Rain or shine, it’s a beautiful day! Enjoy your

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The sun and the weather are lovely. Warmer days and cool nights make for good times. We’re venturing outside again, and it’s a time to come together for long walks, BBQ, and fun. If one of your favorite activities is swimming, it is worth thinking about the swimming pool and water safety for the furred members of your family.

While people think dogs and cats can swim, they can also drown. Sadly, some do every year. The fundamental rules for water safety involve supervision and preventing unsupervised access. Even if you feel they are avid swimmers, keep an eye on them — just as they keep an eye on you.

SWIMMING POOL SAFETY

An appropriate safety fence should enclose any pool. This should prevent access by most dogs, but if your dog is a little one, you may want to choose a particular fence, such as a solid option, so your small pet cannot squeeze through any gaps. A professional should install pool fencing.

Fencing is unlikely to keep cats out. In the case of cats, or if other pets do fall in the water, it is also good to consider having a ramp, steps, or both in the pool, which enable them to climb out.

Our friends over at ROVER have some good options for dog floaties to check out.

DOG PADDLING POOLS

Paddling pools are a great way to let your dog develop their love of water. They can be set up in your garden, and your dog can get used to them in their own time. Some tips for paddling pools are here:

• Some types of paddling pools may be more appropriate for your dog than others. Padding inflated pools may be easier to damage or puncture, and loud pops could scare them too.
• Ensure you wash your dog down afterward and check that the chemicals you use to clean your paddling pool are safe for your dog.
• Never force your dog to go in. You can distress your dog by forcing them in, so always let them go on their own accord.
• Ensure you have a toy or treats to encourage them to join you in the water. This has to be a fun experience.

HERE’S AN IDEA

SmileMart Foldable Pool or Bathtub

VOLUNTEERS

We are always grateful to the volunteers who organize pet events every week in and around the borough, send out announcements, hold fundraisers, help with supplies, clean cages, feed animals, and ensure the pets’ medical needs are met, and so much more.

ADOPTION EVENTS

Thanks to the volunteers devoted to helping loving families like you adopt these animals. Volunteering at the animal rescues listed below takes significant time and dedication.

If you want to adopt, please remember that there are loving senior and disabled pets who need your care and attention, too.

May 20

• Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue will be at Petco, 2975 Richmond Ave., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 1 p.m. to 4:00 p.m
• Louie’s Legacy will have its Paws and Petals adoption event on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Woodbridge High School in New Jersey. Details below.

May 21

• SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• SICAW will be at Bricktown Commons Petco, 165 Bricktown Way, Suite 1C, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENT

GIFTS FOR ANIMAL LOVERS

Julie Forlenza, a former teacher at IS 7, P.S. 62, and manager at Woof and Tails Lodge, took action after Hurricane Ian to help animals in shelters. She is the owner of Black Dog Portrait. Her passion for helping animals is exceptional. Check her out on Facebook or Instagram.

Stellar Villa is a New York City-based artist who recently raised over $11,500 for pet shelters after she single-handedly created 1,252 custom pieces of art of people’s pets over the course of 21 days. Now, she is working to create ongoing partnerships with local animal shelters to continue raising money. If you’re looking for a gift for a dog lover, check out Stellar’s work.

Weekly event: Animal Care Centers of New York City is open for adoptions of dogs, cats, guinea pigs and rabbits at 3139 Veterans Road West from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. For general information on adopting from ACC and other community-based programs through ACC, go to www.nycacc.org.

MEET JELANI

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Do you love dogs? Do you love beer? Then fetch a cold one at the Flagship Brewing Co.’s Dog Club. The club meets every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Flagship Brewery taproom at 40 Minthorne St., off Bay Street.

The Flagship’s Dog Club is for that special breed of dog and beer lovers who can bring their (well-behaved) pups to the meetings. Once a month, a guest speaker will talk about their specialty or knowledge regarding the welfare of their treasured, loyal friends.

ONGOING

1. Low-cost or free spay and neuter: The ASPCA’s free and low-cost mobile spay and neuter van travels throughout the five boroughs in every neighborhood.

Low-income pet owners in the five boroughs with proof of public assistance, such as welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability, food stamps, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or public housing qualify for free spay/neuter services for their cat or dog. If you have a pit bull, pit-bull mix, or certain large breed dogs, it’s also free.

For the exact times the van will be in your area, as well as pre-visit instructions, visit aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter, or call 877-SPAY-NYC (877-772-9692).

2. Apply for a dog license. Save time and postage by applying online. For an application or more information, visit nyc.gov/doglicense. View the flyer in the gallery above.

3. Fuzzy RX. Telehealth promotes veterinary health that is available 24/7. Vet chat on a one-to-one basis and get personalized treatment. They can connect with your veterinarians immediately for conditions that run the gamut of diarrhea, ear, physical, and skin issues.

DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS

· Allison Park, off-leash area, the field at the end of the trail bordered by Prospect Avenue, Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery, and the pond

· Amundsen Trail, off-leash area, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

· Arthur Von Briesen Park, off-leash area, lawn area, mid-park on the right side

· Bloomingdale Park, dog run, Maguire Avenue behind athletic fields closer to Ramona Avenue

· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, the open field above picnic area near Royal Oak Road and Rice Avenue

· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, Brookside Avenue between Alpine Court and Kingsley Avenue (lawn area)

· Clove’s Tail Park, off-leash area, lawn area, corner of Victory Boulevard and Little Clove Road

· Conference House Park, dog run, Clermont Avenue and Massachusetts Street

· Cozzens Woods Park, off-leash area, Page Avenue between Hylan Boulevard and Amboy Road

· Crescent Beach Park, off-leash area, Tennyson Drive, and Glover Avenue; located in the meadow area leading to the beach

· Evergreen Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street

· Father Macris Park, off-leash area, lawn beyond ball field

· Ida Court Playground, dog run, Ida Court between North Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East

· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, the bottom of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace; just below playground

· Siedenburg Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue, and Evergreen Street

· Silver Lake Park, dog run, Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from the Parkview Apartments

· South Beach Park, off-leash area. Note: On sand only after Labor Day and before Memorial Day

· Willowbrook Park, off-leash area, Archery Range Field

· Wolfe’s Pond Park, dog run, to the left of Cornelia Avenue

For more information with rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.

Dogs cannot enter any bathing facilities, including those at New York City beaches. However, from Oct. 1 through May 1, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Midland Beach and South Beach.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at Midland Beach and South Beach.

For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.

AL FRESCO DINING WITH YOUR DOG

· Angelina’s Ristorante, 339 Ellis St., Tottenville, 718-227-2900

· The Burrito Bar, 585 Forest Ave., West Brighton, 718-815-9200

· Ciro Pizza Café, 862 Huguenot Ave., Huguenot, 718-605-0620

· Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn, 4254 Arthur Kill Rd., Charleston, 718-984-1202

· Shake Shack, Staten Island Mall, 2655 Richmond Ave., New Springville, 929-529-0513

PET POISON HELPLINES

If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661 or petpoisonhelpline.com, or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or aspca.org.

As the seasons change, keep in mind the plants that are poisonous to animals: https://www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/

TO REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY

To report an incident of animal abuse, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

To contact an environmental conservation police officer or report suspected violations, contact the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 844-DEC-ECOS (844-332-3267) or dec.ny.gov/