Vet Services Archives - Second Chance Animals

November Saturday Pop Up Clinics

We know how hard it can be to squeeze everything into a busy work week. If your calendar is always packed Monday through Friday, we’ve got you covered!

We’re bringing back our popular Saturday Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics this November. It’s the exact same affordable care as our weekday clinics, just on a day that actually works for your schedule. Anyone is welcome to bring their pets—we’re here to help you save time, save money, and keep your best friends safe.

November Pop-Up Dates

Secure Your Spot!

Super Convenient: Skip the weekday rush and take care of your pet on the weekend.
Low-Cost Vaccines: Fast, affordable protection against Rabies and Distemper/Parvo
Open to Everyone: Anyone can register their furry family members!

Register Now for October 24th! Our First Vaccine Clinic at 600 Park Avenue!

We’re excited to bring Second Chance to 600 Park Avenue for the first time!

On Saturday, October 24, from 9 AM to 1 PM, our Community Mobile Vaccine Clinic will be set up in the parking lot of what will become the future home of our Worcester Community Veterinary Hospital.

If you have a pet who needs a vaccine or microchip, this is a great opportunity to take care of it while also being part of an exciting moment for Second Chance.

We’ll be offering:

• Rabies vaccines: $19
• Distemper/Parvo Combo vaccines: $19
• Leptospirosis vaccines: $19
• Microchips: $22

The clinic is open to all pet owners, regardless of where they live. Advance registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited. Walk-ins will be permitted as time and supplies allow.

A Big Step for Worcester

We recently acquired 600 Park Avenue, and there’s a lot ahead of us. The property is approximately five times larger than our current Worcester location, giving us the opportunity to create a much larger Community Veterinary Hospital and community resource center.

We expect the new facility to open at the end of 2027, but transforming a building of this size into the place we envision will take time, resources and a lot of help from our community.

We’re working toward a $1.2 million fundraising goal to help cover construction, renovations, medical equipment and other costs associated with the new facility.

If you’d like to help us get there, the October 24 clinic will also be a donation drive for the Worcester project. As a thank you, anyone who makes a donation of $100 or more toward the project during the event will receive a deluxe dog bed, while supplies last. The beds were generously donated by a Second Chance supporter.

We’re especially excited that our first event at 600 Park Avenue will be one that is so connected to the work we do every day: helping people access affordable veterinary care and keeping pets healthy and with the families who love them.

Right now, 600 Park Avenue is a work in progress. But we’re excited about what it will become, and we hope you’ll stop by on October 24, get your pet protected and show your support for what’s ahead in Worcester.

Affordable Spay & Neuter Help for Senior Cat Owners

Senior cat owners can save up to $75 on spay/ neuter services. Lmited-time grant funding. Includes a free rabies vaccine.

Are you a senior cat owner who has been putting off spaying or neutering because of the cost?

Second Chance Animal Services has limited-time grant funding available to help senior cat owners afford this important care. Eligible seniors can save $50 off our regular spay and neuter prices, with an additional $25 discount available to seniors who live in the Tri Valley service area.

Senior Cat Spay & Neuter Pricing

All prices below include a FREE rabies vaccine.

Male neuter: $65
- Tri Valley seniors: $40
Female spay: $75
- Tri Valley seniors: $50

That means eligible Tri Valley seniors can save up to $75 on the cost of spaying or neutering their cat.

Who Qualifies?

To participate, you will need to provide:

Proof that you own the cat, such as a rabies certificate with your name on it or official adoption paperwork
A valid ID

Grant funding is limited and available for a limited time, so we encourage eligible cat owners to sign up soon.

Ready to Sign Up?

Email spotapps@secondchanceanimals.org to get started or to learn more about eligibility and scheduling.

Spaying or neutering your cat can help prevent unwanted litters and is an important part of responsible pet care. With this grant funding, we hope to make that care more affordable for senior cat owners in our community.

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.

Low-Cost Vaccine Clinics Coming to a Town Near You

Community Vaccine Clinics: Affordable Care, Right in Your Neighborhood

Keeping your pet up to date on vaccines is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their health. But we know that cost, transportation, and busy schedules can sometimes make it difficult to access care.

That’s why we bring low-cost vaccine clinics directly into local communities. These clinics are designed to make lifesaving vaccines more accessible for pets and the people who love them.

Why Vaccines Matter

Vaccines protect pets from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. They also help keep entire communities safe by reducing the spread of illness among animals.

Even if your pet spends most of their time indoors, staying current on vaccines is still important.

What to Expect at a Community Vaccine Clinic

At most clinics, services include:

Low-cost rabies vaccines
Free or reduced-cost distemper/parvo vaccines at select clinics
Low-cost microchipping
NEW this year – we now offer Leptospirosis vaccines

Upcoming Clinic Dates & Locations

Saturday, August 22 – Athol Public Library

Saturday, August 22 – Winchendon

Saturday, August 29 – Castinetti Realty Group, Shrewsbury

Friday, September 11 – Teddy Bear Pools & Spas, Chicopee

Saturday, September 12 – Leominster

Friday, September 19 – Belchertown

More dates are added frequently, so check back often.

