Second Chance Launches Adoption Program at Delta Shelter

Second Chance Humane Society (SCHS) is proud to announce the launch of the community’s first-ever local dog adoption program, bringing a long-awaited service to Delta residents.

Historically, the shelter has provided intake, care, and owner reunification services for stray dogs. Community members interested in adopting had to travel to neighboring cities, often more than an hour away, to find adoptable animals. With SCHS now operating the Delta shelter, local residents will for the first time have the opportunity to adopt directly from their own community.

“For years, people in Delta have asked why they couldn’t adopt a dog from their own local shelter,” said Jeff Bohlender, Supervisor of Second Chance Humane Society Delta. “We’re thrilled to say: now, you can. It is with great pride that we bring adoption opportunities closer to home and connect local pets with local families. This is a milestone for the community, our shelter, and most importantly, for the dogs who are waiting for a home of their own.”

Second Chance is only able to introduce these programs because of the generosity and thoughtfulness of Roice-Hurst Humane Society, the previous contractor for the Delta Shelter. They have been vital in helping SCHS take over the contract and will continue to offer mobile veterinary events, take in animals during overflow situations, and otherwise have been terrific partners in managing the dogs of the City of Delta.

The program is designed to reduce barriers to adoption and increase positive outcomes for shelter animals. SCHS invites Delta community members to visit the shelter, meet available dogs, and support the organization’s mission of improving the lives of animals by fostering the human-animal bond.

In addition to City strays, SCHS Delta will now accept canine owner-surrender applications for dogs within City limits that meet our adoption criteria, and intakes will be considered on a space-available basis. Please note that all surrenders are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we often have a waiting list. Surrender applications are available on the Second Chance Humane Society website.

 “Our vision extends beyond adoptions,” said Nicholas Gilman, Executive Director of Second Chance Humane Society. “We are committed to building a community-centered shelter where the people of Delta can make a meaningful difference through volunteering, fostering, advocacy, and support. While these programs are still in development, we’re excited to connect with people who want to be a part of that future.”

Second Chance Humane Society Adopts Delta Animal Shelter

Ridgway, Colorado — Second Chance Humane Society (SCHS) is pleased to announce that they will be taking over operations of the Delta Animal Shelter, beginning May 1, 2026.

In continued partnership with the City of Delta and Roice-Hurst Humane Society, SCHS will assume the daily responsibilities including staffing and the delivery of animal care and services at the shelter.

“Second Chance is proud and honored to be working with the people of Delta, and we look forward to becoming part of the community.” Said Nicholas Gilman, Executive Director of Second Chance Humane Society. “There are many animal welfare issues to address, but together with our partners at Roice-Hurst Humane Society and the City of Delta, we are taking the needs of both animals and the people who care for them very seriously. Ridgway will always be our home, but we are expanding to bring our lifesaving programs to where they are most needed.”

Local leadership, including Delta Police Chief Jesse Cox, have also expressed strong support for the partnership.

 "The City of Delta and the Delta Police Department are excited and proud to be partnering with Second Chance Humane Society. We know this partnership will not only be great for Delta’s animals, but also for Delta’s citizens. We look forward to this new program and its exciting events.”

Roice-Hurst has served Delta with dedication and compassion since 2021, and community members can expect the same quality of care from SCHS. At the outset of this transition, shelter services will be available for City of Delta residents. In the coming months, SCHS will collaborate with city and county partners to develop a plan to best serve all of Delta County.

There will be no lapse in services for Delta city residents. The community will continue to have access to essential programs such as stray intake and reclaim, as well as the free pet pantry.

 Kris Valentino, a longtime volunteer of the Delta Animal Shelter, shared her support for the transition:

“I have been a volunteer at the shelter since 2021 and enjoy helping any way I can for the betterment of the animals. All animals deserve a safe home and compassion from their owners. I’m excited about Second Chance coming to Delta because it means we will be able to continue to provide care and services to animals in the local area. Thank you, Second Chance, for stepping up to help our town of Delta.”

Operations at SCHS’ Ridgway campus at Angel Ridge Ranch will continue as normal during the expansion, including adoptions, owner surrenders, and humane education.

 About Second Chance Humane Society:

Second Chance Humane Society has served Ouray, San Miguel, and Montrose Counties since 1994. Its mission is to improve the lives of animals by fostering the human-animal bond. SCHS is known for its commitment to rescuing and rehoming animals in need. We often collaborate with local animal control agencies, shelters, and other rescue organizations to provide temporary shelter, veterinary care, and adoption services for dogs and cats.

Thank you, Lance!

Even with a winter as dry as this one has been, one thing hasn't changed: MUD—a lot of it. Our Angel Ranch Shelter roads and parking lots are gravel, so when the snow eventually melts, we're left with puddles, dirty shoes, and so many muddy pawprints! Some of our dogs, like Rocko, have an absolute blast digging around and splashing in the mess. Our staff and volunteers? Not quite the same kind of excitement.

Luckily, we found an animal-loving community member named Lance who was willing to help us out. Lance the Landscaper (https://www.lancescapes.net/) took a week out of his team’s busy schedule and donated that time to improving the property for our animals and staff. After a lot of hard work and long days, he reshaped the drainage field at the end of the ranch to collect moisture from across the property and direct it into the stream. His generosity will make mud season remarkably better in the years to come, and we cannot thank him enough!

Our Community Clinic Is Evolving

Dear Valued Community Members,

We want to share an important update about our Community Veterinary Clinic. As we thoughtfully evaluate and restructure our on-site veterinary schedule, we will be temporarily pausing community appointments.

However, our Vet Voucher Program is still alive and going strong! This transition is part of our steadfast commitment to strengthening and expanding access to affordable veterinary care for the pets and families on the Western Slope. We are excited to see the Community Veterinary Clinic evolve and look forward to reintroducing it in a way that allows us to bring these services to where they are most needed.

We are grateful for your continued trust and support and welcome communication during this time. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Best,

Nicholas Gilman

Executive Director

720-576-3045