Second Chance Food Pantry Helps Pet Owners During Trying Times

EAST BROOKFIELD — Second Chance Animal Services wants Massachusetts food pantries to know the Second Chance Pet Food Pantry remains open for distributions to help pet owners in their communities. The program has been helping local food pantries for more than 10 years, providing a helping hand for pet owners in difficult times.

“This program is more important than ever,” Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato said. “We started our pet-food pantry to hep pet owners bridge the gap. Pet owners often cite a personal financial crisis when they call us to surrender their pet. Being able to direct them to the food pantry in their own town is an important tool to help keep pets in their homes.”

“Do I get my medicine, or do I get my cat’s food?” This question, overheard at a senior center many years ago, still echoes for Michelle Bertrand, who volunteers with several area food pantries. Bertrand helps pick up pet-food distributions from the Second Chance Pet Food Pantry for programs in Rutland, Barre, and Hubbardston. She told Second Chance staff she sees first-hand how the program is making a difference, particularly for area seniors on fixed incomes.

Blancato expects the need to increase during the current COVID-19 crisis. Anyone interested in donating to the pet-food pantry can have pet-food donations sent directly through online retailers to Second Chance, 111 Young Road, East Brookfield, MA 01515. The pantry is currently requesting dry cat food.

If you need help feeding your pet due to financial constraints, Second Chance encourages you to reach out to your local food pantry and let them know Second Chance can help.