Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharing. The purpose is to highlight the meaningful work these organizations perform and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2025. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of nonprofit organizations in Ouray County.

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 2025?

One highlight is the reopening of our community vet clinic! With the hiring of staff veterinarian Dr. Hannah Coenen we have opened our clinic’s doors to provide trusted and affordable care for all pets in the region. In addition to the Vet Voucher Program that we launched last year, we continue to make veterinary care accessible to the community, regardless of financial situation.

What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2026?

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. In the upcoming year, we plan to expand the reach of our mobile vaccine clinics by visiting different cities. Additionally, we are beginning a campaign to complete a much needed revamp all of the buildings on our campus.

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 Gabi White for providing this information.