Get Informed
Things Dangerous to Pets
Pets are curious in nature which can get him/her into trouble. As a pet parent, take precautions and ensure your pet stays safe. You will be surprised to know some of the things in and around your home that you never imagined could be toxic to pets.
Food and Drink Dangers
Some food and drink items may be dangerous for your pet. Some of the more hazardous edible items include:
- Alcoholic drinks and food products containing alcohol
- Avocado (only mildly toxic to dogs and cats, but can be severely toxic, even deadly, to birds, rabbits, horses, and ruminants such as cattle, goats, and sheep)
- Caffeine (found in a lot of drinks such as coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks)
- Fatty foods
- Garlic
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Marijuana
- Medicine intended for people or another pet, unless directed by your veterinarian
- Onions
- Salt
- Tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and their refills)
- Xylitol (a sweetener found in products such as some sugar-free chewing gum, sugar-free candy, cough syrup, mouthwash, and toothpaste)
- Yeast products (like raw bread dough) While not necessarily toxic, some food items can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction (a blockage in the digestive tract) if your pet swallows them.
- Avocado pits
- Corn cobs
- Bones
- Fruit pits in the Prunus genus of trees and shrubs, which includes cherries, nectarines, peaches, and plums, contain cyanide
- Food bags, especially the mylar-type potato chip bags, cereal bags, and snack bags – while not edible by itself, it can be a danger for pets. These bags are thin enough that if your dog puts his head far enough into one and breathes in, the bag can wrap around his nose and mouth, suffocating him. He can’t easily pull the bag off with his paws because it’s tightly stuck to his face, like shrink wrap.
Other Household Dangers
Pets, especially dogs, will often eat non-edible items that may be dangerous for your pet include:
- Antifreeze
- Cocoa mulch
- Fabric softener sheets
- Ice melting products
- Insecticides and pesticides (even flea and tick products for dogs can be dangerous, or possibly life-threatening, if used on cats or other animals)
- Lawn fertilizers and weed killers
- Liquid potpourri
- Mothballs
- Paints and solvents
- Rat and mouse bait
- Various household cleaners (including bleach and toilet bowl cleaners)
- Swimming pool chemicals
- Salt dough Christmas tree ornaments and play dough
Plants and Flowers
Some plants and flowers can be harmful if your pet eats them. Below is a list of the more common plants and flowers thatmay be dangerous for your pet:
- Almond, apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach, and plum trees and shrubs
- Aloe Vera
- Amaryllis
- Caster Bean
- Chrysanthemum
- Cyclamen
- Corn Plant
- Daphne
- Dogbane
- English Ivy
- Foxglove
- Golden Pothos
- Hibiscus
- Hyacinth and Tulip (especially the bulbs)
- Hydrangea
- Kalanchoe
- Lilies: Daylily, Gloriosa Lily, Lily-of-the-Valley, Peace Lily, True Lily
- Mother-in-Law Tongue
- Mountain Laurel
- Narcissus, Daffodil, Paperwhite, and Jonquil
- Oleander
- Philodendron
- Rhododendron and Azalea
- Rosary Pea
- Sago Palm
- Schefflera
- Stinging Nettle
- Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Plant
- Yew Bush
Act Quickly
If you think your pet has eaten something potentially dangerous, call your veterinarian or a pet poison control center right away.
Pet Poison Control Centers
Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 888-426-4435
For more information:
Click on the buttons below.
Emergency Veterinary Care in NYC
Emergency Veterinary Hospitals
Some of these New York City area veterinary hospitals are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Call ahead or check their website for hours if not indicated below. Bronx residents are advised to use Manhattan.
