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The Secret to a Happier Cat: Why Enrichment Matters More Than You Think
Cats are curious, intelligent, and instinct-driven creatures who thrive in environments that engage their minds and bodies. Every stretch, pounce, and playful chase connects to their natural instincts, to hunt, climb, observe, and explore. When their daily lives encourage these behaviors, cats feel fulfilled, confident, and balanced.
Cat enrichment is the practice of supporting those instincts through thoughtful activities, play, and environmental design. It’s about more than toys, it’s the variety, interaction, and stimulation that keep a cat’s world interesting and rewarding. From a simple game of chase to a new perch by the window, enrichment invites cats to express who they are at heart: curious explorers with sharp senses and endless curiosity.
Enrichment isn’t a luxury or an occasional treat, it’s a cornerstone of feline well-being. Providing consistent mental, physical, and emotional stimulation helps reduce stress, prevent boredom, and support lifelong health. A cat who plays, climbs, and engages daily isn’t just entertained, they’re thriving.
Why Enrichment Matters for Indoor Cats
Indoor cats live safe, comfortable lives, but that safety also means their world depends entirely on what their humans create for them. Without the ever-changing sights, sounds, and challenges of the outdoors, it’s up to cat parents to bring variety and stimulation into their cats’ daily lives. Enrichment gives indoor cats the chance to express their natural instincts—to play, explore, climb, scratch, and observe—within the safety of home.
Regular enrichment keeps cats mentally sharp, physically active, and emotionally balanced. It turns routine into adventure, helping prevent stress and boredom while strengthening the bond between cat and caregiver. By rotating toys, adding new textures, or offering different play experiences, cat parents can keep their companions engaged and fulfilled every day.
When enrichment is missing, cats can experience:
- Boredom and frustration that lead to destructive behaviors like scratching or overgrooming.
- Emotional decline, including withdrawal, anxiety, or depression.
- Physical health issues such as weight gain, stiffness, or other inactivity-related conditions.
Simple Ways to Enrich Your Cat’s Indoor Life
Enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, it’s about keeping your cat’s world interesting, engaging, and full of healthy outlets for their natural instincts. A few small changes and mindful routines can make an enormous difference in your cat’s daily happiness and well-being.
Here are some simple, effective ways to add enrichment to your home:
- Interactive Playtime: Set aside time each day to play together using wand toys, feather teasers, or small balls to mimic hunting behaviors. These sessions provide both exercise and bonding.
- Vertical Space: Cats love to climb and observe their surroundings. Add cat trees, wall-mounted shelves, or safe furniture access points to give them places to jump, perch, and rest up high.
- Scratching Opportunities: Offer multiple scratching options, like posts, cardboard pads, or sisal boards, to satisfy their instinct to stretch, mark territory, and maintain healthy claws.
- Food Enrichment: Use puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, or hide small portions of food around the home. Encouraging cats to “hunt” for meals keeps them mentally stimulated and engaged.
- Sensory Variety: Introduce new textures and scents through cat-safe herbs like silvervine or valerian, soft blankets, or toys with different materials. Even something as simple as rearranging toys can renew interest.
- Observation & Relaxation: Create cozy resting spots near windows where your cat can safely watch birds, squirrels, or passing people. Visual stimulation helps satisfy their curiosity and calm their mind.
- Catios (Enclosed Outdoor Spaces): For an added layer of enrichment, a catio lets cats safely enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and the sights and sounds of nature, all within a secure, enclosed environment. Catios combine outdoor adventure with indoor safety, giving cats the best of both worlds. Don’t know where to start on your catio journey? Catios come in all shapes and sizes, from DIY kits to fully customized, professionally built catios designed to fit your home and your cat’s personality.
Recognizing When Your Cat Needs More Enrichment
Cats are excellent at adapting to their environment, but they’re also experts at hiding boredom or frustration until it starts showing through their behavior. Recognizing the early signs that your cat needs more stimulation can help prevent stress and keep their mind and body in balance.
