Second Chance Community Pet Vaccine Clinic Slated for Sept. 11 in Chicopee

CHICOPEE — Pet owners in Chicopee and surrounding communities can now register for a low-cost Community Vaccine Clinic for cats and dogs hosted by Second Chance Animal Services on Friday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Teddy Bear Pools & Spas, 41 East St., Chicopee. The clinic will offer free distemper/parvo vaccines, $10 rabies vaccines, $19 leptospirosis vaccines, and microchips for just $5, making it easy and affordable for pet owners to protect their pets.

In addition to the clinic, Teddy Bear Pools & Spas will host a pet supply drive to help care for homeless pets and support families struggling to provide for the animals they love. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations of unopened pet food, treats, cat litter, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and other pet care essentials. Donations will support the thousands of pets cared for through the organization’s adoption center and community programs.

Many families face barriers to accessing veterinary care, leaving pets vulnerable to diseases that can be prevented with routine vaccinations. By bringing these services directly into the community, Second Chance helps more pets receive the care they need to stay healthy.

Distemper and parvovirus are highly contagious diseases that can be deadly, particularly for puppies, kittens, and unvaccinated pets. Vaccinating pets not only protects them from serious illness, but also helps reduce the spread of disease throughout the community.

Microchipping is another simple step that can make a lasting difference. A permanent form of identification, a microchip greatly increases the chances that a lost pet will be reunited with the family waiting for them at home.

“Second Chance operates four veterinary hospitals, including our Springfield Community Veterinary Hospital, where we provide affordable care and subsidized pricing for those who qualify, but we know many pet owners still face barriers to getting that care,” said Lindsay McCormack of Second Chance Animal Services. “Our community vaccine clinics bring life-saving vaccines directly into local neighborhoods to protect pets from diseases like parvo and distemper, along with low-cost microchips that help lost pets find their way back home.”

This Community Vaccine Clinic is made possible in part by Petco Love, Teddy Bear Pools & Spas, and the city of Chicopee. The clinic is open to all pet owners, regardless of where they live. Advance registration is encouraged, as space is limited. Walk-ins will be permitted as time allows. Pet owners can register online at
www.secondchanceanimals.org/scasconnect-springfield.