BESTOFNEWYORKCITY.COM • WINNERS GUIDE • BETHPAGE BEST OF THE CITY 2020 33
BEST ANIMAL RESCUE
STRAY FROM THE HEART
(212) 726-3647–www.strayfromtheheart.org
As we learn more about the darker sides of
the industry surrounding the breeding and
sale of puppies and kittens, it is becoming
increasingly clear that adoption can be a more
ethical and impactful way of owning a pet
than buying one from a store. And when it
comes to animal rescue and adoption, there is
absolutely none better than Stray From The
Heart! For those New Yorkers who want to
support animal rescue and adoption but can’t
or aren’t allowed to have pets, a donation to
the shelter is another great way of supporting
the fantastic eff orts of the best animal rescue
in the city!
BEST ANIMAL SHELTER
ANIMAL HAVEN
200 Centre St
(212) 274-8511–www.animalhavenshelter.org
When you adopt an animal from a shelter,
you’re giving them a chance at a new, better
life with a loving family. At Animal Haven,
their mission is to fi nd homes for abandoned
dogs and cats throughout the tri-state area.
In addition to housing animals until they fi nd
their new forever home, Animal Haven off ers
their furry friends programs to help strengthen
the bonds between pets and people, plus
behavior training when needed to help boost
their chances of adoption. Animal Haven also
has community outreach programs to help
people understand pet welfare services as well
as serving pets and pet owners in underserved
communities. Don’t forget to check out their
volunteer program!
BEST BIRD STORE
WILD BIRD FUND
565 Columbus Ave
(646) 306-2862–www.wildbirdfund.org
The Wild Bird Fund is a state and federally
licensed organization that rehabilitates over
3,000 sick, injured or orphaned wildlife
and releases them back to the wilds of New
York City. There are over 355 bird species
that live in the Big Apple or take refuge here
during the spring and fall migrations. Many
are injured by fl ying into buildings, or by cat
attacks, vehicles and human interference.
Rehabilitation includes radiographs,
diagnostic testing, surgery, medication,
bandaging, splinting, physical therapy, feeding
and sheltering. The critical work at the Wild
Bird Fund is accomplished through private
donations and mostly volunteer labor.
BEST DOG TRAINER
ZEN DOG TRAINING LLC
(917) 376-8648–www.zendog.us
Zen Dog Training uses only eff ective,
science-based positive training methods
that center on enhancing your relationship
and communication with your dog. Not
only do they train skills and behaviors, but
they also teach your dog that training is fun.
Dogs will be happy, attentive and confi dent
after a training session at Zen Dog Training.
With years of experience training hundreds
of dogs of all diff erent ages, breeds, and
temperaments, the trainers will help you
reach your training goals. They’re veterinarian
recommended and internationally certifi ed
to address behavior issues such as puppy
obedience and puppy manners, housetraining,
dog aggression training and human aggression
training, barking at the doorbell, and much
more.
BEST DOG WALKER
NY TAILS
318 E 80th St
(646) 289-1760–www.nytails.com
Having a dog walker to take care of your furry
friends is not only a great way to get them out
of the house when you aren’t able to, but also
a great way to socialize your pets who may
not have other humans or animals to interact
with at home! NY Tails employs a team of
highly qualifi ed and veteran dog walkers that
are more than just competent dog walkers, big
or small. They might also be your pet’s future
best friend!
BEST PET CLOTHING
STORE
LOVETHYBEAST
300 E 5th St
(646) 876-1005–www.lovethybeast.com
Humans who love catering to and pampering
their furry friends can do so at LoveThyBeast
pet accessory store. Back in 2012, Love Thy
Beast was born out of a personal need for
founder Tiziana Agnello who needed the right
pet carrier for her elderly pug Gzigzia. Starting
with the original pet tote and expanding from
there, Agnello created stylish and timeless
clothes, beds, jackets and other essentials for
your beloved dogs and cats. The LoveThyBeast
retail shops in the East Village, Grand Central
and Hudson Valley off er the classic namesake
brand products as well as a carefully-curated
selection of toys, treats, accessories and more.
The brick-and-mortar shops also off er “people
goods” for pet lovers including throw blankets,
decorative pillows, totes, mugs and pins.
BEST PET FOOD SUPPLY
STORE
WHISKERS HOLISTIC PET CARE
235 E 9th St
(212) 979-2532–www.1800whiskers.com
If you’re looking for a more natural approach
to feeding your pet, and are willing to try
something dif-fur-ent, visit Whiskers Holistic
Pet Care today! Founded in 1988, Whiskers is
among the early pioneers of the alternative,
holistic pet care movement. Their mission
is to bring holistic wellness concepts to
companion animals by educating caregivers,
fostering research, and introducing
unique new products. The East Village shop
off ers organic, non-toxic, hypoallergenic
and digestive/urinary tract friendly pet food
that is sure to meet the needs of any pet. In
addition, it features everything from vitamins
and nutritional supplements to toys, treats
and informative books. Treat your furry friend
like a true member of the family and head to
Whiskers!