Here are some common signals your cat may need more enrichment in their daily routine:
- Increased sleeping or lethargy: While cats naturally sleep a lot, excessive rest or disinterest in playtime can be a sign of boredom rather than contentment.
- Aggression toward people or other pets: Cats that feel understimulated may redirect their pent-up energy or frustration through biting, swatting, or chasing other animals in the home.
- Attention-seeking or destructive behaviors: Scratching furniture, knocking things off tables, or vocalizing excessively can be ways your cat is asking for interaction or engagement.
- Overgrooming or self-soothing habits: When cats groom excessively or lick certain areas raw, it can sometimes stem from stress or lack of stimulation.
- Changes in appetite or eating from boredom: Some cats eat simply because there’s nothing else to do, while others may lose interest in food altogether when unstimulated.
- Reduced curiosity or play drive: A cat that once explored, played, or watched the world but now seems withdrawn or disinterested may need fresh experiences and new challenges.
These behaviors aren’t signs of a “bad” or “lazy” cat, they’re forms of communication. By recognizing them early and adding new sources of enrichment, you can help restore balance, relieve stress, and bring back your cat’s natural spark.
However, while these behaviors often point to a lack of enrichment, they can also indicate an underlying medical issue. If your cat shows sudden changes in behavior, appetite, or energy, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian to rule out any health concerns before adjusting their routine.
A Fulfilled Cat Is a Healthy Cat
Enrichment isn’t just about keeping your cat busy, it’s an ongoing expression of love and care. Every play session, climbing space, and new scent you introduce helps your cat live a more vibrant, confident, and joyful life. It’s a way of saying, “I see who you are, and I want your world to be full.”
Small daily changes can make a big difference. Five minutes of interactive play, a new texture to explore, or a cozy perch with a view can turn an ordinary day into something exciting and meaningful for your cat. The key is consistency, offering new experiences, challenges, and affection that keep their body active and their mind curious.
When we enrich our cats’ worlds, we do more than entertain them, we nurture their instincts, protect their health, and strengthen the bond that makes them part of our family. A fulfilled cat isn’t just happier; they’re healthier, more confident, and truly thriving.
10 Lucky Pups Heading to Foxborough for the Pawtriots “TailGate” Adoption Event October 19th
Second Chance is teaming up with the New England Patriots Foundation and the Kraft family for the Pawtriots “TailGate” at Patriot Place on Sunday, October 19! Join us for a fun-filled day of football, family activities, and adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes.
We’re deeply grateful to the Patriots Foundation for shining a spotlight on shelter pets and helping more animals find the love and care they deserve. Events like this make such a difference, not just for the pets who find homes, but for the awareness they build around the importance of adoption and access to affordable veterinary care.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Patriot Place on October 19 to support this incredible event — and congratulations to all who met your new best friend!
Second Chance is excited to join the New England Patriots Foundation and the Kraft family for the upcoming Pawtriots “TailGate” at Patriot Place in Foxborough on Sunday, October 19. This special event will celebrate pet adoption and give families the opportunity to meet some amazing dogs looking for forever homes — all while cheering on the Patriots!
The Pawtriots initiative was launched earlier this year by the Patriots Foundation to promote adoption and raise awareness about the growing need for loving homes for shelter pets. The kickoff event at Patriots Training Camp was an incredible success, with every featured dog finding a home. We’re thrilled to continue that momentum and bring ten Second Chance dogs to this next big adoption event.
The Pawtriots “TailGate” begins at 11:30 a.m., with the Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans game kicking off at 1:00 p.m.Fans are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the game on the big outdoor screen and make a day of it! The event will also include appearances by Patriots Alumni and Super Bowl Champions Brian Hoyer and David Andrews, Pat Patriot, and the Patriots Cheerleaders, along with music, face painting, airbrush tattoos, interactive games, and food trucks — something for the whole family to enjoy.
As part of the event, the Patriots Foundation invites fans to bring pet food, toys, collars, and leashes to donate in support of local shelters and animals in need.
