Foster Homes Needed
Second Chance is usually at capacity. We typically have a waiting list of people who need to surrender a dog or cat. This is not unique to us, as most shelters around the country are experiencing the same things. We appreciate the confidence our community has by turning to us when the difficult decision to surrender is made.
Of course, our first goal is adoptions. More adoptions mean more space for incoming pets. To help find people for our pets, we work to introduce our dogs and cats to potential adopters. We offer occasional discounts for certain pets and participate in programs to encourage adoptions. We have extended our hours to be open seven days a week. We take pets out in the community to farmers’ markets, festivals, and pet adoption events nearly every weekend. Our social media features adoptable pets, and we have weekly newspaper ads that showcase our dogs and cats.
We also have a program called “Getting to Know You” Trial Adoption, where approved adopters can take a pet home for a few days to see if the pet is the right fit for the family and the pet.
Another way we can open more space in the shelter is to place pets in foster homes. Foster placement can be a few days, a few weeks, or until the pet is adopted. Pets who are placed in foster homes often have issues that are better tackled in a home. These pets could have an illness or injury, stress, or trouble adjusting to a group situation. Puppies and kittens who are too young to be in a shelter, or nursing mothers and their litters are best cared for in foster homes. Sometimes a pet just needs a break from shelter life. Our wonderful fosters have been instrumental in allowing a pet to be their true self by relaxing, exploring, and meeting people in the community.
The process of becoming a foster volunteer involves completing a foster application and having a home visit to confirm that your home is safe and secure for a foster pet. It’s a great way to have the love of a pet in your home without making a long-term commitment.
Being a foster volunteer is both challenging and extremely rewarding. The challenge comes from bringing a new pet into your home and working through the adjustment period. The reward is knowing you are giving the pet a chance to heal and trust so that they can be more quickly placed into a forever home. Second Chance provides all the food, medications, and supplies needed for the duration of the foster period.
Since 1994, the Animal Resource Center and the Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been dedicated to serving animals in Southwestern Colorado. Our adoption hours are every day from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are located at 177 County Rd 10, Ridgway, CO. You can view our shelter pets and services online at secondchancehumane.org.