergency Planning Guide

Disasters and the unexpected can happen.  Being prepared ahead of time is essential during an emergency to be sure everyone, including your pets, are cared for.  Complete your Pet Emergency Planning Guide now, so if disaster strikes, you and your pet will be ready!

Why Adopt a Shelter Dog? 20 Astonishing Shelter Dog Facts

WileyPup has agreed to share their informative article on shelter dog adoption with us. Here it is with links to the article sections.

Should I adopt a shelter dog?

Our comprehensive look will consider three main areas of focus: statistical data, common myths, and the ethical considerations of adopting a dog from an animal shelter.

If you decide adopting is the right choice for you, but are worried about visiting a shelter, you will find a section devoted to some great adoption alternatives that give you the pride of adopting a homeless pet without the need to actually visit a shelter.

Finally, we have provided a resource section at the end of this article to help you locate more detailed information on this subject for those doing research on this important issue.

This article will provide a look at one of the biggest life decisions many folks will make:

By the Numbers: Helpful Statistics

1. There Are About 3,500 Shelters in the U.S.

2. 3.3 Million Dogs Enter Shelters Annually

3. About 3 Million Shelter Animals are Euthanized Annually

4. 56% of Dogs in Shelters are Euthanized

5. 1.6 Million Dogs Are Adopted Annually

6. Adoption Statistics

7. About 25% of Dogs in Shelters are Purebred

The Bigger Picture: Myth Versus Fact

8. The staff will try to push a problem dog on you.

9. The shelter is full of “bad” dogs.

10. Dogs adopted from the pound are aggressive.

11. Shelter dogs are more likely to have health problems than purebred dogs.

12. Purebred dogs are more well-behaved than mutts.​

13. All shelter dogs need professional rehabilitation.

14. Adoption fees are too high at shelters.

15. You know what you are getting with a purebred. Adopting a dog from the shelter is a lottery.

5 More Reasons Why to Adopt a Shelter Dog

16. Shelter dogs know that you rescued them.

17. Supporting shelters means you are helping to combat animal cruelty and neglect.  

18. Supporting shelters helps cut down on pet overpopulation.

19. Putting puppy mills out of business.

20. Save a dog’s life. 

Adoption Alternatives to a Shelter

Sources for More Information

 

Keeping Pets Safe When It's Cold

The East Coast is in the middle of a bomb cyclone and pet owners should be aware of the dangers. As tragic reports emerge of animals succumbing to the cold after being left outside, The Humane Society of the United States urges pet owners to keep all animals indoors during cold weather. 

“Dogs, cats and horses depend on our care, especially during life-threatening cold snaps. Take the animals in, or somehow provide a safe environment for them,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS.

The HSUS also urges citizens that witness animals being left outside to contact their local law enforcement agency to report the concern. Animals left outside are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite and death. Many counties and jurisdictions have cold weather care ordinances in which owners are at risk of facing fines criminal charges if their pets are left outside.

Read about 5 ways to protect your pets this winter here.

Traveling With Your Pet

I just received a wonderful email from Denise who works for The Brenham Community Center in Texas. The center focuses on creating quality and life changing experiences for individuals in need of support and resources within Brenham, TX.

Denise wrote to say that they have been reviewing resources on the internet for a project about traveling and what you do with your pets when you travel. They came across a previous post here on Petopia and found it helpful. As a thank you, they sent me a link to another article on traveling with your pet that included some resources for other pet owners.

Here is that article which has some great links to other articles on pets and travel.

Thank you Denise and the children from The BrenhamCC!

Traveling with pets is not uncommon in the trucking industry. Dogs, cats, rabbit, birds, and many other animals make great companions during long hauls. However, there are a number of factors to take into consideration when traveling with your pet to make the trip more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Plot Your Route Before Traveling With Your Pet

Truckers are used to plotting routes before traveling, but when a pet is on board, extra care needs to go into the planning. The destination and refueling stops are always part of the equation, so nothing really needs to change in that regard. Lodging, on the other hand, can get tricky. Not all lodging areas allow pets. While some cities and stated have relaxed their policies to allow service animals, such as seeing eye dogs, some places are less inclined to just let pets stay in a motel room. No one likes to leave their best friend in the cab when traveling with a pet, so the best advice is simply to call ahead to the lodging stops and ask if they accommodate pets. Some places are completely open to the idea, as they regularly provide lodging for truckers and moving families with pets. Others may charge a small fee.

How Healthy Is Your Pet For Traveling?