A special meet and greet area will also be set up for families interested in meeting our adoptable dogs. If you already have a dog at home, we encourage you to bring them along for a meet and greet — these introductions help ensure that everyone, both two- and four-legged, is comfortable and compatible, setting the stage for a happy, lasting match.
Abandoned Cats Highlight Urgent Need for Fosters and the Crisis Facing Local Shelters
Last week, two cats were abandoned in a urine-filled crate left at our mailbox in broad daylight. Thankfully, they were discovered right away and are now safe in our care, but this heartbreaking act highlights a painful truth: animal shelters across Massachusetts are overwhelmed, and pets are paying the price.
Our hearts break knowing that someone felt they had no choice but to leave those cats behind. We understand how overwhelming it can feel when you’re struggling and don’t know where to turn. But leaving a pet alone is never safe. It puts them at great risk, and under the law, it is considered abandonment. Most importantly, it does not guarantee that your pet will get the help they need.
Right now, every shelter in the state is stretched beyond capacity. We have faced the agonizing reality of having to turn away young litters of kittens because no foster homes were available. Imagine being forced to say “no” to tiny, fragile lives simply because there was nowhere safe for them to go. That’s the crisis we are in.
The truth is, this isn’t just about shelters—it’s about our community. Every time a pet is left at our door, another pet waiting for help is delayed. We want to help every single animal, but without more foster homes, our hands are tied.
Foster families save lives. When you open your home temporarily, you create space for another pet to enter our shelter. Whether it’s a litter of kittens who need bottle feeding, a cat recovering from surgery, or a dog who just needs a safe place to rest, fosters give us the ability to say “yes” to a pet in need.
If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time. Our community needs you. The animals need you. And we will support you every step of the way with training, supplies, and a team ready to answer questions.
Learn more about becoming a foster and sign up here: www.secondchanceanimals.org/foster-care/
Together, we can make sure no pet is left without safety, care, and hope.
August 21 – Klem’s Cares Pet Rescue Night
Shop with purpose on Thursday, August 21 from 4–8PM in-store or online and use code SECONDCHANCE at checkout to support pets in need! 10% of your purchase will benefit Second Chance Animal Services and if we raise the most, we’ll receive 20% back to help even more pets!
Klem’s in Spencer, MA or online at www.klemsonline.com
Enjoy a fun-filled evening with:
- Music, raffles, gourmet food demos & wine/beer tastings
- Paw Patrol’s Chase & Marshall (photo op 4:30–6:30PM!)
- Snobby Snacks Dog Treat Pop-up
- Savage Wraps Food Truck
- YETI Dog Bowl Deal — just $20–$25 with $100 purchase!
- Door prize winners every 30 minutes!
- PLUS from 4-6pm our mobile unit will be there with amazing pets to meet and adopt!
Tell all your friends and help us win big for the animals! The more you shop, the more lives we can save.
Local Resident Surrenders 52 Cats to Second Chance
Last Friday, we took in 52 cats from a single local home—one of the largest intakes in in recent history. The cats were surrendered by a well-meaning resident who had been rescuing homeless cats over time but was no longer able to care for them due to medical issues.
Though none of the cats were spayed, neutered, or vaccinated, they were clearly loved and cared for.
Delta arrived with her seven kittens. This family will live with one of our amazing fosters until they are old enough for adoption.
These cats are remarkably well-socialized according Danielle Bowes, our foster coordinator & adoption counselor. Many of them came right to the front of the cage for head boops and attention. Among the group is a mother cat with seven kittens who have already been placed in a foster home.
The cats received exams from Second Chance Shelter Veterinarian Dr. Jackie Celmer and her team, who began the process of updating vaccinations and identifying those in need of further medical treatment. Two underweight kittens and a pregnant mom will also be heading into foster care, while twelve cats are being treated for upper respiratory infections. The rest will soon be scheduled for spay and neuter surgeries.
With this many cats, the medical care quickly adds up. these cats require hundreds of vaccines, two weeks of medication for upper respiratory infections, and specialized care for underweight and pregnant cats. They also need foster care, food, litter, and daily staff support. Based on initial examinations, the total cost is expected to exceed $18,000.
