Did you know that by the time dogs reach their second birthday, approximately 80% of them and 70% of cats are affected by some level of periodontal disease? An early indicator of this issue could be detected through your pet’s breath.

Second Chance takes action every February by providing discounts on our dental services. If you book a dental cleaning for your pet in the month of February, you’ll benefit from a 10% discount on the procedure. Spots fill up fast so it’s advisable to secure your spot promptly. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your beloved furry companion receives top-notch dental care!

Give us a call or use our new app to schedule your pet’s appointment.

Fifty million pets in the U.S. experience a lack of access to even basic veterinary care. Rising costs and other barriers mean these pets struggle to access services such as spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations and critical medical and preventative care. With as many as 70% of households now including pets, this issue affects families in nearly every community.

PetSmart Charities has committed $100 million over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. The “Accelerator” low-cost veterinary care grant program is a key part of this effort.  These grants support the expansion of low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to expand their services, serve their communities better and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences.

The grant made to Second Chance Animal Services in the amount of $1,100,000 will support the expansion over the next three years at the nonprofit’s surgical center that provides lifesaving surgeries for animals. The anticipated impact on local pets and families includes saving the lives of more pets in need of urgent or emergency care who have nowhere else to turn.

“We are so grateful to PetSmart Charities for their continued support of our work to keep pets in their homes with the people they love,” said Sheryl Blancato, Second Chance CEO and founder. “Second Chance is a place that many turn to for lifesaving surgeries to save their pets, and to keep them together with the families that love them.”

Second Chance offers a two-tiered system of subsidized rates for pet owners at their four Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester.  Pet owners who are 150% of the poverty level received a subsidized rate lower than Second Chance’s standard rates.  Those that do not fit in this category pay the standard low-cost rate.  This helps to ensure access to care for all pets.

Overwhelmingly, people consider their pets important members of the family. Pets make a significant impact in the health and wellness of the people they love. This grant will enable more families to get the preventative and standard care that ensures their pets thrive at home and stay out of shelters.

“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities.  “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families. We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care. We’re inspired by the incredible work Second Chance is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”

Last year, Second Chance helped over 48,000 pets including a beautiful black long-haired cat named Onyx who got into Christmas decorations. Her owner had seen Onyx chewing on tinsel and noticed that Onyx had not felt well for many days and was showing signs of being in much pain. She was seen at an emergency veterinary hospital, but her owner couldn’t afford price they quoted for surgery. Her family was grateful to learn that Second Chance veterinarians could perform the surgery at a reduced rate, allowing them to save their beloved pet. Onyx showed signs of feeling better as soon as the surgery was completed and home to celebrate the holidays with her loving family.

For more information Second Chance Animal Service’s Community Veterinary Hospitals, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/vetcare.

PHOTO: Onyx’s family turned to Second Chance when he needed emergency surgery after getting into Christmas decorations.

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.