Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer started publishing profiles of nonprofits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s in 2020 as a community service. The purpose of these profiles is to highlight the meaningful work being performed by these organizations and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2024. Nonprofit organizations that are based in Ouray County and serve Ouray County are eligible for these profiles.

Year established as a nonprofit: 1994

What does your organization do for Ouray County?

Second Chance has served Ouray, San Miguel and Montrose counties since 1994. We address the needs of homeless pets and save lives through our shelter programs and services while developing effective medical, educational and other programs that promote the humane treatment of animals.

What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2024?

One highlight is the launch of our Vet Voucher Program. These vouchers are designed to help our community members pay for their pet’s vet care at one of our seven partnering veterinary clinics in the region, and then pay it back in regular installments to Second Chance Humane Society. We are committed to keeping pets with their people and don’t want to see any pet owner faced with a tough decision.

Through this program, pet owners are eligible for receiving spay/ neuter, vaccines, wellness visits, sick visits and dental services for their pets.

What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2025?

We intend to continue to serve as our community’s animal resource center, where we rehabilitate animals, provide medical care, spay/neuter, re-home and nurture hundreds of homeless pets a year. With the support of our donors, we are committed to also continuing the vet voucher program, offering a community veterinary medical program, a veterans program and a behavioral program in 2025. Additionally, many of the buildings at our facility are in need of upgrades and we are in the early stages of preparing a plan to reconstruct our home base.

Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.

Second Chance is always seeking volunteers, fosters, adoptions events and dog walkers to help our busy staff with the basic day-to-day needs for human connection and love for all the animals we have come through our doors. Visit secondchancehumane.org to get involved or make a donation.

Second Chance is always seeking donations to help support its general operations. Additionally, through our donation page interested donors can choose to give monthly, fulfill our shelter wishlist, support us with legacy gifts and support our community programs.

Thank you to Amy C. Smith for submitting this information.