We’re asking for the community’s support to defray this large expense and also, once they are ready for adoption, to adopt these wonderful cats.
Puddles, one of the tiniest of the rescue weighing in at just 1.5 lbs, is being treated for a painful abscess.
Contributions can also be made through the Second Chance Facebook page, or by mail to Second Chance, 111 Young Road, East Brookfield, MA 01515.
We know this pet owner truly cared for these animals but sometimes compassion alone isn’t enough. That’s when we step up, thanks to the support of people who believe in giving every pet the chance they deserve.
If you’re hoping to adopt one of these rescued cats, keep an eye on our adoptable cat page where they will be listed as they become available, alongside many other wonderful pets still waiting for homes.
JUNE 19th UPDATE:
One of the first cats to arrive at the adoption center
Duck was one of the first of the group to be adopted
The flurry of activity continues, caring for this special group of cats and kittens. The first group arrived at the Adoption Center in East Brookfield where some of them have already found homes. Sadly, we learned that the cat that was initially thought to be expecting was found to be carrying a non-viable litter.
Yesterday 7 from the group traveled to our satellite adoption center at the Northborough PetSmart where 5 lucky felines quickly found their new families. River and Lobster are looking forward to finding their forever homes at Northborough PetSmart Saturday with adoption hours from 10am to 1pm. We’ll also be bringing some of this group to the Framingham PetSmart satellite tomorrow ahead of Saturday’s 2-5pm adoption hours.
To see all the available cats, visit our adoptable cats page.
River, 4-month-old male Currently at Northborough PetSmart
Lobster, 1.5-year-old male Currently at Northborough PetSmart
JUNE 26th UPDATE:
Amazing sews! Over 30 of this group of special cats have found homes. The cats that were being treated for URI have recovered. One cat still has an eye ulcer that is not quite healed yet but much improved. The others are doing great and underwent spay and neuter surgery. We are so grateful for your support for this special group of cats.
Here we have Ocean, now called Nyx. His momma says he’s super cuddly with her. He’s such a love and he never stops purring!
July 16th UPDATE:
One month ago, 52 cats found hope when they came to Second Chance from a single home. Thanks to amazing adopters, 34 have already found their forever families!
A sweet mama and her 7 kittens are growing strong in foster care and will be ready next month, but 10 wonderful cats are still waiting for someone to open their heart and home.
Could that someone be you? Come meet them and see if your new best friend is one of them!
MEET SOME OF THE CATS WAITING FOR HOME
Visit soon to help complete their second chance story.
Second Chance Adoption Center – 111 Young Road, East Brookfield
MONDAY 10 am – 3 pm
TUESDAY 10 am – 3 pm
WEDNESDAY 10 am – 3 pm
THURSDAY 10 am -3 pm & 5-7 pm
FRIDAY 10 am – 3 pm
SATURDAY 10 am – 4 pm
CLOSED ON SUNDAY
Love Heals: Bacio’s Inspiring Journey
Seeing Bacio today, it’s hard to imagine the pain he once endured. His days are filled with sunshine, snuggles with his cat siblings, and the joys of living with a loving family. But his journey to this happy ending started with heartbreak.
Bacio, then known as Pogo, came to us with a devastating injury. This sweet, gentle cat had been shot. We may never know how or why, but we knew one thing: He needed urgent care. Our medical team acted fast to relieve his pain. Second Chance surgeons were not able to save his injured leg. But we could save him. And through it all–through surgery, recovery and rehab–this resilient cat never stopped being sweet and trusting. His spirit carried him through.
Once he had healed, the next step was finding him a home. It didn’t take long. His new family saw the same spark in him that we did. They gave him a new name: Bacio, the Italian word for kiss, in honor of the kisses he likes to give. And most importantly, they gave him a new life filled with affection, companionship, and second chances.
Today, Bacio is thriving with his new family. He’s a reminder of why we do what we do.
Every year, Second Chance helps thousands of pets just like Bacio—animals with stories that didn’t begin happily, but can still have a joyful ending.
