Second Chance Urges Pet Owners to Take Action for Spay and Neuter Awareness Month

EAST BROOKFIELD  — In recognition of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, Second Chance Animal Services is highlighting the lifesaving impact of its spay and neuter program and encouraging pet owners to take this important step for their pets’ health while helping prevent pet overpopulation in local communities.

Spaying and neutering offer important medical benefits that can help pets live longer, healthier lives. Spaying female pets eliminates the risk of life-threatening uterine infections and greatly reduces the chance of mammary cancer, especially when done early. Neutering male pets prevents testicular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate disease. In both dogs and cats, the surgery can reduce behaviors such as roaming, fighting, and marking, which in turn decreases the risk of injuries and exposure to disease. More than just population control, these procedures are a proactive investment in a pet’s long-term health and well-being.

Second Chance began offering spay and neuter services in 2005 with a once-a-week clinic at its Adoption Center, helping approximately 2,000 pets in that first year. At the time, the team could accommodate about 15 pets on a surgery day. Today, thanks to expanded facilities and a highly trained medical team, Second Chance can care for up to 40 pets in a single day while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

In 2025 alone, Second Chance performed 8,747 spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats. Since launching the program in 2005, the organization has spayed and neutered more than 95,000 pets, preventing unplanned litters and reducing the strain on shelters and communities.

“A lot has changed over the years to get us to this many surgeries,” said Sheryl Blancato, founder and CEO of Second Chance Animal Services. “Today, we have veterinarians trained in advanced techniques that allow us to perform a higher volume of surgeries in a single day without compromising care. These techniques reduce procedure time, which enhances safety by keeping pets under anesthesia for shorter periods. We have created a finely tuned process that allows us to offer affordable pricing while maintaining the highest standards of care. Our staff treats every patient like their own pet, and I am so proud of the work they do.”

Spaying or neutering a pet is one of the most important decisions a pet owner can make. In addition to preventing unwanted litters, it reduces the number of homeless animals entering shelters and increases the chances that a pet can remain in a loving home.

Every February, Spay and Neuter Awareness Month serves as a reminder that preventing pet homelessness starts before a litter is born. By choosing to spay or neuter, pet owners play a direct role in creating healthier pets and stronger communities.

Low-cost spay and neuter services are offered at Second Chance veterinary hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/spay-neuter.