When we receive a stray cat, sometimes they are obviously someone’s pet. We post photos to social media with the location where they were found, and some general descriptions of them. Sometimes, their family comes to get them. Although this is the best outcome, it’s not typical. Year to date, only 10% of stray or found cats that have come to Second Chance are reunited with their family. That is lower than the national average, likely because we are rural, and our service area is so large.

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.