Finding homes for pets in need is the goal of Second Chance Humane Society (SCHS) and every animal rescue organization. Our 52-acre ranch in Ridgway is beautiful, and we are fortunate to have dedicated staff and volunteers who care deeply for the animals in our care. Still, even the best shelter is not a pet’s home. Every animal deserves a family of their own. We work toward successful adoptions from the moment a pet arrives, but some days it can feel as though there simply aren’t enough adopters. So where have they gone?
Adoption rates have declined over the past several years, particularly for dogs. Shelters across the country are seeing pets stay longer before finding homes. Rural organizations like ours face an added challenge: Ridgway has roughly 1,250 residents, and Ouray has fewer than 1,000. With a small local population, making adoption accessible and reaching people wherever they are is essential.
We share adoptable pets on our website, Petfinder, and social media. Each week, we also feature animals in local newspapers and on radio stations. Once someone spots a pet they might love, they need an easy way to meet them. SCHS is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and no appointment is needed. Community members can simply stop by!
We also take our animals into the community, where they can meet people who may not have thought to visit the shelter. Each week, we hold adoption events at familiar locations such as Chow Down, farmers’ markets, and Murdoch’s. We also join special events, including Reading to Kittens at Ouray Books and Pint Nights at the Floating Lotus Brewery. These outings give pets more chances to be seen and help adopters connect with them in a relaxed setting.
Making the application process straightforward matters, too. Overly intrusive or complicated applications do not necessarily lead to better matches; they can discourage people from applying. Our application is simple, and we begin with the belief that people are loving, responsible, and honest. Most of the time, that trust is well placed. If an adoption does not work out, our door remains open. Our contract requires pets adopted from SCHS to be returned to us if their families can no longer care for them.
Successful adoptions also depend on honest conversations. From the moment an animal arrives, our staff observes their behavior and learns their needs. We share what we discover with potential adopters so families can make informed decisions and prepare for a pet’s transition home. If a dog has anxiety, we discuss it and offer tips for easing the adjustment. If a cat prefers not to live with other cats, we help identify a home where she can receive the attention she needs.
The need for homes continues, even as adoption rates fall. Every share, visit, event, and conversation can help an animal meet their person. If you’re considering adoption, browse our available pets, stop by during open hours, or meet us at an upcoming community event. You may find the companion you’ve been looking for and give a pet the home they’ve been waiting for.
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 p.m. We are located at 177 County Rd 10, Ridgway, CO. You can view our shelter pets and services online at secondchancehumane.org.