You’ve heard in the last few months how Second Chance is at capacity, and we 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 are always working to introduce our dogs and cats to potential adopters. We offer occasional discounts for certain pets and participate in programs such as Empty the Shelters. We have extended our hours to be open both weekend days to work better with working family schedules. We have pets out in the community at 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” Foster-to-Adopt, 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.

One 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. Candidates for fostering often have issues that are better tackled in a home such as illness or injury, stress, or inability to adjust 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.

Ambrose is a young, smart, sweet dog who has bloomed in foster care. He’s gone hiking, visited all the local towns, gone jeeping, and played with his foster family. Honestly, he’s had a great vacation! But what he’d really like is a home and a forever family.

Second Chance Humane Society’s Animal Resource Center and Shops have served San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties since 1994. Adoption hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 pm. View our shelter pets and services online: www.secondchancehumane.org