Second Chance Receives Grant to Help Local Pets During COVID-19 Outbreak

SPRINGFIELD — Second Chance Animal Services has received a $10,000 grant from the Humane Society of the United States to help local pets whose owners have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Second Chance, which operates full-service veterinary hospitals in Springfield, Worcester, and North Brookfield, has remained open to provide urgent, emergency and chronic veterinary care for pets during the crisis and has seen the financial impact on the community.

“The COVID-19 outbreak has been especially difficult for the members of our community who were struggling before this crisis hit,” Development Director Lindsay Doray said. “Pets mean so much to their families, especially during times of isolation and fear, and the grant we received from the Humane Society of the United States is enabling us to keep people and their pets together during this crisis.”

Recognizing that the ability to afford veterinary care was a major reason pet owners were surrendering beloved pets, the nonprofit founded its community veterinary hospital program to combat pet homelessness. Second Chance vet hospitals are open to everyone and offer subsidized rates for qualified households.

“This grant will help pet owners get the care their pet needs during this difficult time,” noted Doray, who added that the funds will help pets with the most serious medical needs.

Hospital Director Julie Sullivan reported that Second Chance’s Springfield location continues to see twice its normal case load since the crisis began. “Long-time and new clients have been so grateful we are here for their pets,” she said.

For the safety of pet owners and staff, all three vet hospitals collect pets from parking lots and sidewalks, and pet owners attend their pet’s appointment via phone.