Watch Bacio’s journey in this short video:
Double the Love, Double the Joy
Why Bonded Pairs Make the Best Companions
When you adopt a bonded pair, you’re not just giving two pets a loving home—you’re preserving a lifelong friendship. These duos have already formed a deep emotional connection, providing each other with comfort, confidence, and companionship through every step of life. That bond can help them transition more easily into a new home, reducing stress and offering them a built-in best friend as they settle in. For adopters, it means twice the love and half the guilt when life gets busy—they’ll always have each other when you’re away.
Bonded pairs also bring a beautiful balance into your home. Whether it’s a high-energy pet matched with a more reserved buddy, or two snugglers who prefer life on the quiet side, their personalities often complement each other in the best ways. Watching their unique dynamic unfold is both heartwarming and endlessly entertaining. And best of all? We’re offering special adoption discounts on all our bonded pairs to help these inseparable friends find the forever homes they deserve.
Scroll down to meet the wonderful pairs currently waiting for their second chance:
They’ve already found their best friend—now they’re waiting to find you!
Zeus (8) & Princess (11) – Adoption Fee $200 (Princess has cancer with average survival time of 19 months)
Meet Zeus & Princess! These adorable petite seniors are searching for their forever home — together! Zeus and Princess have done well with other dogs, cats, and older kiddos in the past (with proper introductions, of course). Zeus is a playful guy who LOVES a good game of fetch and will be your best alert system for new visitors. Princess is a little more independent but oh-so-sweet — a true gentle soul. She does have a few medical needs, so please call the shelter to learn more. These two are ready to fill someone’s home with love, loyalty, and snuggles during their golden years. Could it be yours?
Bentley (5) & Roxie (7) – Adoption Fee $450 ($100 Discount)
Say hello to Roxie and Bentley, two best friends looking for their forever home – together! These adorable pups are a perfect mix of cuddles, charm, and playful fun.
Roxie, a 7-year-old Shih Tzu mix, is the sweet, nurturing one. She’s recently had a dental and is feeling better than ever. Roxie loves gentle attention, soft blankets, and being close to her humans. She’s a mellow girl with a heart of gold.
Bentley, a 5-year-old Yorkie mix, brings the playful energy! He loves a good game of tug-of-war and has a joyful, fun-loving personality that lights up every room. Bentley is outgoing, affectionate, and always up for an adventure – or a lap to curl up on afterward.
These two were lovingly surrendered by their elderly owners who could no longer care for them due to their own health issues. Roxie and Bentley have always had each other, and they must be adopted together to keep that special bond strong.
Pee pad trained ~ Playful but easygoing ~ Lovers of laps, naps, and together time
If you’re ready to open your heart to two sweet companions who are full of love and ready for a fresh start, Roxie & Bentley are waiting! Apply to adopt this adorable duo today – double the love, double the joy
Ranger (9) & Roxie (11) – Adoption Fee $300 ($100 Discount)
Roxy and Ranger are a heartwarming bonded pair who are looking for a forever home together. These two beautiful Shelties complement each other perfectly – Roxy is a gentle, quiet soul who blossoms with patience and love, while Ranger is an outgoing, friendly guy who lights up every room he walks into.
Ranger (9 years) is full of charm and loves meeting new people. He’s affectionate, curious, and always ready for a stroll or some playtime. His joyful personality makes him a favorite everywhere he goes.
Roxy (11 years) is the quieter half of the duo. She can be a bit shy at first, but once she feels safe, she enjoys quiet companionship and gentle affection. She’s looking for someone who will give her the time and space to come out of her shell.
Both pups are currently at the shelter and will be adopted through our Foster-to-Adopt program while we address their medical needs. We’ll cover their care and keep you informed every step of the way as we get them feeling their best.
They’re house-trained and walk beautifully on leash, they do not have much cat experience or with young children. We think they would be ok with older kids. They’re happiest together and we are committed to keeping them that way.
