How is your pet handling the pandemic?
For some pets, having the family at home all the time has been a dream come true — more play time, perhaps more treats, and a lot more walks. For some other pets, too much of a good thing has been way too much, and they want their house back. Second Chance Animal Services is reminding pet owners to think about how the changes brought on by COVID-19 have impacted their pet.
We all need downtime, and pets are no different. Especially in larger households or families with young children, pets may need a break from the activity, noise, and attention. Having someplace quiet to escape for a break is a good idea for pets in these homes if possible. If you find your pet wandering away from the action to take a nap, let them be for a while.
Pet owners should be on the lookout for signs of stress in their pet like excessive licking and chewing, whining, or destructive behavior or accidents in the house. Any new behavior can be a clue that something’s amiss. If the behavior continues, pet owners should talk to their veterinarian to help address the issue.
Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato is also reminding pet owners to help their pet adjust as people return to work. “Consider adjusting your schedule slowly or have a friend or family member check on them if that’s an option. Pets thrive on routine, so every time you have to change that routine, be patient.”
Blancato was thrilled to see how many pets were adopted from Second Chance as stay-at-home restrictions were put in place. “It was an ideal time for pets to be welcomed into a family. Now, as those families may be spending less time at home, we hope adopters will help their new pets adjust to the change.”
For those who have been home with their pets this whole time, Second Chance Medical Director Grace Park recommends taking steps to teach the pet to be alone again, or for the first time with newly adopted pets. “This can include leaving them home alone for a short period and gradually extending the length of time you are out. As you head out the door, you can reward calm behavior with a special treat. A peanut-butter-filled Kong or a food-dispensing puzzle toy is great if your pet is unable to destroy them.”
Most of all, Blancato and Park urge pet owners to remain understanding and not rush to surrender their pet if they return home to an accident or chewed-up shoe. With a little time and training, the pet can adjust to the new schedule. Pet owners who think their pet may need extra support can reach out to their veterinarian for help.
Keeping you and your pet healthy
Second Chance Animal Services takes the health and safety of staff, volunteers, hospital clients and adopters seriously, especially at this unprecedented time.
Our staff now wear masks and are washing their hands with increased frequency in addition to daily temperature checks to ensure that they are healthy for the protection of all. Our veterinary hospitals have remained opened throughout the pandemic with precautions in place. Hospital clients remain in their vehicles while we care for their pets. A veterinarian calls to discuss each pets’ medical care and pets are redelivered back to their owners along with any medication, if necessary. Our spay/neuter program was limited for a short time due to supply issues but has now resumed. Our adoption center has also remained open during the pandemic, limiting visitors to one family at a time and disinfecting in between.
As of 5/25/20, we have entered our phase 1 plan. The current guidelines that have been in place throughout the pandemic continue. Spay/neuter is now fully resumed at our Springfield and Worcester locations and remains limited at our North Brookfield location to accommodate the increased need for emergency surgeries. We are prioritizing clients with cancelled appointments followed by scheduling new patients.
Our plan will closely follow the phase plan for the state, so please watch our website for additional changes in restrictions. We expect all of our current programs that are on hold including walk in vaccine clinics, spa days and mobile adoptions to be back in full operation shortly.
Thank you for your patience as we weathered this crisis together. We are grateful for your support and cooperation and are very proud to have continued to serve pets throughout this pandemic and look forward to resuming all services as we move forward.
ROYALTY WANTED! Halloween Barktacular King & Queen Contest
Do you or your furry friend dream of achieving monarch status? Now is your chance! Second Chance is accepting ALL applications for our King & Queen of Halloween Barktacular!
HOW IT WORKS:
Simply start a Facebook fundraiser for Second Chance in the name of the applicant and their desired title. (For example: Spot’s Fundraiser for Second Chance Animal Services Barktacular King). Funds should be allocated directly to us at Second Chance Animal Services. In the why section, include why you or your child or pet is a good choice for King or Queen, and why your friends and family should support Second Chance.
The fundraisers with the most funds by Wednesday, October 23rd at 8 AM will be crowned!
WHAT DO YOU WIN?
In addition to bragging rights, our King and Queen will each get the opportunity to be a celebrity guest JUDGE at our costume contest, a $100 gift certificate to Klem’s, and recognition in our social media.
Come Celebrate 20 Years of Helping Pets in Need
October 5
Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center
Starting at 4 PM
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Parvo Alert
We encourage all pet owners to make sure your dog’s DA2PP vaccine (distemper/parvovirus combo vaccine) is up-to-date after we learned of two confirmed cases of Parvovirus in Springfield.
The DA2PP vaccine protects against several common diseases of dogs including the deadly parvovirus. Parvovirus is widespread in the environment and easy to contract. All dogs are susceptible to this disease, especially the young, unvaccinated or undervaccinated dogs or dogs with poor vaccination history or lapsed vaccines. This deadly virus has claimed the life of one of the puppies that contracted Parvo.
Second Chance is hosting a special vaccine clinic this Saturday, August 17 from 10 am to noon at our Springfield Community Veterinary Hospital, 67 Mulberry Street. Rabies and DA2PP vaccines will be offered for $5 each thanks to a grant from Petsmart Charities. The vaccine clinic will be first come, first serve and open to all. Pet owners are reminded to bring along any prior vaccination history not on file at the hospital. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
The DA2PP is initially a series of shots given 3-4 weeks apart. If your pet has never had the series or is overdue for the booster, you should make plans to get your pet vaccinated. Both the DA2PP and rabies vaccinations are also available at our weekly walk-in clinics too! Regular $12 pricing applies. Weekly Walk-In Vaccine Clinic
Please pass along this alert to fellow pet owners in the area so we can help stop the spread of this deadly disease.
Go behind the scene of Second Chance’s Worcester Hospital
WPI MBA students sat down with Worcester Hospital Director Danielle Zielinski to learn about Second Chance.
Need to make an appointment for your pet? Call our Worcester Community Veterinary Hospital at 774-243-1234.
Donate today to help pets in need
Congratulations Dr. Park!
Congratulations to our very own Dr. Park who was voted Best Veterinarian in Worcester Magazine‘s Best of Worcester 2019! We are so proud of all the work Dr. Park and all our veterinarians do. Everyday they change lives!
Dr. Park joined Second Chance in 2015 as our Medical Director. Her specialties include dentistry, population control, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery and geriatric medicine. Dr. Park is certified in veterinary acupuncture and also has a certificate in aquatic pathobiology. She’s pictured here with her dog Miles.