Help Archives - Second Chance Animals

Big News Worcester!

We have some pretty exciting news to share: Second Chance has officially acquired a new property at 600 Park Avenue in Worcester which will be the future home of our expanded Worcester Community Veterinary Hospital.

There’s a lot of work ahead, but this is a big step: more space to help more pets and families.

The new building is about five times larger than our current Worcester location on Main Street. Our future Community Veterinary Hospital will be about three times the size of our current hospital, giving us room for more appointments, surgeries, preventive care and treatment.

But we’re not just building a bigger hospital.

The new space will also include a community thrift shop and serve as a home base for expanding the mobile services we already bring into the community, including Community Vaccine Clinics and Homebound to the Rescue. The goal is simple: make it easier for more families to access the resources they need to keep their pets healthy and at home.

Of course, we have a lot of work to do before we can open the doors.

We’re working toward a $1.2 million fundraising goal to help cover construction, renovations, medical equipment and all the other pieces that go into creating a fully operational veterinary hospital and community resource center. We’re also looking for local contractors, tradespeople, suppliers, vendors and other businesses who might be able to donate or discount labor, materials, supplies or professional expertise.

If you’ve ever wanted to help build something that will make a difference for pets and people in Worcester, this is your chance.

We hope to open the new facility at the end of 2027. That might seem like a long way off, but we know how quickly a big project can move once the work begins. And we’re excited to get started.

There’s a lot to do. There’s also a lot to look forward to.

If you’d like to help us turn 600 Park Avenue into a place where more pets can get the care they need and more families can find support, click here to learn more.

100,000 Spay/Neuter Surgeries!

We just celebrated a pretty incredible milestone at Second Chance: our 100,000th spay/neuter surgery!

And we couldn’t let the moment pass without introducing you to the pet who helped us reach this milestone. Atlas, a four-year-old Golden Retriever, had the special honor of being our 100,000th patient when he received his neuter surgery at our North Brookfield Community Veterinary Hospital.

While Atlas may have been number 100,000, this milestone is really about every pet who came before him.
Since we began offering low-cost spay/neuter services in 2005, 100,000 pets have received a procedure that can make a meaningful difference in their health and well-being. Spaying and neutering can help prevent serious reproductive health problems, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and protect pets from potentially life-threatening infections.

For us, though, the impact goes beyond the health benefits.

Spay/neuter is also an important part of preventing pet homelessness. By helping reduce unplanned litters, these surgeries can help reduce the number of pets who enter shelters and need homes. Making spay/neuter more accessible means more families can take an important step toward keeping their pets healthy while helping address the larger challenge of animal sheltering.

And this milestone represents so much more than a number. It represents 100,000 pets who received care, 100,000 families who were able to access an affordable option for their pets, and countless future litters that were prevented.

Today, we offer low-cost spay/neuter services at each of our Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester. We know there are still many pets who need access to affordable veterinary care, and we’ll keep working to make that care available to the families who need it.

So here’s to Atlas, our 100,000th patient, and to the 99,999 pets who came before him.

We are incredibly grateful to our veterinary teams, pet families, supporters, and everyone who has helped make this milestone possible. Here’s to the next 100,000!

Learn more about Second Chance’s spay/neuter programs and veterinary services.

Second Chance Advances to the Voting Round in Three Best of Central Mass Categories

Voting is now open for the 2026 Best of Central Mass Community’s Choice Awards, and Second Chance Animal Services is excited to be part of the voting round in three categories:

Best Pet Grooming
Veterinary Clinic
Event – Local

Voting is open through August 31, and you can vote once each day.

If Second Chance has made a difference for you, your pets, or your community, we would be grateful for your support. Your vote helps shine a light on the work our team does every day to keep pets healthy, help animals find loving homes, and support the people who care for them.

Cast your vote here: telegram.gannettcontests.com/2026-Best-of-Central-Mass-Communitys-Choice-Awards/

Thank you for supporting Second Chance and for helping us continue to make a difference for pets and people throughout our community.

A Special Moment on ABC World News Tonight

We were honored to be included in a heartwarming moment on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir following our recent visit to New England Patriots Training Camp.

As the broadcast wrapped up, our own Lindsay McCormack shared how grateful Second Chance Animal Services is to the New England Patriots Foundation for inviting our adoptable dogs to Training Camp. It was an incredible opportunity to introduce these wonderful pups to football fans while helping shine a national spotlight on pet adoption.

We’re thankful to the Patriots Foundation for their support and for giving our dogs another chance to find the loving homes they deserve.

Watch the clip below, and if one of these pups captures your heart, we’d love to help you meet them.

Emergency Rescue: 16 Cats & Kittens Need Your Help

As New England braces for another dangerous heatwave, cats and kittens left behind after their owner was unexpectedly placed in assisted living urgently need help.