Ideal Home:
- A calm, loving environment
- Fenced yard or regular walks, the love rolling in the grass and sniffing everything
- A family or individual willing to adopt both Roxy and Ranger
- Patience to let Roxy adjust at her own pace
These two are a perfect blend of sweetness, companionship, and classic Sheltie charm. If you have room in your heart and home for a bonded pair, Roxy and Ranger would love to meet you!
Two Years, Six Days
An open letter to my dog, Roxie.
by Second Chance volunteer Mike
It was 2 years and 6 days that you spent in the shelter. And you eventually adjusted to shelter life, you finally let more and more people into your social circle. Two years filled with stress and anxiety; I hope the 2-3 days a week that I visited and took you out were the best parts of your week because they were the best part of mine. It was two years of doing the best you could with what you were given. We didn’t know what your future was going to look like, but we knew it was going to take a specific person to take you home, someone to put in the time, to earn your trust, to give you freedom and let you make choices on your own. You needed to feel safe. We knew the person that gave you your second chance was going to have to understand a dog like you with big feelings and be able to love you for who you are and not what they wanted you to be.
I remember Bethany, Second Chance’s adoption councilor and staff trainer, telling me about you and I just knew I had to meet you. You’re my kind of dog. Folks at Second Chance know the dogs I gravitate towards. I like the dogs that bark and growl and snap. I’ve spent a lot of time learning about dogs like you and learning from you. I know most dogs like you are just scared and confused and trying to fit into a world that is ever changing around them and just trying to make sense of it all. Once upon a time you would have been the dog so many people wanted in their home, loyal and protective and vigilant and vocal. Once upon a time we wanted dogs like you, for security, for protection. But now we punish dogs like you for exact instincts we selected for them.
I remember meeting you and bringing a peanut butter Barkpouch and you licked it and growled at me and barked and then licked some more peanut butter and you kept your eyes on me the whole time. I realized that you were more comfortable in an open space where you had freedom of choice so we spent time in the grassy yard. I realized you loved squeaky stuffies and loved to play. I remember how goofy you looked dancing around the stuffed animal. I remember how afraid you were of me just putting the leash on you or touching you around your head so we worked on all your fears, slowly and carefully, and with a bit of patience we overcame so much together.
Do you remember the first time we got into the car and the first time we tried to take a walk. Do you remember the woods you wouldn’t walk in, the trails you froze up on. The time after time I sat on the ground waiting for you to feel safe so we could move forward or head back to the car.
I remember being so proud the first time you walked the trails with your nose on the ground and not a care in the world. You walked with so much pride and intent and purpose. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Just to be part of that day gave me so much peace and I saw the real special individual you so desperately needed to be. To watch you grow and blossom and come out of your shell. I knew then we had something to work with and maybe your future wasn’t so bleak. But there aren’t a lot of people out there for a dog like you. And I know that.
When we first met, I didn’t have a house, I was living in an apartment that did not allow dogs. When we first met, I had just said goodbye to one of my favorite shelter dogs as she went home with her new family and I lost some very important people in my life during those times. I needed you then as much as you needed me. I saw you become a better version of yourself and you helped me become a better version of myself. So, I had a mission, I decided to buy us a house. I know there are not a lot of people out there that would do this for a shelter dog and I know that it seems crazy to buy a house for a dog. It wasn’t that I needed to buy you a house; you made me realize that I needed a house to give you a home.
And I know, you’ll never be that friendly neighborhood dog, you’re not going to be a dog park dog and I’m ok with that. You’re not the dog the greets strangers with a big grin and a wagging tail and I’m ok with that. But you’re a smart dog and you arehappy in my world and I am happy to have you in it. You’re goofy dog and silly dog and you’re a loving dog to the people you let in. And for 2 years and 6 days you were a shelter dog. But now as I write this and you sleep by my feet in a house that you made a home, I feel like you are now the dog you were meant to be. My dog.
Welcome home. Roxie.
Just a personal note to anyone reading this….