While dogs, cats, and other animals make great companions on the road, truckers should take their best friends to a veterinary clinic before a big trip. Give them a checkup, and make sure they are fit for travel. If you are traveling with a pet that needs medication, make certain that you are fully stocked before hitting the road. As an extra measure, keep tabs of veterinary clinics along your route, just in case something happens while you are traveling with your pet.

Your First Time Traveling With Your Pet

If you are planning your first big trucking haul with a pet, you might want to take them for a few short rides beforehand. Some pets are great in the home and the back yard, but get increased levels of anxiety when they travel in vehicles. Some pets do get sick in vehicles. Some pets like to wander around inside the cab of the truck, which can hinder safe driving. Make sure your pet enjoys traveling before you put them in your truck. Your pet is your best friend. You wouldn’t want them to have a miserable time, especially if you are making a long trip. Remember, your truck is going to be your pet’s home away from home, so you want to make the experience as comforting as possible.

Exercise And Answering Nature’s Call

Truckers are used to sitting still for hours at a time during long trips. When traveling with pets, remember they need to stretch their legs. Making the occasional stop to let your dog or other leash-friendly pet walk around for a little bit is good for them. On a similar note, pets have much smaller bladders than people do, and many pets have faster metabolisms. While a person can “hold it” while traveling for long distances, pets cannot. Remember to stop frequently to give pets a chance to relieve themselves, to avoid unpleasant incidents on the open road.

Logistics And Pets

The trucking industry is all about logistics, and traveling with a pet requires a few extra steps. Start with the basics. Pets require food and water. Bring more than enough of both to keep your pet well-fed and watered while traveling. Remember, there may not be places that carry the food your pet needs along the way. Keeping an ample stock of food and water it may sound odd to non-pet owners, but keeping a small first aid kit is important when traveling with your pet. Kitty litter, newspapers, cedar shavings, and other box or cage liners are necessary, as well. Traveling can make pets excitable. Make sure to keep the temperature inside the truck regulated so that it is comfortable for both you and your pet. Bring blankets and a couple of their favorite toys, not just to keep them from getting bored, but for comfort. Little reminders from home can put your pet at ease, and create a calming environment for your pet while traveling. Some basics to bring along on your trip include:

• Food
• Water
• Blankets
• Familiar toys
• First-aid kit
• Medication
• Litter box and litter
• Brushes and grooming supplies
• Tags
• Travel bowls for food and water

Stay With Your Pet While Traveling

If you are taking your pet along for the ride in your truck, remember that they are dependent on you. If you have to stop at a filling station, take your pet with you. Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in the number of pet thefts at rest stops and filling stations. Additionally, there are some people who are a bit hyper-vigilant about pets left in trucks, and will try to break windows to free pets they think are trapped. This is not to scare you from traveling with your pet, but rather keeping your pet with you can prevent unpleasant and unnecessary situations.

Leashes, Carriers, And Traveling With Pets

To go along with everything mentioned above, it is important to have a way to take your pet to and from your truck. For dogs and other mobile, social, and semi-independent pets, getting a secure and comfortable leash and harness combination is a wise idea. For other animals, a cage or carrier of some sort works. It is not recommended to carry our pet with you, like a baby. When traveling with a pet, strange environments can cause pets to leap from your arms and start running. They may get lost or scared, which will cause stress for you both. Using a carrier or a leash keeps your pet safe, secure, and close by at all times while you are traveling.

Give Your Pet Some Attention When You’re On The Road

When traveling with your pets, they are much more than another passenger. Some pets like to explore new spaces, including your truck. Keep an eye on your pet to keep them from getting hurt or making driving difficult. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, your pet still needs attention. Most pets do not understand that your drive a truck for a living, nor do they understand why you are sitting still for long hours while the world with whizzing by through the windows. When you stop your truck, give your pet some affection. Let them know that you appreciate them coming along for the journey. Remember, traveling with a pet is a comfort for them, as well as you. Pets don’t like to be left at home, or in a kennel. You don’t like to travel for long hours without your best friend, either. Talk to your pets when they are in the cab. When you are at a rest area, lodging for the night, or at your destination, take time to play with your pets. By engaging them and praising them, your pets will be excited to come along with you on each and every haul you make. If you follow the above guidelines you, and your pet, will have an enjoyable time on the road. Both you and your pet will be able to enjoy each other’s company while traveling on short trips and long deliveries. Making long hauls in your truck with your pet will be an adventure.

