About Second Chance Animal Adoption

 Kate Turner and Alice Miller plus nine other community members formed Second Chance Animal Adoption, Inc (SCAA) in 1998. At that time, animal control was handled by law enforcement. The City Pound was overwhelmed by the number of lost, abandoned and homeless animals. Initially, Alice and her husband built kennels in their large indoor barn to house dogs for the City Pound. In 2010, SCAA built our community's only non-kill shelter to house dogs and cats. 

I serve as President of Second Chance Animal Adoption, where I’m honored to help lead the organization’s mission to rescue, care for, and advocate for animals in need in our community. 

I work closely with local veterinary clinics and their staff to help ensure animals receive the medical care and support they need, and I’m actively involved in many aspects of the shelter’s rescue efforts. 

One area I’m especially passionate about is managing our community’s feral cat population through humane trapping and spay-and-neuter initiatives.

 Through my independent feral cat program, separate from my work with Second Chance Animal Adoption, I help an average of 130 cats each year receive care and sterilization, helping reduce overpopulation and improve the lives of animals in our area.

In my professional life, I am a massage therapist and value compassion, service, and building strong connections within the community. 

I am married and have a daughter who attends the United States Naval Academy.

Hello, my name is Jennifer Kelson, and I am a lifelong resident of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, with a deep commitment to my community and a lifelong passion for animal welfare.

Born and raised in Bonners Ferry, I have always believed in helping animals in need and supporting the people and organizations that strengthen my hometown.

I am known for my caring and compassionate nature, and I dedicate much of my time to serving my community by working with the local animal shelter, where I proudly serve as vice president. 

I am passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable animals, promoting responsible pet care, and helping connect animals with safe, loving homes.

In addition to my volunteer service, I am a devoted single mother of three children. Family is at the center of my life, and I strive to lead by example through kindness, service, and community involvement. 

Outside of my responsibilities as a parent, I spend my spare time supporting shelter initiatives, fundraising efforts, and programs that benefit both animals and residents of Bonners Ferry.

My dedication, empathy, and strong community roots continue to guide my work as I advocate for animal welfare and help build a more compassionate community.

I have been married for 47 years, retired for two. My parents moved us to Sandpoint, Idaho in 1969, starting a farm with all the animals & that's where my love for animals started. We did it all! 

I started at SCAA in February 2026 tending to the cats on Thursdays, then I head over to the warehouse to help with sorting & pricing or whatever needs to be done for the Thrift Store. 

It is the volunteers & employees that make it all come together, raising funds for all of these precious animals looking & waiting for their best life with someone or a family.♡