To all the people out there that say they don’t have time for a dog, that it wouldn’t be fair to take a dog home and be at work half the day. If you have the space, and a soft bed, or a comfy blanket and the means to fill a food bowl and water dish. There is a dog out there for you. A senior dog that doesn’t need a lot of time and even appreciates alone time. A nervous dog that just needs a little love and attention. Even though the shelter staff love and care for these amazing pups, they would still do better in a home even if it’s just a good meal and soft pets and some chill time in front of the TV. You don’t need a big home, or a big car, or big bed. You just need a big heart.
The shelter staff is well equipped to help you find that rare gem or that senior dog that you just might need just as much as the need you. Please consider adoption.
Roxie enjoying the cat bed
Discussing some ground rules with her new sibling
Shelters Are Full—Now More Than Ever, Preparation and Patience Are Key
As shelters and rescues across the country continue to operate under immense strain, Second Chance is calling on the public to take a thoughtful, long-term approach to pet adoption. The organization is using this moment to raise awareness of the daily realities facing shelters—and to emphasize that preparation, patience, and commitment are essential to making adoption truly forever.
Right now, shelters are full — dealing with a flood of emergency cases, owner surrenders, and pets with medical or behavioral challenges. Our teams are working around the clock, and one of the best ways the public can help is by making informed, committed decisions when bringing a pet home.
What Shelters Are Facing Behind the Scenes
While the public sees the happy faces of adopted pets, they may not realize the complexity of what happens behind the scenes. Every day, shelters like Second Chance are treating pets with life-threatening injuries, managing behavioral rehabilitation, responding to cruelty cases, and supporting families in crisis who don’t want to give up their beloved pets but feel they have no other choice. Space is limited, resources are stretched, and the need is constant.
Why Preparation Matters
Adopting a pet is a wonderful act of compassion, but it also comes with responsibility. Second Chance encourages prospective adopters to take the time to understand what a pet truly needs—not just in the first week, but for years to come. Considerations should include time for training, cost of veterinary care, lifestyle compatibility, and willingness to provide patience during the pet’s transition into their new home.
Adjustment Takes Time
Many adopted pets need a period of decompression. A new environment, unfamiliar people, and changes in routine can be overwhelming. Some pets may hide, act out, or show signs of stress. This is normal. Second Chance emphasizes that patience, consistent routines, and gentle reassurance can go a long way in helping pets settle in and thrive.
Ask for Help Early
One of the most important things adopters can do is reach out for help at the first sign of trouble. “So often, issues that lead to a return could have been resolved with early support,” said Blancato. “Whether it’s a training need, anxiety, or just an overwhelmed pet parent, we’re here to help. But we need people to ask for that help before it becomes a crisis.”
Returns Are Sometimes Necessary—But Space Is Limited
Second Chance remains committed to being a no-kill shelter. That means no pet is euthanized for time or space—but that also means every kennel is a lifeline, and space must be managed carefully. The shelter does accept returns, when necessary, but urges adopters to exhaust all support options first. Pets who pose safety concerns, such as those with a history of unprovoked aggression, may not be eligible for rehoming—making early intervention even more critical.
Before surrendering to any shelter, be sure that you understand the policies of that shelter. Open admission shelters accept every animal brought to them, regardless of age, health, behavior, or space availability. While this ensures pets in need have a place to go, it can lead to difficult decisions, including euthanasia when space or resources run out. In contrast, no-kill shelters like Second Chance commit to saving every adoptable and treatable animal, only considering euthanasia in cases of severe illness or aggression that cannot be safely managed. Because no-kill shelters do not euthanize for space, they often operate at or near capacity and must manage admissions carefully to ensure they can continue providing high-quality care and support for every animal they take in.
Supporting Pets and Their People, For Life
Adoption is just the beginning. Second Chance provides affordable veterinary care through its Community Veterinary Hospitals, as well as access to behavioral support and community outreach programs. The organization stands beside its adopters, offering guidance every step of the way.
We believe in second chances—for pets and people alike. If you’re thinking about adoption, we encourage you to take that step. Just make sure you’re ready for the commitment and know that we’re here to support you.