Second Chance Surpasses Record, Helping More Than 59,000 Pets So Far in 2025
EAST BROOKFIELD — Second Chance Animal Services has already helped more than 59,000 pets in 2025 with three weeks remaining in the year. This milestone surpasses last year’s record of 56,000 pets helped and highlights both the expanding reach of the organization and the escalating crisis facing pet owners and shelters across the region.
“This year has brought an extraordinary number of pets through our doors. To have already helped over 59,000 pets is remarkable, but it is also deeply troubling how many families and shelters are struggling,” CEO and founder Sheryl Blancato said. “We are privileged to make such an impact, but the challenges continue to grow as more pet owners face financial hardships and more shelters operate at capacity.”
Second Chance’s four community veterinary hospitals are experiencing unprecedented demand from pet owners who rely on affordable care to keep their companion animals healthy and at home. At the same time, the organization’s pet food pantry program has seen dramatic growth as well. Through this program, Second Chance distributes pet food to local human food pantries, so families do not have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets.
Even with this support and with all the programs Second Chance offers, some local pet owners still find themselves unable to keep their pets due to financial constraints. Blancato noted that these situations are heartbreaking for families and for the staff who work to keep pets and their people together whenever possible.
Shelters across the country continue to face severe overcrowding. Second Chance is taking in as many pets as possible while also providing the resources and care that prevent unnecessary surrenders. The need, however, continues to outpace available resources.
This historic year has also brought significant recognition for Second Chance and its impact on pets and the community. The organization was honored with multiple Best of Central Mass awards in both the Pet Grooming and Veterinarian categories. Second Chance received a Super 60 award in the Non-profit category from the Springfield Regional Chamber, earned the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, was awarded a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and was also named a Top Nonprofit on greatnonprofits.com.
Blancato was also honored as a Difference Maker by BusinessWest, and Second Chance veterinarian Dr. Lisa Nowicki was recognized with the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Assoc. Merit Award for her dedication to advancing veterinary care and improving the lives of pets in need.
“These honors reflect the commitment of our entire team and the generosity of our supporters,” Blancato said. “They remind us that behind every award is a pet whose life was changed for the better.”
Despite expanding programs to meet the rising demand, the nonprofit faces significant financial pressure. Blancato is urging supporters to help ensure that lifesaving services remain available to every pet that needs them.
“Every gift makes a direct difference,” she said. “Whether it keeps a beloved pet with their family or provides critical medical care for a pet in crisis, support from the community is the reason we can keep saying yes.”
The organization welcomes support of any kind and is encouraging donors to consider becoming Monthly Pet Pal Champions by enrolling in recurring giving. Blancato noted that monthly support provides vital stability and helps Second Chance respond to emergencies and plan ahead with confidence, but she added that every gift, whether one time or monthly, plays an essential role in helping pets in need.
Donations and monthly enrollments can be made at www.secondchanceanimals.org or by mail to Second Chance, P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.