Agency Addresses ‘Growing Crisis in Animal Welfare’
EAST BROOKFIELD — Across the country, animal shelters and rescues are facing an unprecedented challenge: adoption rates are falling, intake numbers are rising, and more pets than ever are at risk of being left behind.
While the headlines may suggest a sudden spike, those working in animal welfare know the reality has been building for years. Families are adopting less often —and surrendering more frequently — not because they don’t care, but because the commitment feels too great. With rising costs, economic uncertainty, and the high price of veterinary care, many potential adopters are saying “not now,” and many pet owners feel they have no choice but to give up their beloved companions.
Second Chance Animal Services, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit, has taken a different path — one that addresses the root causes of surrender and hesitancy to adopt. Through a pioneering Access to Care model, Second Chance offers affordable veterinary services, vaccine clinics, spay/neuter programs, and pet food assistance, helping to keep pets where they belong: at home with the people who love them.
“We knew the traditional model wasn’t enough anymore,” said Sheryl Blancato, CEO of Second Chance Animal Services. “People don’t surrender pets lightly. They do it because they feel out of options. So we decided to give them options —real, meaningful support that can prevent surrender before it starts.”
While some larger organizations have turned to free adoptions as a quick fix, Second Chance encourages a more thoughtful and sustainable approach —one that protects smaller shelters and the long-term health of animal welfare services.
“Free adoption promotions can be helpful when used thoughtfully — for example, when a donor steps up to cover the fees as a way to inspire more adoptions,” explained Blancato. “That kind of support allows us to remove barriers for adopters while still ensuring we can provide quality care for every animal. But when adoption fees are waived across the board, it can put smaller shelters and rescues in a difficult position. These fees help cover essential medical care and prepare pets for adoption — it’s about sustaining the work, not profit.”
Smaller shelters and rescue groups play a vital role in the animal welfare ecosystem, often serving as lifelines for at-risk pets in underserved communities. When funding streams like adoption fees are removed system wide, it can destabilize these essential organizations — many of which do not have the fundraising reach of larger groups.
Instead of focusing solely on adoptions, Second Chance has chosen to invest in prevention. By addressing the most common reasons pets are surrendered —unaffordable vet care, food insecurity, and housing-related challenges — the organization is redefining what it means to ‘rescue’ an animal.
“We believe animal welfare isn’t just about rehoming pets. It’s about creating communities where pets don’t have to be rehomed in the first place,” said Blancato. “That’s the future —and we’re already building it.”