Brooklyn
Animal Kind Veterinary Hospital
365 7th Avenue (between 10th & 11th Streets), Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: (718) 832-3899
Animal Medicine Surgery Clinic PC
Must call ahead for after-hours emergencies
9518 Avenue L (between East 95th & East 96th Streets), Brooklyn, NY 11236
Phone: (718) 444-5151
BondVet - Cobble Hill
Call or visit website for hours
217 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 673-6763
Fifth Avenue Veterinary Hospital
Open 24 hours
9102 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Phone: (718) 748-1066
BluePearl – Brooklyn
Open 24 hours
190 3rd Avenue (at Douglass Street), Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 596-0099
One Love Animal Hospital
Locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan Not open late nights Visit website for locations and hours
Veterinary Emergency & Referral Group (VERG) Brooklyn
Open 24 hours
196 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 522-9400
Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)– Ralph Avenue
Open 24 hours
1950 Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11234
Phone: (718) 677-6700
Queens
BluePearl – Queens
Open 24 hours
107-28 71st Road (between 71st Road & 72nd
Avenue), Forest Hills, NY 11375
Phone: (718) 263-0099
Elmhurst Animal Emergency Hospital
Call for hours
87-06 Queens Boulevard (between 55th Avenue & 55th Road), Elmhurst, NY 11373
Phone: (718) 426-4444
InstaVet Urgent Care
Call or visit website for hours
44-16 23rd Street, Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: (917) 525-2579
Manhattan
Animal Medical Center
Open 24 hours
510 East 62nd Street (between FDR Drive & York Avenue), New York, NY 10065
Phone: (212) 838-8100
BluePearl – Midtown
Open 24 hours
410 West 55th Street (between 9th & 10th Avenues),
New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 767-0099
Bond Vet - Chelsea
Call or visit website for hours
555 6th Avenue (at 16th Street), New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 518-4667
BondVet - Upper East Side
Call or visit website for hours
1049 3rd Avenue (at 62nd Street), New York, NY 10065
Phone: (212) 945-8115
Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) – Chelsea
Open 24 hours
735 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (646) 582-8882
Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) – Upper East Side
Open 24 hours
1215 2nd Avenue (at East 64th Street) New York, NY 10065
Phone: (212) 223-3500
BondVet - Upper West Side
Call or visit website for hours
352 Amsterdam Avenue (at 77th Street), New York, NY 10024
Phone: (212) 729-9661
Staten Island
Greater Staten Island Veterinary Services
Open 24 hours
3135 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: (917) 830-1380
Other Areas
BondVet - Garden City
Call or visit website for hours
855 East Gate Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 828-8225
Animal Specialty Center
Open 24 hours
9 Odell Plaza, Yonkers, NY 10701
Phone: (914) 457-4000
VCA Animal Hospitals – Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center of Westbury
Open 24 hours
609-5 Cantiague Rock Road, Westbury, NY 11590
Phone: (516) 420-0000
Transportation
AmbuVet
Available 24 hours
Phone: 1-800-AMBUVET (1-800-262-8838)
Message Voice: (646) 523-1595
Places You Can Adopt Pets in NYC
Thinking of having a furry friend in NYC? Look no further than at these organizations. Time Out Magazine lists these organizations as the 11 best spots for pet adoption in NYC.
Manhattan
ASPCA Adoption Center
Look at their online directory for a furry pal in need of a good home. You'll be able to select the pet you are meant to be together with.
424 E 92nd St
212-876-7700 ext. 4120
Bideawee
Browse the online directory, where you can take a look at cats and dogs of various breeds and ages. Once you've got a pet in mind, work on fulfilling the adoption requirements and you'll be one step closer to a new addition to your family.
Manhattan Adoption Center:
410 East 38th St
152 W 24th St.(at 7th Ave.)
New York, NY 10011
Email: manhattanadoptions@bideawee.org
866-262-8133
Wantagh Adoption Center:
3300 Beltagh Ave.Wantagh, NY 11793
Email: wantaghadoptions@bideawee.org
866-262-8133
Westhampton Adoption Center
118 Old Country Rd. Westhampton, NY 11977
Email: westhamptonadoptions@bideawee.org
866-262-8133
Social Tees Animal Rescue
Almost all of the adoptable pets under Social Tees Animal Rescue’s care are not onsite at a shelter, but rather snuggling in foster homes around the city.
325 East 5th St
212-614-9653
Animal Haven
The organization also only accepts animals with zero history of aggression, so you’re more likely to get an animal with a friendly demeanor.
200 Centre St
212-274-8511
The Humane Society of New York
The center is more than just a shelter: It also provides medical care to pets at an affordable price and a loving atmosphere.
306 E. 59th St
212-752-4842
Brooklyn
Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue
See some of their dogs online
Network of foster homes in NY, CT and MA
adopt@badassbk.com
Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition
The detailed descriptions of each animal on their website can help you decide if a specific pet is right for you and the kids before leaving the house.
86 N 1st St
718-486-7489
NYC wide
Animal Care Centers of NYC
The adoption package at Animal Care Centers of NYC includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations, a certificate for a free exam, an embedded pre-registered microchip in case your pet ever gets lost and a collar. Dogs also get a leash, dog license and heartworm test, while cat adoptions also include FELV/FIV testing and a cardboard cat carrier. Start the process on the ACC of NYC. Mobile adoption units and adoption events are listed online. 212-788-4000
Upstate New York
Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center
Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center is right outside NYC in Huntington, NY, and is part of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals. All dogs are spayed/neutered before adoption.