Weekly Clinics at Our Hospitals

In addition to our community events, we also offer weekly low-cost vaccine clinics at our hospital locations, making it even easier to keep your pet on schedule year-round.

Making Care Accessible

Our ability to offer these clinics at reduced pricing is made possible through partnerships with organizations, municipalities, and supporters who share our commitment to accessible veterinary care.

These collaborations allow us to reach pets who might otherwise go without critical preventive services.

A Simple Step That Makes a Big Difference

If you’re not sure when your pet was last vaccinated, now is a great time to check their records. Staying up to date is one of the easiest ways to help your pet live a longer, healthier life.

When care is accessible, pets stay healthier, families stay together, and communities grow stronger.

Behind the Paw: A Behind the Scenes Career Experience

Explore mission driven animal care careers through Behind the Paw, a behind the scenes program for qualified applicants at Second Chance Animal Services.

At Second Chance, our mission comes to life through the people who show up each day to care for pets, support families, and strengthen our community. It is about people coming together every day to make sure pets can stay healthy, stay with the families who love them, and find new beginnings when they need them most. That shared purpose drives everything we do, and now we are inviting qualified job applicants to experience it firsthand through a new program called Behind the Paw.

Behind the Paw is an immersive, behind the scenes experience designed specifically for qualified job applicants who are interested in mission driven animal welfare careers. Participants spend a few hours or a full day alongside Second Chance team members, observing real work in action across departments including veterinary services, shelter and animal care, reception, development, and more. Along the way, participants learn how each role contributes to our mission of helping pets stay healthy, stay in their homes, and find new beginnings.

As one of the fastest growing nonprofit animal welfare organizations in Massachusetts, Second Chance helps more than 64,000 pets each year through affordable veterinary care, community programs, adoption services, and shelter support. As demand for these services continues to grow, we are expanding programs and developing innovative community initiatives, creating an ongoing need for skilled, values aligned professionals who want their work to truly matter.

Behind the Paw is designed for individuals who are qualified to work in roles such as veterinarian, veterinary technician or assistant, animal care technician, veterinary reception, and development or fundraising. Participants may explore both current openings and roles that may become available in the future. When no current openings exist, qualified applicants may be added to Second Chance’s talent priority list and considered first as new positions become available.

This program is not intended for students. Individuals currently enrolled in veterinary, vet tech, animal science, or related programs should explore Second Chance’s dedicated intern and externship opportunities, which are tailored to meet academic and hands on training requirements.

Second Chance is not just a workplace. It is a mission. Every person who joins our team helps expand access to affordable veterinary care and keeps pets with the families who love them. If you are a qualified professional looking to experience what mission driven animal care truly looks like, we invite you to step Behind the Paw.

Learn more and apply at
www.secondchanceanimals.org/behind-the-paw/

2025: A Record-Breaking Year for Pets and the People Who Love Them

Looking back on 2025, we are filled with gratitude and pride.

Last year, we helped a record breaking 64,143 pets. That makes 2025 one of the most impactful years in our history and reflects the growing need for accessible, compassionate care for pets and the people who love them.

Across all of our veterinary hospitals, we helped more animals than ever before. Some locations served thousands more pets than in prior years. By offering affordable veterinary care to everyone, with additional subsidies for those who qualify, we continue to break down barriers and ensure families can get the help they need when they need it.

Responding to Greater Need

The needs of shelter pets coming through our doors continue to change. In 2025, we cared for more pets with complex and long-term medical needs and responded to several large-scale rescue efforts, including the 52 cats taken in from a single home and the intake of 26 golden retriever moms and their puppies who were under two weeks old at the time of rescue. We supported an unusually high number of mothers with underage puppies and kittens who required extended foster care before becoming adoption ready.

These intensive cases require time, medical care, and patience. While we saw a slight decline in the number of pets adopted, it was because more pets needed longer stays and complex veterinary treatment. As a no kill shelter, we never euthanize pets for space and remain committed to every animal who needs our care.

Keeping Pets and Families Together

Demand for Project Keep Me more than doubled last year. Through this program, we provide temporary boarding and care for pets while domestic violence survivors secure safe housing and while veterans focus on in-patient treatment. By caring for pets during times of crisis, we help ensure families can stay together and reunite without the fear of losing a beloved companion.

We also saw a sharp increase in demand for our pet food pantry program, which now supplies pet food to 25 local human food pantries. As financial hardship continues to impact many families, this program helps keep pets fed, healthy, and at home. We expect to break ground early this year on an expansion that will allow us to feed even more pets in need.

