Second Chance Animal Center, established in 1959 as the Bennington County Humane Society, is a private, limited-admission, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves the needs of homeless animals as well as the needs of pet owners in our community. Our service area includes all towns in Bennington County (Vermont), sections of Washington and Rensselaer Counties in New York State, and northern areas of Berkshire County in Massachusetts. Second Chance Animal Center is dedicated to providing compassionate shelter and adoption services for the animals in our care, improving the lives of companion animals in the communities that we serve via spay/neuter assistance, humane education, advocacy, and humane investigative advice and assistance to law enforcement agencies. Though incorporated as the Bennington County Humane Society, we changed our business name to Second Chance Animal Center in 2000 to better reflect our shelter philosophy and scope of services. We purchased our first shelter site in 1961 (Shaftsbury, VT), then built a new state-of-the-art facility in Arlington (VT) in 2018.
1. With the exception of most small critters, animals adopted from SCAC are spay/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated with age-appropriate vaccines, and treated for parasites. Cats and dogs over 7 years of age have also had senior health profiles completed, and these results are shared with you and copied for your veterinarian. 2. To expedite the adoption process, complete a Cat Adopter Profile or a Dog Adopter Profile (and the Release Authorization if you have other pets or rent your home) before your visit. You can also complete these forms during your visit but may not be able to adopt an animal that day. Since SCAC is a private organization, we do reserve the right to deny any adoption application for any reason. 3. With an approved adopter profile, you can adopt a feline the same day as your visit. Canine adoptions usually take 2-3 days since we require additional visits with other household members and/or other household dogs. 4. After an adoption is completed, the animals must go home that same day. Because we are not a boarding facility, SCAC does not hold animals beyond the adopted date. 5. All medical records and existing treatment plans will be copied for you and your veterinarian. 6. All adoptions fees are tax deductible (since the cost of our care far exceeds the fees we charge) and due upon completion of the adoption. Keep your receipt for tax purposes.