The family had no idea their loved one had been caring for so many cats. When they discovered them, they immediately reached out for help because the house doesn’t have air conditioning. With the weather forecast, there was no time to wait.

So far, 16 cats and kittens have been brought to safety, including 14 tiny kittens, some just 10 days old. Among them are a nursing mother caring for her babies and another mom who is pregnant. Two adult cats escaped before they could be safely caught. Rescuers will continue returning to the property to bring them to safety and search for any other cats that may still be hiding. We are hoping to locate the other nursing mother(s), as the kittens range from 10 days to 5–6 weeks old and still need appropriate milk and care.

These little ones need us now.

The kittens need food, warmth, and around-the-clock care. The moms need nutritious meals, veterinary care, and a safe place to raise their babies. Before they’re ready for adoption, every cat and kitten will need vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and plenty of love.

The cats and kittens will be placed in loving foster homes where they can grow, heal, and receive the care they need until they are old enough and healthy enough for adoption. Second Chance is always in need of compassionate adopters willing to open their homes to pets in crisis. To learn more or submit an application, please visit our website.

Rescues like this happen without warning, but thanks to compassionate supporters like you, we’re able to say “yes” when animals have nowhere else to turn.

Will you help give these cats and kittens, and pets like them, the second chance they deserve?

https://givebutter.com/emergency-rescue

JULY 2 UPDATE:

How adorable is this tiny kitten getting a much-needed bath to wash away fleas? 🥹

Here’s the latest on our emergency rescue. Our team has its hands full caring for these kittens, nursing moms, and a pregnant mama. We also have some good news! Late yesterday, two of the missing cats were safely brought to Second Chance. We’ll be sharing more about them soon.

If you submitted a foster application, thank you! At this time, have fosters for all of the cats and kittens from this rescue, but we are always looking for more fosters! Our foster coordinator will be in touch soon with next steps.

We’ve also been overwhelmed by the number of people interested in adopting these sweet little ones. Right now, our focus is helping them grow healthy and strong. Some are only days old, and some haven’t even been born yet! When they’re ready, we’ll be excited to help them find loving homes.

In the meantime, if you’re hoping to adopt, please consider one of the many wonderful cats and kittens who are already waiting for families:
https://www.secondchanceanimals.org/adoptable-cats/

Thank you for the incredible outpouring of support. Your generosity, kind words, and donations mean the world to us. We’re already nearly halfway to our fundraising goal, and every gift helps provide food, medical care, and everything these little ones need.

Summer Vacation Foster Program Off to a Great Start, More Dogs Are Still Waiting

ADOPTION DAY: Zeus, our first Summer Vacation Foster dog was quickly adopted.

When we launched our Summer Vacation Foster Program, we hoped to give shelter dogs a chance to enjoy some time away from the shelter while helping us learn more about them in a home environment.

We’re thrilled to report that the program is making a difference. Several of the dogs who were ideal matches for our first round of foster applicants have already headed off to their summer homes. Better yet, four dogs who participated in the program – Zeus, Khaleesi, Cuddles, and Lisa – have already found forever homes of their own.

As successful as the program has been, there are still dogs hoping for a summer vacation.

The dogs still waiting need a more specific type of foster home, which means finding the right match. We’re hoping to hear from people who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• No children under 18 in the home
• No other pets in the home
• Open to fostering a dog over 40 pounds
• Have a fenced yard

Not every dog is the right fit for every home, and our goal is to make the best possible match for both the dog and the foster family. If you meet any of the criteria above, you may be exactly what one of our waiting dogs needs.

The Summer Vacation Foster Program offers short-term fostering opportunities, typically lasting 2 to 8 weeks. Second Chance provides support throughout the fostering experience, and foster families enjoy the rewarding experience of helping a shelter dog relax, learn, and prepare for a future home.

If you’d like to help give a shelter dog a summer vacation, we encourage you to complete an application today. The perfect match could be waiting for you.

What’s involved?

• Short-term fostering (2–8 weeks)
• Giving a dog time to decompress in a home environment
• Providing one-on-one attention and love
• Helping us learn more about their personality to find the perfect forever home

Foster Requirements:

• Live within 30 minutes of one of our Second Chance Vet Hospitals (Southbridge, North Brookfield, Worcester, or Springfield)
• If renting, have landlord approval and know any pet restrictions
• Be willing to share your foster dog on social media and/or attend adoption events or meet & greets when possible

Once you submit your form, we’ll try to match you with a dog that fits your home and schedule. You’ll have a chance to meet before committing—so you can feel confident bringing your temporary companion home.

Click HERE to get started

Why Do Cats Love to Sunbathe?

Some of the cutest pictures are of cats lounging in the sun in what seems like the most uncomfortable position, with all four paws sticking up. And it makes you question, why do cats love to sunbathe so much? And what was the point of spending so much money on comfy beds when they chose to lay on top of the kitchen table chasing that single ray of sun?

