Second Chance Animal Services Reflects on Remarkable 2024
EAST BROOKFIELD — Second Chance Animal Services announced its 2024 achievements, providing life-changing assistance to 56,828 pets. This year brought extraordinary challenges, including the temporary closure of the Worcester Community Veterinary Hospital following a series of electrical fires stemming from outside the building last month. Despite this setback, the organization remains unwavering in its mission to help pets and their families.
“2024 was a year defined by resilience,” said Sheryl Blancato, CEO and founder of Second Chance. “The temporary closure of our Worcester hospital has been a significant hurdle, but we’re working tirelessly to reopen by the end of January. The dedication of our team and the generosity of our supporters have been vital in allowing us to continue meeting the needs of pets in our community.”
Second Chance also responded to crisis situations as an emergency partner in 2024. In one instance, the organization took in 27 small dogs surrendered by an overwhelmed owner. Some of the dogs required extensive care before being placed in loving homes.
Through its full-service veterinary hospitals, Second Chance provided affordable care accessible to everyone, with additional discounted pricing available for those who qualify. These efforts help keep pets in their homes whenever possible. The pet-food pantry program also experienced record demand, with distributions to local human food pantries.
Looking to the future, Second Chance welcomed 14 additional veterinarians to its hospital staff in 2024 to meet the growing demand for services. “The need for assistance continues to rise, and we’re committed to help even more pets and families in 2025,” Blancato said.
Those wishing to support Second Chance Animal Services can donate online at www.secondchanceanimals.org/help or by mail to Second Chance, P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515. For more information about Second Chance’s programs and impact, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org.