Keep 250 Pets Out of Shelters

With one month still to go, we are humbled to share that Second Chance has already helped more than 59,000 pets this year. This milestone surpasses last year’s record of 56,000 pets helped and reflects both the growing reach of our programs and the increasing challenges facing pets, families and shelters across our region.

This year has brought an extraordinary number of pets through our doors. To have already helped over 59,000 pets is remarkable, but it is also deeply troubling how many families and shelters are struggling. We are privileged to make such an impact, but the challenges continue to grow as more pet owners face financial hardships and more shelters operate at capacity.

Our four community veterinary hospitals are experiencing unprecedented demand from pet owners who rely on affordable care to keep their companion animals healthy and at home. At the same time, our pet food pantry program has seen dramatic growth as well. Through this program, Second Chance distributes pet food to local human food pantries, so families do not have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets. Even with this support and with all the programs Second Chance offers, some local pet owners still find themselves unable to keep their pets due to financial constraints. These situations are heartbreaking for families and for our staff who work to keep pets and their people together whenever possible.

Shelters across the country continue to face severe overcrowding. Second Chance is taking in as many pets as possible while also providing the resources and care that prevent unnecessary surrenders. The need, however, continues to outpace available resources.

This historic year has also brought significant recognition for Second Chance and its impact on pets and the community. We were once again honored with multiple Best of Central Mass awards in both the Pet Grooming and Veterinarian categories. Second Chance received the Super 60 Nonprofit Award from the Springfield Regional Chamber, earned the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, was awarded a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and was also named a Top Nonprofit on greatnonprofits.com.

In addition, we are so proud of our very own Dr. Lisa Nowicki who was recognized with the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association Merit Award for her dedication to advancing veterinary care and improving the lives of pets in need.

These honors reflect the commitment of our entire team and the generosity of our supporters. They remind us that behind every award is a pet whose life was changed for the better.

As we expand programs to meet the rising demand, we are facing significant financial pressure. We are asking for your help to ensure that lifesaving services remain available to every pet that needs them.

Every gift makes a direct difference. Whether it keeps a beloved pet with their family or provides critical medical care for a pet in crisis, support from the community is the reason we can keep saying yes.

Thank you for standing with us during this extraordinary year. Together we will continue to change lives and create brighter futures for pets and the people who love them.

Thanks to your support, Project Keep Me continues to provide assistance for those facing unthinkable challenges—ensuring that no one has to choose between their own safety and the well-being of their pet.

Recently, we were contacted by an attorney and domestic violence advocate on behalf of a veteran who had fled an abusive situation in another state. Homeless and in crisis, the veteran and their two dogs had been surviving by camping in national parks, where they could stay for free due to veteran status. Now in our area seeking housing and employment, they needed urgent help to keep their beloved dogs safe during this difficult transition.

Through Project Keep Me, we were able to welcome both dogs into our care, providing temporary shelter, food, and veterinary support as needed. By stepping in, we not only kept these pets safe but also gave their owner the chance to focus on rebuilding their life without the devastating choice of surrendering them.

This case highlights how critical and far-reaching Project Keep Me has become. What began as a program for survivors of domestic violence is now also serving veterans in crisis—thanks to your generosity. Together, we are keeping families together and offering hope when it is needed most.