We are proud to announce that yesterday our Springfield hospital was honored by the Springfield Regional Chamber, receiving a Super 60 Award in the Non-Profit category, recognizing organizations that have displayed selfless dedication to serving the community through exceptional programming and support. This hospital is one of four full-service Community Veterinary Hospitals that helps keep people and pets. Each location offers subsidized rates for those that qualify in addition to low-cost spay & neuter services and low-cost vaccine clinics in house and out in the community,

Last night, we were also proud to accept the award once again for Best Veterinary Clinic in the Best of Central Mass as voted by the community. We are humbled by these honors and we share them with you, our devoted supporters. With your support, we are assisting more pets at subsidized rates than ever before, so that all pets can get the care they need. None of this would be possible without your caring and compassion.

Unfortunately, as you know, there’s no time to rest on our laurels! The need is great and there are so many pets that need our help! More pets than ever have turned to Second Chance this year. We are on track to shatter all records for the number of pets helped in 2023.

We are deeply concerned about the state of animal welfare for the coming year. Pets and pet owners are being trounced by a trifecta of high inflation creating food insecurity, rising housing costs that result in housing insecurity, and the ongoing veterinary care crisis as burnt-out professionals continue to leave the field. We can’t let them down and we hope we can count on your continued support. Pets need your help like never before!

The holiday season is a time of joy, gratitude, and togetherness, and for many, this includes furry family members. As we gear up for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, it’s important to keep our pets’ safety in mind. The abundance of tempting treats, decorations, and gatherings can pose potential hazards to our four-legged friends. Here are some tips on creating a pet-friendly holiday environment, ensuring that your beloved companions stay safe and happy throughout the celebrations.

Mindful Meals: While indulging in a delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, it’s essential to resist the pleading eyes of your pets. Certain foods, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, and bones, can be toxic or harmful to animals. Fatty and spicy foods may also upset their stomachs. Instead, treat your pets to pet-friendly treats or a small portion of their regular meal to make them feel included in the celebration.

Festive Decorations: Decking the halls is a beloved tradition, but it’s crucial to pet-proof your decorations. Tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments may look like toys to pets and can lead to serious health issues if ingested. Opt for pet-safe decorations and secure them out of reach. Be cautious with candles and open flames, and never leave them unattended where curious pets could knock them over.

Seasonal Plants: Many popular holiday plants, such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, are toxic to pets. Keep them well out of reach to ensure your furry friends don’t ingest any harmful substances. Be cautious of artificial plants or trees if your pet likes to chew. A lot of artificial trees and other decorations contain toxic chemicals. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant or foreign material, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Stress-Free Celebrations: The holiday season can be overwhelming for pets with the hustle and bustle of guests, loud noises, and unfamiliar scents. Create a quiet, comfortable space where your pets can retreat if they need a break from the festivities. Inform guests about your pets’ boundaries and ask them to respect your pets’ space and avoid feeding them table scraps. If your pet needs additional support for stressful situations, feel free to discuss with one of our veterinarians.

Identification and Microchipping: With the increased activity during the holidays, there’s a higher risk of pets escaping or getting lost. Ensure that your pets are wearing collars with up-to-date identification tags and consider having them microchipped for added security. This simple step can significantly increase the chances of a reunion if your pet goes missing.

By taking a proactive approach to pet safety during your holiday celebrations, you can ensure that your furry family members enjoy the holidays as much as you do. A little extra care can go a long way in keeping your pets safe, happy, and healthy throughout the festive season.

We are thrilled to announce that we performed our 75,000th low-cost spay and neuter surgery in September, marking another milestone in our mission to create healthier communities for pets.

This is just the latest achievement in our commitment to providing accessible and affordable spay and neuter services. We began our low-cost program in 2005 at the East Brookfield shelter, aiming to address the root causes of pet homelessness. Today, the program serves hundreds of pets each month in state-of-the-art surgical suites inside our hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester, made possible by grants and generous donors.

Spaying and neutering not only contribute to controlling the population of stray and unwanted animals but also play a vital role in enhancing the overall health and well-being of pets. These procedures can prevent various cancers and other serious health issues while positively influencing pets’ behavior by reducing aggression and roaming tendencies.

This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our team and the support of our community. However, our work is far from over. We are committed to continuing our efforts to reach even more pets in need. We urge all pet owners to consider spaying or neutering their pets. Routine spays and neuters can protect pets from life-threatening conditions, including pyometra and testicular cancer. Our goal is not only to address the immediate needs of pets but to contribute to a healthier pet community in the long run.

Please visit our Spay/Neuter page for more information on our low-cost spay and neuter program.