For more than 25 years, my father, Dr. Peter Astarbi has dedicated his life to caring for the animals of Staten Island. As the owner and operator of the island's only mobile veterinary clinic, he has provided compassionate house calls for elderly and disabled clients, senior pets, anxious animals, and families who cannot easily travel to a traditional veterinary office.

His commitment extends far beyond family pets. Dr. Astarbi is also the only local veterinarian on Staten Island who consistently treats injured wildlife. For years, he has worked alongside local wildlife rehabilitators, donating countless hours of his time, providing deeply discounted care, and often treating animals under a "pay when you can" arrangement. Even now, despite his own financial hardship, he continues to help without asking for payment.

Over the years, he has cared for countless foxes, squirrels, raccoons, turtles, hawks, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. He doesn't just wait for injured animals to arrive—he has personally joined rescues throughout Staten Island. Whether helping stop traffic to rescue an injured fox on the Korean War Veterans Parkway or climbing the batting cages at East Shore Little League to free a Red-tailed Hawk trapped in netting, he has always been willing to do whatever it takes to save a life. He even volunteered at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks to help rescue and care for animals affected by the tragedy.

Recently, an unexpected electrical fire completely destroyed Dr. Astarbi's mobile veterinary truck. Thankfully, no people or animals were injured, but the vehicle—and the specialized equipment inside—was a total loss. Along with the truck, he lost a hydraulic surgical table, anesthesia machine, medical lasers, medications, refrigeration equipment, and countless other tools essential to his practice.

While he continues making house calls however he can, he is no longer able to perform surgeries or many advanced procedures. This has dramatically limited his ability to care for both pets and wildlife, leaving many animals without the care they depend on.

Insurance is covering only a small portion of the loss. Replacing a fully equipped mobile veterinary clinic costs over $200,000, with an estimated $35,000–$50,000 down payment required before construction can begin.

Dr. Astarbi has spent decades putting animals and their families before himself. He has kept his services affordable, volunteered his expertise, and never hesitated to help when someone—or some animal—was in need. The local wildlife rehabilitators alone estimate that he has provided approximately $16,000 in unpaid veterinary care, simply because helping animals has always mattered more to him than getting paid.

Today, we're asking the community to give back to someone who has given so much.

Every donation will go directly toward replacing Dr. Astarbi's mobile veterinary truck and the equipment needed to get him back on the road. With your support, he can once again perform surgeries, respond to wildlife emergencies, and continue providing compassionate veterinary care to the pets, wildlife, and families who rely on him every day.

If Dr. Astarbi has ever cared for your pet, helped rescue an injured wild animal, or inspired you with his generosity, please consider making a donation. If you're unable to contribute, sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family is just as valuable. We will also be hosting community fundraising events, with details to be shared through the Staten Island Wildlife Rescue & Rehab Facebook group.

This is about more than replacing a truck. It's about restoring a vital community resource and ensuring that Staten Island's animals continue to have a veterinarian who is always willing to answer the call.

After spending more than 25 years serving this community with compassion, generosity, and selflessness, it's our turn to help him continue the work he has dedicated his life to.