BEST PET GROOMING
NEW YORK DOG NANNY
126 Lexington Ave 2nd Fl
(917) 261-7333–www.newyorkdognanny.com
Just because you are a dog owner doesn’t
mean that your dog shouldn’t look their
absolute best. At New York Dog Nanny, this
philosophy extends to getting nail clippings,
teeth brushing, fur cuts, de-matting and other
sorts of grooming. For those who really want
to give Fido or Kitty (yes, Kitty the dog) the
royal treatment, there are Dead Sea mud
masks, organic shampoos and conditioning,
Reiki and bodywork. After an hour or two
of pampering, your dog will be ready to hit
the dog run and red carpet alike because
they are after all, such a good dog! Services
are available throughout Manhattan and in
Astoria, Queens.
BEST PET HOSPITAL
AMC THE ANIMAL MEDICAL
CENTER
510 E 62nd St
(212) 838-8100–www.amcny.org
The Animal Medical Center is dedicated to
providing the best possible care to every pet
that steps (or crawls, or in some cases carried)
through their doors, and this has been the case
since it fi rst opened over 100 years ago. As the
world’s largest non-profi t animal hospital, the
Animal Medical Center is open 24/7 and has
over 100 veterinarians on staff trained across
17 specialties, which allows them to provide
top-notch care whenever your pet needs it. The
Animal Medical Center’s clinical research has
been providing advancements in veterinary
knowledge, plus their education programs are
helping train the veterinarians of tomorrow.
Your pets are in great hands at the Animal
Medical Center.
BEST PET
PHOTOGRAPHER
RACHEL EVE PET PHOTOGRAPHY
(203) 767-2904–www.racheleve.com
Whether it’s the holiday season or an
upcoming special occasion, there is no bad
time to recommend a custom photoshoot with
Rachel Eve Pet Photography as a gift for the
pet lover in your life! Not only is Rachel an
extremely talented pet photographer (just take
a look at some of the photos on her website
for inspiration) but she is also a licensed
veterinary nurse, where she has spent the
last 10 years working with general practices,
shelters and in emergency medicine helping
to treat sick companion animals. With Rachel
as a caring pet photographer, you can be rest
assured that your pet will be in capable hands
no matter the situation!
BEST PET SHOP
WHISKERS HOLISTIC PET CARE
235 E 9th St
(212) 979-2532–www.1800whiskers.com
For all of your pet care needs, Whiskers
Holistic Pet Care off ers the best quality
products in food, treats and supplements and
spare no expense in testing and researching
companies. The pet store off ers homeopathic
and fl ower remedies, a wide range of
nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals
and glandulars, the best informative books and
videos, the largest selection of fresh/frozen
meats/meals specifi cally for animals, safe
non-toxic cat litters, toys and treats, and many
more. The Whiskers store brand products
are safe and natural. The store also provides
non-toxic, hypoallergenic, naturally preserved,
digestive/urinary tract friendly, and/or
dietetic processed foods.
BEST PET SITTING /
BOARDING
NEW YORK DOG SPA AND HOTEL
32 W 25th St
(212) 243-1199–www.dogspa.com
Your good boy or good girl needs a place to
crash whenever you’re away so why not send
them to some solid doggy digs in Chelsea is
where they will have plenty of fellow pooches
to sniff and play with as they await your
return, whether it is for several days or just
a couple hours. Dogs are housed in groups,
according to their size and temperament, and
there is no shortage of playgroups to attend in
between naps and food breaks. Grooming and
walking services are also available at a rate
that will not break the bank.
BEST VETERINARIAN
HEART OF CHELSEA VETERINARY
GROUP
257 W 18th St
(212) 924-6116–www.heartofchelsea.com
Your furry best friends will be in the most
capable and caring hands at the Heart of
Chelsea Veterinary Group. Since 1999, patrons
of the practice have gotten thorough and
compassionate veterinary care from a highlycredentialed
team of professionals. Heart of
Chelsea off ers families appointments when it
is convenient for them along with effi cient and
expedited visits. The offi ce is equipped with
state-of-the-art technology and off ers sameday
diagnostics in order to provide answers
as quickly as possible. According to Heart
of Chelsea, the three qualities that sets the
practice apart are that they (1) create a unique,
memorable and personal experience for
clients (2) create a safe, comfortable, fear-free
environment for pets and (3) form an active
partnership with clients to provide solutionoriented
patient care.
PETS
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