City of Syracuse reopens Second Chance shelter for stray dogs

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The well-known Jamesville dog shelter, Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter, has reopened thanks to the City of Syracuse.

Located at 6660 East Seneca Turnpike next to Jamesville Correctional Facility, the new city-operated facility will accept designated dogs from the City’s contracted shelter, Barks & Rec.

The City of Syracuse hired seven shelter attendants and one supervisor to oversee the sheltering and care of the dogs, in preparation for adoption facilitated by Friends of Second Chance Shelter Inc. The shelter is open by appointment only.

“As we, along with municipalities around the country, continue to combat the growing number of abandoned and abused dogs, the opening of this facility is a step in the right direction,” said Mayor Ben Walsh. “We are committed to working with local agencies and organizations to collectively find permanent and loving homes for these dogs.”

Once the holding period has expired at Barks & Rec — which includes a proper evaluation and care before being made available for adoption — the dogs will move to Second Chance where volunteers from Friends of Second Chance Shelter Inc. will work to get the dogs adopted to suitable homes.

All the dogs will be fixed and be up-to-date on their vaccines, heartworm tested and microchipped at the time of adoption.

“We are excited to have this opportunity to collaborate with the city of Syracuse and work together to find homes for local dogs from our community,” said Friends of Second Chance Shelter Inc. Board President Kimberly Smith-Ford. “Due to the crisis our community is facing it’s important these dogs are adopted into loving homes so we can continue to transfer more dogs over and save more lives.”

Those who want to foster dogs as they await adoption can do so through Friends of Second Chance Shelter Inc. foster dog program. That includes offering all necessary supplies, food and covering medical expenses, to ensure the well-being of these dogs and increase their chances of finding a forever home.

“We applaud the City of Syracuse for addressing the pet overpopulation crisis with the opening of Second Chance,” said Cuse Pit Crew Founder & Liaison Stephanie Heath. “While opening Second Chance is not the ultimate solution, it’s an excellent use of resources to ensure our community’s homeless dogs are kept safe. We’re facing unprecedented times and addressing the “why” behind the pet overpopulation crisis is crucial. We look forward to our continued partnership with Mayor Walsh and his team as we work towards implementing progressive policies that address access to resources that will help keep pets and their families together.”

Learn more about the adoption process and view available dogs at Second Chance’s website or call 315-435-5584.

For dog complaints in the city of Syracuse, call the Syracuse Police Department Division of Dog Control at 315-442-5346.