More than 120 cats and dogs braved chilly temperatures for free vaccines and microchips during a “Community Pet Party” hosted by the ASPCA and the NYPD’s 49^th Precinct on Saturday, November 15 at Bronx Park East in the Bronx, New York.

Longtime Bronx resident Ceferino Miranda was one of the first in line with his Westie, Chiquita, one of three dogs he brought. He found Chiquita in the streets and now cares for five dogs. “I was going to get all their vaccines earlier this month,” said the Vietnam veteran, “but I fell short.”

Pets also received free ID tags, ASPCA fleece blankets, and Halo pet food provided by Freekibble. Some residents also received dog houses.

“For many animal owners, getting basic resources for their pets can be difficult, so we want to do all we can to help, especially as winter approaches,” said Colleen Doherty, manager of the ASPCA’s Cruelty Intervention Advocacy team, which staffed and promoted the event. New York City’s Office of Emergency Management gave out free flashlights and information on including pets in emergency preparedness plans.

Detective Victor DiPierro of the 49^th Precinct said he was glad to see people “taking advantage of these free services.”

One of them, Althea Hall, sat with Dynasty, a nine-year-old Rottweiler with a glistening coat. “She used to be my daughter’s,” said Althea, explaining how she once cared for Dynasty and got attached. “She’s mine now, and I want to do right by her.”

Nearby, Shadow, a five-year-old black cat, poked her head through the top of her carrier, blinking and soaking in the fall sunshine, before hunkering back down. When it was time for her vaccines, siblings Starlyza and Ricco Medina carried Shadow into the ASPCA vehicle designated for cats.

Earlier this year, the ASPCA announced the full citywide rollout of its strategic and pioneering collaboration with the NYPD to provide enhanced protection to New York City’s animals. The partnership has been extremely successful, with arrests and rescues increasing well over 100 percent compared to the same period last year.

Thanks to the NYPD and the ASPCA, these Bronx residents – both two-legged and four-legged – clearly got protected and served.