Last weekend, New Yorkers and their pets were invited to join the ASPCA, New York Police Department (NYPD), NYC Parks Department, Animal Care Centers of NYC and others for a few hours of festive Earth Day activities at our third annual Let’s Paws for Earth Day event.

The event took place at Staten Island’s Corporal Thompson Park and featured an NYPD Rock Wall, an appearance from McGruff the Crime Dog, a DJ and a pet costume contest, where prizes were given out for the most unique, cutest and best dressed furry friends.

Pet parents received free vaccines and pet tags, and were also able to access pet behavior resources, learn about pet services available in the city and complete on-site pet licensing with assistance from the ASPCA Community Engagement (CE) team.

This fun community event is just one of many that not only helps provide critical services and information to New York City’s residents, but also meaningfully connects us to the people and pets we serve. By offering this kind of support to pet owners when they need it most, we can keep pets healthy and in loving homes and ultimately free up space in shelters for animals in critical need.

Let’s Paws for Earth Day participating organizations include the ASPCA, NYPD, Staten Island District Attorney’s Office, NYC Parks Department, NYPD Recruitment & Civilian Careers, Animal Care Centers of NYC, Empire BlueCross Blueshield, New York City Emergency Management, American Red Cross, Department of Health, Safe Horizon, Family Justice Center and more.