 References:

Traveling With Your Pet: Advice From The Humane Society

Interstate Travel With Pets

Traveling With Pets: CDC Guidelines

DMV: Tips For Traveling With Pets

Consumer Reports: Safe Road Tripping With Pets

Pet Education: Traveling With Your Bird

American Kennel Club: Traveling With Your Dog

Paw Rescue: Driver Safety When Traveling With Pets

ASPCA: Pet Travel Safety

Healthy Pets: Trucker Pets

iCat Care: Traveling With Your Cat

Life With Dogs: Preventing Travel Anxiety And Car Sickness

Catster: Calm Your Cat On Road Trips

Keeping Your Pet Calm While Traveling

Road Travel Tips For Pet Owners

Japan Has A Cat Cafe Train

Cara Giaimo writes for Atlas Obscura about a wonderful adoption effort going on in Japan - a Cat Cafe train.

On Sunday, September 10, Bill Adler and a few dozen fellow travelers rode on one of the cat café trains. They were joined by about 30 rescue kittens, which spent the trip climbing the legs of besotted passengers, running back and forth on train benches, and napping on laps. Adler traveled about 90 minutes outside of Tokyo to hop this train, which left from the small city of Ōgaki. He is quite familiar with cats—he has one himself—as well as with his adopted country’s love for cat cafés, in which patrons drink tea and eat cookies while surrounded by felines.

But he was too curious to pass this opportunity up. “We all wondered what it was going to be like—this vision of a train and cats,” he says. “How was it going to work out?” Quite well, it turns out. Unlike the older, often lazier cats that lend stationary cat cafés a lounge-like atmosphere, the train kittens were in perpetual motion. “They were so light and little and curious about everything,” says Adler. Three kittens circled one woman for nearly the entire ride, clambering all over her. Another passenger spent hours cradling a tiny black cat to his chest. The two-and-a-half-hour trip flew by. “In Japanese, one very popular word is kawaii, which means cute,” Adler says. “That word was more appropriate on this train ride than any other place I’ve ever been. It was awesomely cute. It was just wild!”

The cat train was a collaboration between a local NGO, called Kitten Cafe Sanctuary, and the train’s owner, Yoro Railway Co Ltd. The NGO hoped to promote stray cat adoption, while the transportation company aimed to jumpstart tourism to Ōgaki and the destination city, Ikeno.

The Most Pet Friendly Cities

With National Homeless Animals Day approaching and the cost of owning a pet ranging from $227 to more than $2,000, depending on the type of animal, WalletHub took an in-depth look at 2017’s Most Pet-Friendly Cities.

In order to determine where Americans’ furry and slimy companions can enjoy the best quality of life without breaking the bank, WalletHub’s analysts compared the creature-friendliness of the 100 largest cities across 21 key metrics. The data set ranges from minimum pet-care provider rate per visit to pet businesses per capita to walkability.
 

Most Pet-Friendly Cities			Least Pet-Friendly Cities
1	Scottsdale, AZ		91	Charlotte, NC
2	Phoenix, AZ		92	Anchorage, AK
3	Tampa, FL		93	Philadelphia, PA
4	San Diego, CA		94	Buffalo, NY
5	Orlando, FL		95	Santa Ana, CA
6	Birmingham, AL		96	Boston, MA
7	Austin, TX		97	New York, NY
8	Cincinnati, OH		98	Honolulu, HI
9	Atlanta, GA		99	Baltimore, MD
10	Las Vegas, NV		100	Newark, NJ

 Key Stats

• Columbus, Ohio, has the lowest average veterinary care costs (per visit), $33.25, which is 2.5 times lower than in New York, the city with the highest at $84.47.
   
• Miami, Florida, has the most veterinarians (per square root of population), 88 times more than in Newark, New Jersey, the city with the fewest.
   
• St. Paul, Minnesota, has the lowest monthly dog-insurance premium, $33.71, which is 2.4 times lower than in New York, the city with the highest at $80.78.
   
• San Francisco, California, has the most pet businesses (per square root of population), 23 times more than in Laredo, Texas the city with the fewest.
   

To view the full report and your city’s rank, please visit: 
https://wallethub.com/edu/most-pet-friendly-cities/5562/

Battle-Scarred Feral Cat Meets Foster Kittens

Mason is an ancient, battle-scarred feral cat with advanced kidney disease. Instead of euthanasia, we felt he deserved to live his sunset months in comfort, free from pain.

If you have tears to shed, prepare to shed them now....