33 Warner Rd Huntington, NY 11743
631-368-8770
National
Petfinder
Petfinder is the leading online resource for pet adoption in the United States. It works something like a matchmaking service: You can find exactly the right pet for your home. Petfinder is a national organization, which means you might find yourself rescuing a furry creature from out-of-state—lucky dog! (And cat!) Adoption process begins online Contact Petfinder online
See a Stray or Injured animal - what you can do to help?
When domestic pets or wildlife are injured, ill, or orphaned, they often need human assistance to survive.
Your action can help save an animal’s chances of survival and recovery.
In NYC
If you see an Injured or Sick Domestic Animal:
- Call Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) at (212) 788-4000 and press option 8
- If you can safely pick up and transport the injured animal yourself, you can bring him/her to one of the three full-service Animal Care Centers located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island, or one of the two Resource Centers located in the Bronx and Queens.
If you see an Injured, Sick, or Orphaned Wildlife:
Contact any of the following organizations:
-
Wild Bird Fund :
565 Columbus Avenue (at 87th Street), New York, NY 10024
Phone: (646) 306-2862
wildbirdfund.org If you can safely pick up and transport the injured animal, you can take him/her to the Wild Bird Fund's Rehabilitation Center. Please call ahead to make sure the facility is open. -
Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center :
10846 Route 23A, Hunter, NY 12442
Phone: (518) 989-6534
fffwildlifecenter.com -
Animal Help Now :
The Animal Help Now service, AHNow.org and through free iPhone and Android apps, connects people involved with wildlife emergencies and conflicts with the most appropriate time- and location-specific resources and services.
Outside NY
Livingwithwildlife.org
350 South Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02130
Phone: (617) 522-7400
nwrawildlife.org
8400 Normandale Lake Blvd., Ste. 920
Bloomington, MN 55437
(320) 230-9920
wildneighbors.org
1255 23rd St. NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20037
202-452-1100 or 866-720-2676
For more information on Stray or Injured Animals, check out
Lost Pet
Losing your dog is devastating. Here are some things you can do if you have lost your pet:
- Contact your local animal control in the area. Give them a description of your pet and a way to reach you.
- Contact your veterinarian and make sure they have your current contact information in case someone finds your pet and reaches out to your vet. Also, contact past veterinarians as well just in case your pet is traced back to them.
- Contact local emergency vets. If your pet was injured it might be taken there. Leave a description of your pet and your contact information.
- If your pet is microchipped contact the microchip company and make sure they have your current contact information.
- Post your lost pet on http://www.thecenterforlostpets.org/ . You must first register. This enables their system to find a possible match to your missing pet.
- Contact the breeder or rescue group you got your pet from If your pet is found it is possible that it may trace back to them. Make sure to leave your current contact information.
- Rescue groups are a great resource to help search for your lost pet.
- Drive around your neighborhood and search. If you can’t get a clear view of everything, get out and walk.Talk to your neighbors and let them know your pet is missing and how to contact you if they see him/her.
- Make and post flyers. Find some great tips for creating effective lost/found posters here: http://www.missingpetpartnership.org/recovery-posters.php .
- List your lost pet under “lost and found” on Craigslist.com and on Petfinder.com
- Get the word out. Post a picture of your lost pet and contact information on Facebook, myspace or any other social networking sites.
- Place lost ads in local If they have online versions post it there as well. Many papers will run lost and found ads for no charge.
- Check local animal shelters every day in person! Do not only check in your city, check in neighboring cities.
- Don’t give up too early! Keep searching! Pets have been found months after they were originally lost. Please use every available resource to look for your pet.
Click here for other helpful resources on Lost Pet
Low Cost Spay & Neuter Services
Spaying or neutering promotes a healthier life for your pet and saves you money. It also reduces overpopulation and euthanasia of unwanted animals.
New York City has many free or low-cost clinics and programs.
You may also contact a local animal shelter or veterinarian to ask about available spay/neuter services near you.
National Programs
ASPCA
The organization has a comprehensive and searchable database designed to help you find low-cost spay/neuter programs in your community.
(800) 321-7387
Pet owners may purchase a certificate from Friends of Animals that can be used for a routine spay or neuter surgery at any of FoA’s participating veterinary hospitals. Spaying and Neutering Certificates may be purchased on-line. Or to order by mail call 1-800-321-PETS (1-800-321-7387) and request an application.
Spay USA
(800) 248-7729
North Shore Animal League America’s SpayUSA is a nationwide network and referral service for affordable spay/neuter. Developed in 1993, for nearly 20 years SpayUSA has helped hundreds of thousands of people nationwide obtain low cost, quality spay/neuter services.
