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.

This September, we are hitting the road with special low-cost pet vaccine clinics to help keep pets healthy. We are excited to announce a series of four community vaccine clinics scheduled for September.

These community vaccine clinics are part of Second Chance’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of pets within the local communities. With a mission to improve the lives of animals and the people who love them, Second Chance Animal Services is excited to bring essential veterinary services directly to pet owners in convenient and accessible locations.

Details for the upcoming community vaccine clinics are as follows:

Athol
Date: September 9
Location: Silver Lake (off Unity Road)
Time: 9AM to 12 Noon
Services: $5 Rabies Vaccine, $5 Distemper Vaccine, $22 Microchips

Chicopee – Dogs Only
Date: September 15
Location: Teddy Bear Pools and Spas, 41 East Street
Time: 9AM to 3PM
Services: $10 Rabies Vaccine, Free Distemper Vaccine

Fitchburg
Date: September 23
Location: Fitchburg Central Fire, 33 North Street
Time: 9AM to 12 Noon
Services: $5 Rabies Vaccine, $5 Distemper Vaccine, $22 Microchips

Orange
Date: September 30
Location: 18 Water Street
Time: 9AM to 12 Noon
Services: $5 Rabies Vaccine, $5 Distemper Vaccine, $22 Microchips

Pet owners are encouraged to take advantage of these clinics, which are made possible in part by grants including a grant from the Community Foundation for North Central Massachusetts. All services will be administered by Second Chance veterinary professionals with a dedication to the well-being of pets.

To ensure a smooth and efficient process, registration for the community vaccine clinics is available online at www.secondchanceanimals.org/vaccine-clinics. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins will also be accommodated based on availability.

We are excited to bring our services to provide pet owners with access to essential vaccinations. By bringing these clinics to different communities, we aim to make it easier for pet owners to prioritize their pets’ health and well-being.

Second Chance also offers weekly low-cost vaccine clinics at each of their veterinary hospitals which are located in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield and Worcester. For more information on all the services offered at our hospitals, please visit secondchanceanimals.org/vetcare.

Old dogs have something to wag about this summer, as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at Second Chance Animal Services Community Veterinary Hospitals are among the winners.

Second Chance is one of 90 animal welfare groups chosen from 370 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs. Together the winning groups received a total of $848,000 in grants to help save or improve the lives of at-risk old dogs in their communities.

When her son and daughter-in-law passed away, a grieving mother inherited their elderly dog.  Charlie Brown was her last link to the kids, but he was 16 years old and desperately needed dental surgery. The cost of Charlie Brown’s surgery was more than her budget could bear.  Thanks to a generous grant we recently received from The Grey Muzzle Organization, Charlie Brown was able to get his surgery. The grant has allowed his owner to know that she is giving Charlie Brown the best chance possible while still being able to meet her own needs.
 
This grant will help us give senior dogs like 16-year-old Charlie Brown the veterinary care they need. No one is more grateful or loving than an old dog, and we’re looking forward to helping more senior dogs get the second chance they all deserve.

Over the past 15 years, the national nonprofit Grey Muzzle Organization has provided more than $4.6 million in grants to support its vision of “a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid.”

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re delighted to help deserving organizations like Second Chance make a difference in the lives of dogs and people in their communities,” Grey Muzzle’s Executive Director Lisa Lunghofer said. “Many senior dogs in Massachusetts are enjoying their golden years in loving homes thanks to the wonderful work of Second Chance.”

Second Chance helps over 44,000 pets a year and operates four veterinary hospitals in Central and Western Massachusetts communities.  These hospitals offer full-service veterinary care at competitive rates with subsidized rates for those that qualify. With this generous grant, senior pets with needs that strain their owner’s budget can now get the care they need.  For more information, please call the closest Second Chance hospital.  Visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/vetcare/ for location phone numbers.

The national nonprofit The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other nonprofit groups nationwide. For details, please visit www.greymuzzle.org