Preventing Future Need

Prevention remains at the heart of our work. In 2025, our spay and neuter program reached a new record with 8,747 procedures performed. These services are essential to keeping pets healthy and reducing the number of animals entering shelters in the future.

Moving Forward Together

None of this work happens without the dedication of our staff and volunteers and the generosity of our supporters and community partners. Together, we are making a meaningful difference for tens of thousands of animals and the families who love them.

As we look to the year ahead, we remain committed to expanding access to care and being there for pets and people when they need us most.

Thank you for being part of that mission.

Donate
Second Chance Animal Services, Inc.
111 Young Road, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515

Help Your Fluffy Friend Stay Warm This Winter with a Pre-Season Grooming

Winter is coming—discover why pre-winter grooming keeps double-coated dogs healthy, comfortable, and insulated. Book your pet’s grooming appointment today.

Winter is on its way, and for many double-coated dogs, that means one thing: their fur is about to work overtime. Before the cold settles in, a simple grooming appointment can make a world of difference in helping your pet stay comfortable, healthy, and truly winter-ready.

Our groomers see it every year – thick undercoats, early mats, and pups who start collecting snow like little four-legged magnets. While all that fluff may look cozy, tangled or impacted fur can actually prevent a dog’s coat from insulating the way nature intended.

Why Pre-Winter Grooming Matters

A seasonal grooming helps your dog:

Remove excess undercoat that can trap moisture or cause discomfort
Prevent mats that tighten in winter weather and may hide skin irritation
Maintain proper insulation (a clean, untangled coat keeps warmth in and cold out!)
Stay cleaner indoors, with less shedding and fewer “snowballs” stuck to their legs and belly

There’s a common myth that skipping grooming keeps double-coated breeds warmer. In truth, a well-maintained coat is far better for temperature regulation. When the fur is clean and brushed through, it creates the natural barrier your pet needs in cold weather.

A Little Care Now Makes the Whole Season Easier

A pre-winter grooming session is an easy way to help your pet feel their best before the snow starts flying. Our groomers take a gentle, health-focused approach to every appointment—because keeping pets comfortable is part of how we support families and the community.

Ready to Book?

Winter grooming appointments tend to fill quickly. You can schedule online at:
https://www.secondchanceanimals.org/grooming/

Or book by phone.

North Brookfield: 508-637-1333

Southbridge: 774-318-1101

Springfield: 413-739-2343

Give your fluffy friend a comfortable start to the season—because even the warmest hearts need a little help staying warm on the outside.

The Secret to a Happier Cat: Why Enrichment Matters More Than You Think

Discover easy, effective cat enrichment ideas to keep your indoor cat mentally stimulated, physically active, and emotionally fulfilled every day.

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.

Booms and Bustle: Summer Fireworks and Travel Safety Tips for Your Pets

Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor fun, family vacations, and celebrating holidays like the Fourth of July. But while we may enjoy the fireworks and road trips, these seasonal traditions can be stressful or even dangerous for our pets. I want to share some important reminders to help keep your furry family members safe and as comfortable as possible through the busy summer months.

Fireworks and Noise Anxiety

Loud noises like fireworks and thunderstorms can be overwhelming for pets. Their hearing is much more sensitive than ours, and many experience real panic when they hear those unexpected booms. Pets can injure themselves trying to escape crates, jumping through windows, or even running across the street. Frightened pets may even run away from home.

Some signs your pet might be struggling with noise anxiety include trembling, hiding, panting, pacing, vocalizing, and trying to escape. It’s heartbreaking to see them so afraid, but there are things you can do to help.

Start by creating a quiet, safe space in your home where your pet can feel secure. Close windows and curtains and turn on the TV or a fan to help mask the noise. Stay calm and be reassuring but avoid overreacting to their fear. Sometimes we mean well and end up reinforcing the behavior.

If your pet has a history of noise phobia, please talk to us ahead of time. There are calming wraps, supplements, and medications that can make a real difference. We can help you find the right solution for your pet.

And most importantly, never bring your pet to a fireworks display, and make sure they are indoors well before dusk. If your pet is not microchipped or their contact info isn’t current, now is the time to get that taken care of. We see too many lost pets each summer who don’t make it home because they aren’t chipped or their registration isn’t up to date.

Traveling With Your Pet

If you’re planning a summer getaway and want to bring your pet along, a little preparation goes a long way.

Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines and parasite preventives and ask us for a copy of their medical records if you’re traveling across state lines or boarding them during your trip. Pack a travel kit that includes food, water, medications, a leash, waste bags, and familiar items like their bed or favorite toy.

Always use a secure carrier or travel harness when in the car and take frequent breaks for water and bathroom needs. Never leave your pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The temperature inside can climb to deadly levels quickly, even if the windows are cracked.

If you’re flying, be sure to check airline regulations well in advance, and make sure your pet is healthy enough for travel. Most destinations and airlines will require a health certificate for entry. And if your pet is staying home, plan ahead for a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility.