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.

Our hearts go out to those in our community whenever there are wildfires, floods, or other natural disasters. In those cases, you are likely thinking and planning for “what if”. When planning, don’t forget to have a plan for your pets.

Every year, Second Chance Humane Society and other animal welfare organizations warn about the negative impact of July 4th fireworks on pets. More pets go missing on Independence Day than on any other day. Shelters see numerous frightened dogs and cats who have escaped due to the loud noises and strange smells of fireworks. Those that end up in shelters are the fortunate ones; others may be hit by cars, remain lost, or get injured while trying to escape.

Taking the right steps to properly introduce a new cat to existing cat(s) in your home will let the cats get comfortable slowly while hopefully avoiding litterbox issues, stress, or fights.

Scratching is normal, healthy feline behavior, not misbehavior! Cats scratch to sharpen and maintain their claws, mark territory (visually and with scent glands in their paws), get exercise, and relieve stress.

It might be time to adopt a new cat into your family! The transition from newcomer to treasured family member can take some time. Here are some tips to help you read the signals your cat is giving to make the transition smoother.

There are many reasons why a family surrenders a pet. Economics, lack of pet-friendly housing, illness, and behavior challenges are the most common. For the past few years, we’ve had a waitlist for people who want to surrender a pet to us.

We’ve all seen situations where someone clearly has taken in too many cats. But what is that number? Where does the scale tip from several beloved cats to being overwhelmed? There are things to consider when you are a multiple cat household.

How long does it take to know if a dog or cat is the right fit for your home? Adopting a rescue dog or cat is an exciting time. You decided to add a new family member, you fell in love, and now it’s time to bring her home. Sometimes it goes smoothly, but there will likely be an adjustment for you and the animal.

Outdoor time is important for a cat’s well-being and mental health, which is why a catio is a great idea for cat families. A “catio” or “cat patio” is an outdoor enclosure designed to give cats a safe environment to enjoy the outdoors. These structures range from simple window boxes to elaborate multi-level enclosures that attach to a home or free-standing alone in the yard. Catios allow cats to experience fresh air, sunshine, and natural sights and sounds while protecting them from outdoor dangers such as traffic, predators, and diseases. At Second Chance, we have catios outside several of our cat rooms and our residents enjoy them every day.

The term “feral cat” is one of the most misunderstood terms in animal welfare. Some people believe that a feral cat is a wild and dangerous creature that needs to be feared or even shot. Others use the term to describe any homeless outdoor cat. For example, we get calls like this: “There’s a litter of feral kittens under my porch. My kids have been playing with them, and they’re super friendly.” In this case, the kittens are not feral but are stray, homeless, abandoned, or community cats.