An animal advocacy group based in Central Massachusetts that offers residents trapped in violent domestic situations confidential boarding for pets is expanding that service to embrace veterans who may need medical services.
The group, Second Chance Animal Services , operates four community veterinary hospitals in North Brookfield, Springfield, Southbridge and Worcester. The hospital in Worcester is temporarily shuttered due to damage caused by an electrical fire last month. The group also operates an adoption center in East Brookfield.
The organization announced expansion of its confidential boarding services last month and has made the program available to veterans who are looking at inpatient hospital stays for medical or mental health needs.
“ Project Keep Me is a great program,” said Sheryl Blancato, founder and CEO of Second Chance Animal Services of the boarding service. “Say someone has the option of going to a relative’s home but that relative can’t take their pet,” she said. While people trapped in dangerous situations need to leave the situation as soon as possible, many are reluctant to leave pets behind. The group offers a place for their pets for up to 90 days.