In communities across the country, animal shelters and rescues are sounding the alarm: adoptions are down, intakes are up, and the system is buckling under the weight. It’s a crisis unlike anything we’ve seen in years—and it’s not just about numbers. It’s about people, priorities, and the hard questions facing animal welfare today.

Fewer people are stepping forward to adopt pets, and the reasons are as complex as they are concerning. Many families are hesitant to take on the commitment of a pet in uncertain times. Rising costs of living, concerns about long-term responsibilities, and the fear of unexpected veterinary expenses are leading more would-be adopters to walk away—and more families to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender a beloved pet.

At Second Chance Animal Services, we believe that simply asking people to adopt more isn’t enough. We need to change the landscape of animal welfare to address the root causes of the crisis. That’s why we’ve chosen the road less traveled—an approach that doesn’t just focus on finding homes, but on keeping pets in their homes in the first place.

Through our Access to Care initiative, Second Chance provides affordable veterinary care, vaccine clinics, and pet food support to help families weather tough times. We know that the number one reason people surrender pets is lack of resources. By removing barriers to care, we’re tackling one of the biggest drivers of shelter overpopulation head-on.

While some larger groups have turned to free adoption promotions in an effort to increase placements, we approach this trend with thoughtful caution. While well-intentioned, these campaigns can strain smaller shelters and rescues that depend on modest adoption fees to fund lifesaving work. These smaller organizations are often on the frontlines in their communities, offering individualized care, local support, and flexible adoption options that national campaigns may overlook.

Free adoption promotions can be helpful when used thoughtfully—for example, when a donor steps up to cover the fees as a way to inspire more adoptions. That kind of support allows us to remove barriers for adopters while still ensuring we can provide quality care for every animal.

We believe every pet deserves a loving home—but we also believe that home should be ready, informed, and supported. Adoption fees, while modest, help cover the cost of medical care, spay/neuter surgeries, and vaccinations. More importantly, they symbolize a commitment—a small but meaningful investment that shows an adopter is ready to take the journey with their new companion.

At Second Chance, we’re not waiting for a national solution. We’re creating one right here in Massachusetts and beyond. Our model is built on prevention, access, and community. It’s not the easiest path, but it’s one that’s changing lives—both human and animal—every single day.

We invite our community, our supporters, and anyone who believes in the power of the human-animal bond to stand with us. The future of animal welfare isn’t just about getting pets adopted. It’s about building a world where fewer pets end up in shelters to begin with.

Second Chance Animal Services: Taking Action. Changing Lives. Leading the Way.