Sunbathing goes deeper than just comfort. While cats do seek out sunshine to feel warm and relaxed, they’re also wired to prefer warmer environments. As they chase those rays around your home, it’s not just a cozy habit, it’s something instinctual.

While sunlight is not necessary for cats, it still plays a role in how our furry friends feel day to day. Unlike humans, cats cannot produce vitamin D through skin exposure to sunlight. Instead, they rely almost entirely on vitamin D intake through their diet. Commercial, balanced cat foods provide adequate levels, making supplements unnecessary and risky.

Even though sunlight isn’t needed for nutrition, it can still contribute to comfort, behavioral enrichment, and natural resting patterns. They’re not being rude by choosing the most uncomfortable window perch on top of your plants instead of the bed you bought them, they’re simply following their instinctual needs.

4 Reasons why Cats Love to Sunbathe

1. Instincts Rooted in Warm-Climate Ancestors

Our furry friends have evolved into the loving animals we know today, but deep down they still carry the instincts of their ancestors. Like those ancestors that lived near the equator, they have a deeply embedded love for warmth in their DNA. Cats can thrive in warmer climates, and their natural body temperature is already relatively high, ranging from 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. They may instinctively seek out warm environments.

2. Conserving Energy Through External Heat

Cat’s often act like little solar panels, soaking up the sun to stay warm. This action can help reduce the amount of energy needed for thermoregulation, which in turn allows cats to conserve calories for essential activities like hunting.

3. Natural Comfort and Relaxation

Yes, cats love the sun for the heat, but sunshine can also help promote comfort, relaxation, and normal resting behavior. The warmth allows their bodies to feel more at ease, helping them settle and rest more comfortably throughout the day. This is especially noticeable in senior cats or those with joint sensitivity, as they may naturally seek out warm spots more often. However, if your cat is showing signs of pain or discomfort, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian, as sunbathing is not a solution for medical conditions.

4. Supporting Longer, Deeper Sleep

Cats spend a large portion of the day sleeping, often 12-18 hours. Natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, the internal system that controls sleep- wake cycles and daily activity patterns in mammals, including cats. Providing consistent, comfortable environments and routines may help support normal activity levels and healthy rest patterns.

Is There Such a Thing as “Too Much Sun for Cats”?

Cats are generally very good at regulating their own sun exposure. In most cases, if they have access to both sunny and shaded areas, they will instinctively move when they’ve had enough.

However, problems can arise when cats don’t have the ability to make that choice. Too much sun exposure typically becomes a concern in situations where a cat is confined or unable to move to a cooler space.

Situations where overheating is more likely include:

Being left in a car, even for a short period of time
Staying in a carrier during transport without proper ventilation or shade
Being in enclosed spaces or rooms with direct sunlight and limited airflow
Any environment where there is no access to shade or cooler surfaces

In these situations, cats can be at risk for overheating, dehydration, or sunburn, particularly with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures. White or light-colored cats are also more prone to developing skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, especially on areas with thin hair coverage such as the ears, nose, and face.

The key takeaway is that sunlight itself is not inherently harmful – risk increases when exposure is prolonged or when environmental conditions limit a cat’s ability to regulate its temperature.

Simple Ways to Give Your Cat More Time in the Sun

While sunlight is entirely out of our control and left up to the weather patterns, there are simple ways to make sure our furry friends are getting the most amount of sunlight each day. Small adjustments around your home can make a bigger difference than you might think.

Here are more simple ways to help your cat get more time in the sun:

Rearrange furniture to open up sunny areas your cat can easily access
Keep blinds and shades open as much as possible to let in natural sunlight
Add window perches or shelves to create elevated sunbathing spots
Rotate beds or blankets to follow where sunlight moves throughout the day
Build an outdoor enclosure such as a catio so your cat can enjoy more consistent sunlight throughout the day

Letting Cats Enjoy the Sun

Sunbathing is a natural feline behavior. Whether they’re stretched out in a warm patch of light or slowly following the sun across the room, those moments aren’t random. They’re choosing comfort in a way that comes naturally to them.

The goal isn’t to keep your cat out of the sun, it’s to make sure they can enjoy it safely. As long as they have the option to move between warm spots and cooler areas, cats will regulate themselves just fine.

A few small changes can make a big difference. Opening up sunny spaces, adding a window perch, or creating a safe outdoor area gives your cat more freedom to move, stretch, and settle where they feel most comfortable throughout the day.

When a cat rests in the sun, they are engaging in a normal behavior that supports comfort and energy conservation.

Give a Shelter Dog a Summer Vacation!

Our Summer Vacation Foster Program for dogs is off to a great start! Click here for the latest update and how you can get involved.

The weather is warming up, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and try something new… so why not make a difference while you’re at it?

Starting May 14th, we’re launching our Summer Vacation Foster Program and looking for compassionate foster families to give shelter dogs a much-needed break from shelter life.