BROOKFIELD, Mass. - Owning a pet can be a lot of work, but a local nonprofit is trying to make it easier for seniors to adopt a shelter pet and take care of their new companion. 

Second Chance Animal Services recently marked the 10th anniversary of its Homebound to the Rescue program, which gives seniors and other people who can’t get to a veterinarian, free on-site care for their pets. 

On Friday, they stationed the mobile clinic at Wagon Wheel Mobile Park in Brookfield with a busy schedule of appointments. 

“We go out into the community, either into low-income housing or senior housing, and we provide free veterinary services for basic care, vaccines and things like that so that we can help to ensure that the pets are getting the care that they need,” said CEO Sheryl Blancato. 

Blancato said interest in adoptions is on the rise again, due to people working from home and having time to raise a new pet. Still, she said it’s important to know what you’re getting into.

 “People should know it is a lifetime commitment,” Blancato said. “You need to understand, depending on the age of the pet, you need to make that commitment to that pet and understand that pets, like people, do get sick unexpectedly and you need to plan ahead for that.”

The organization also offers discounts to seniors who are interested in adoption, which is how Ann Constantineau was introduced to her 10-year-old dog Rocky last month. 

“I wanted something that I could handle, not a big dog,” Constantineau said. “I wanted a small one, a companion, and this is the one I found. He’s been a godsend. Wherever I am, the dog is right here.”

Constantineau was excited to give an older dog a home, and Second Chance is encouraging other seniors to schedule a visit. 

Second Chance Animal Services helps over 40,000 pets a year through full-service vet care, adoption services, community and educational outreach programs, training and a pet food pantry.