Adoption Policies

Second Chance's goal is to place our animals in their forever homes and to do this we need to make sure that the dog or cat and the family are well matched. Our application process is necessary to achieve this goal. There are many variables that go into making these decisions so we review each application on a case by case basis. It usually takes us only a few days to process an application, but if we have many applications for a particular dog or cat, it can take longer. Our volunteers will respond to applications, emails and phone calls as quickly as possible.

Second Chance Animal Shelter would like to introduce you to some of our shelter policies.

• Walk-ins are welcome during our hours of operation.

• We do not do same day adoptions unless you have an approved application on file. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to submit an adoption application prior to your visit.

• While most of our available animals are at the facility, some that you see on the website may be in foster care.

• We want all members of the household to come to meet the dog when adopting so that we can be sure you have the perfect fit for your home.

Second Chance Animal Shelter reserves the right to refuse to adopt to anyone for any reason.

Second Chance Animal Shelter adoption fees are currently set at the following rates and are subject to change without prior notice:

A Second Chance adopter shares her thoughts
on adopting a senior canine companion:

I read your newsletter, and I just wanted to let you know that I adopted an older dog. Matter of fact, I adopted two. Teddy was a ten year old purebred Keeshond that we got from the MSPCA in Methuen. That was three years ago. Because he made us so happy, earlier this year, we adopted Muffit, also a purebred Keeshond, from Second Chance Animal Shelter. She was eleven then, and turned twelve this summer. We think we have the best dogs on the face of the earth. The love that they have brought to our home could not be equaled. We don't know how long we will have them with us, but right now they certainly seem healthy. We would not give up the time that we have had and will have with them for anything. Rina L.

Surrender Policies

Surrendering a pet can be a difficult and heartbreaking decision for owners. Accepting surrendered animals and working to place them in new, loving homes is an important part of our mission.

We do not accept pet surrenders on a walk in basis. To schedule an appointment to have your pet evaluated for acceptance into our program, please call us at (508) 867-5525, send an email, or write to us at P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515 for assistance.
Please make sure to include your name, location, and contact information.

A special note on placing your cat:

We receive many calls/emails from people needing to place their cat(s) and our space is very limited. We recommend taking the following steps: If your cat was adopted from Second Chance, we do have a return policy. Please contact the shelter at (508) 867-5525. If your cat was adopted from another shelter, call that shelter and inquire about their return policy. If your cat is already spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccinations, we'd recommend that you post it on Petfinder under the classifieds section. Do up posters with a picture if possible and put them up around your area. Call your vet and see if they can help you place the cat. Last, place a "for adoption" ad in the local newspaper. You may also refer to our website for more shelters that may be able to assist. We hope that this information helps you find your cat a new home.

If you can not get your pet into a no-kill shelter and are looking for a good home for your pet via the newspaper, posters, or other means of advertising, we highly recommend that you charge an adoption fee of at least $25.