Your Perfect Match
At Second Chance, we believe pets and people live better together—but only when the match is right. Adoption isn’t about walking in and picking a random pet to take home. Sometimes, lifestyles just don’t align. For example, our dog Sutter won’t be happy with a family that prefers to spend most evenings watching TV. They probably wouldn’t appreciate having his high-energy self around, either—and that’s okay. Loving animals doesn’t mean compromising your happiness or theirs. There truly is a pet out there for everyone.
When considering adoption, there is a lot to keep in mind, including some things you might not think of. First, are you leaning towards a dog or a cat? If you’re thinking about adopting a dog right now, keep in mind whether you have cats at home or if you’ll want one in the future. Roscoe is not your guy if that’s the case. Thinking about bringing home a kitty and already have an excitable but friendly heeler at home? Consider a younger cat, like Olive, or one who already has experience with dogs, like Speedy.
How active are you? Don’t worry– we don’t judge. Some people prefer staying home and reading to going on a run every day. That doesn’t mean that you can’t find a dog to fit your life! Our senior pair, Asher and Jenna, love walks, but they don’t need a home that hikes 6 miles every single day. Or, consider bringing home a kitty! We have lots of snugglers who would love nothing more than to curl up on the couch with you. Come meet Jupiter, Taco, Cinnamon & Toast, or Prada.
Do you already have animals at home? Some of our pets would be thrilled to have a sibling. Smokey and Sid both love other dogs and would thrive in a home with another canine companion. Our Harry Potter kitties (Severus, Hagrid, Dobby, Albus, and Bellatrix) love other cats! They’d be perfectly happy to fit in with the cats you already have, or they’d love to go home together.
Once you’ve brought home your new pet and they’ve settled in, will you want to bring them everywhere, or will they mostly stay at home? Some dogs find public spaces exciting or neutral, but many don’t! While a morning on a public coffee shop patio might seem relaxing to you, it would be too much for Olio or Ryder. They’d prefer to chill at home and greet you with kisses when you come home! Similarly, some cats might be up for adventure, but others won’t. Enjay would love to go on adventures with you, whereas senior Gromit would definitely prefer to chill at home.
We all have different lifestyles and different things we look for when adopting a new furry friend. Talking to staff about your life is the best way to find an animal companion that suits you. It’s important to be honest so that we can help find the matches who will truly thrive. Shelter pets can be sensitive. During this confusing time in their lives, it’s important to find the right home– not just any home.
At Second Chance, we believe the best adoptions happen when both the pet and the person are set up for success. Our team knows each of our animals as individuals—their quirks, their comforts, their energy levels, and their needs—and we’re here to help you find a companion who truly fits your life. Together, we’ll find a match that feels less like chance and more like coming home.
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.