Keep 250 Pets Out of Shelters

Our project to keep 200 pets out of shelters in and with the people they love could not have come at a more critical time.  As we update you on our progress, there is a very serious emergency veterinary care crisis, not just here in Massachusetts but across the country.

The effects of the pandemic have created a perfect storm, this time on land.  As COVID-19 took hold here in Massachusetts, residents took advantage of all the extra time at home to welcome a pet into their family.  While many veterinary practices were forced to reduce services or temporarily close, other vet hospitals like Second Chance were determined to be there for pets.  They embraced a new curbside procedure and quietly became the essential workers for pets across the state.  They worked long hours to see all the pets that needed help immediately and had nowhere else to turn.  They were there for the pets that needed them, but it’s taken a toll on their spirit. 

The country was already facing a veterinarian and vet tech shortage before the pandemic.  Now we have more pets that need care and veterinary hospitals and practices are seeing their staff numbers dwindle due to burnout.  Current wait times at some local emergency hospitals are lengthy while some other emergency hospitals have decided to temporarily or permanently close.

Second Chance Animal Services, no strangers to saving pet lives, are meeting the crisis head on.  Since the pandemic broke, we have been here for pets without a pause, caring for the urgent and critical needs of pets in our communities.  Now the situation is dire. Our colleagues at emergency veterinary hospitals tell us they are doing their best to keep up with demand, but they are strained and operating beyond capacity. Wait times often exceed 12 hours at some facilities and others have made the decision to close for the remainder of the summer. 

We have adjusted our surgical schedule to help pets with nowhere else to turn. Day after day, pet owners are bringing pets to us in critical need of emergency surgical care.  Without our help, these pets would die, suffer needlessly, or be put to sleep because surgery cannot be scheduled in time to save the pet. 

We are grateful for your support to help as many pets as possible. Thank you

Your support has already helped pets like Layla