Second Chance Capital Campaign Aims to Expand Pet Food Pantry, Meet Soaring Demand

SOUTHBRIDGE — Second Chance Animal Services announced a new capital campaign to expand its pet food pantry in response to a dramatic rise in community need. The expansion will allow Second Chance to double its capacity to store and distribute pet food, helping keep pets and families together during times of economic hardship.

Over the past four years, Second Chance’s pet food pantry has seen an unprecedented 484% increase in demand. In 2021, the pantry supported 12 human food pantries, providing pet food for 3,495 pets. By 2024, the program had grown to serve 20 human food pantries and assist 16,937 pets — an average of more than 1,400 pets each month.

“Families experiencing food insecurity often share their own meals with their pets or go without essentials like medication just to keep their pets fed,” said Lindsay Doray, chief Development officer for Second Chance. “By providing pet food where families are already accessing food for themselves, we’re removing barriers and helping prevent heartbreaking pet surrenders.”

Not being able to afford pet food is one of the top reasons pets end up in shelters. Kyla, a current resident at Second Chance’s adoption center, is a reminder of why this effort matters. Her family loved her dearly but had to surrender her during a time of financial hardship. The story of Kyla, now waiting for a new home, reflects the difficult choices many families are forced to make — and how expanded pet food support could help keep more pets where they belong: with the families who love them.

Currently, Second Chance’s pet food pantry operates out of the community room at its Southbridge facility. Originally relocated from a small shed at the organization’s adoption center three years ago, the pantry has once again outgrown its space due to continued growth in demand.

The planned expansion will allow Second Chance to double distribution capacity, increasing the intake, storage, and distribution of pet food to reach even more families in need; grow volunteer programs, expanding opportunities for volunteers — including individuals from adult day programs such as HMEA, the Center of Hope, and Venture — who gain life skills and purpose through their contributions; and improve efficiency, streamlining logistics to more effectively serve the growing number of food pantries that rely on Second Chance for pet food support.

“This is more than just an expansion project — it’s an investment in our community,” Doray added. “With the support of donors, we can ensure that no family has to choose between feeding themselves or their beloved pets.”

For more information on the capital campaign or to make a donation, visit www.givebutter.com/letsfeedmore or email Doray at development@secondchanceanimals.org.