Our communities are incredibly generous and supportive. While donations and grants are given to Second Chance throughout the year, most giving is done in December (especially in the last 3 days). December is our make-or-break time. The money we raise now will help us budget and prioritize for a good portion of the coming year.

Sometimes, a shelter or rescue is funded by a city or county government through taxes and fees collected and designated for animal control. Some shelters are funded and supported by a larger organization (like ASPCA or Best Friends). We’re neither of those.

Second Chance Humane Society is an independent non-profit. That means we need to raise and/or earn all the money for the work we do.

Our thrift shops are a steady source of funds and contribute about 65% of our operating costs. Of course, we greatly appreciate everyone who donates to and shops at Second Chance Shops and Gallery in Ridgway and Telluride.

We apply for grants and sponsorships from philanthropic organizations and foundations. We’re constantly looking for new grants and re-applying for ones who’ve helped in the past. Grant applications are a huge task- and it takes a lot of time and effort, but it pays off when we receive a generous grant.

Businesses are also wonderful to us. We get large and small donations and sponsorships from local businesses that support our work.

We rely heavily on monetary donations from our friends and supporters. This is the time of year when all nonprofits are asking for money. We’re no different. So, when we ask for donations to help with a pet’s surgery, send an appeal in the mail, or ask for pet food donations to fill the pet pantry- we hope you will consider donating what you can. We can’t do it without you.

Just a quick look at all that we do… We, of course, care for homeless pets until they are placed in their new homes. Sometimes it takes a lot of time, talent, and training to get them ready and find the right home. They stay with us as long as they need to. We also care for community pets with our vaccine & microchip clinics, vet vouchers, pet pantry, stray intake, and taking in surrendered pets who can no longer stay in their homes. In addition, we have facilities to maintain, talented and dedicated staff to pay, food to buy, utilities to pay, and community outreach programs to fund.

With this in mind, we ask that you give generously. On our website, by sending a check in the mail, on Colorado Gives Day, as a gift to an animal lover, or to get a tax break. Whatever the motivation, our animals and people appreciate your generosity.

Toast is a 7-year-old cat with severe vision impairment. She is so sweet and deserves a warm, comfortable home to spend her retirement years. She gets along with other cats and will need a patient family who understands her disability. Donate now so that we can give more cats like Toast the medical care and second chances they deserve.

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.