Shelter
Vet

info@secondchanceanimalrescue.com.au
vet@secondchanceanimalrescue.com.au

Shelter
Vet

03 9357 0834
03 7002 6649

Our Location

23 Grasslands Ave Craigieburn Victoria 3064

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Our Story

Welcome to Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR)

A not-for-profit, community-based registered charity powered by dedicated veterinary and animal welfare professionals, animal-loving volunteers, and compassionate foster carers.

Since our inception, SCAR has been on a mission to rescue and rehabilitate dogs and cats facing euthanasia in pounds and shelters across Victoria. We give these animals a Second Chance at finding their new loving homes, ensuring they have the opportunity for a happy and loving second chance.

 

Our Founder: Marisa's Vision

SCAR was founded in 2008 by veterinary nurse Marisa Debattista after years spent working in a vet clinic and volunteering after hours at a local animal shelter. Witnessing the sheer number of animals unable to find homes, many of whom were sadly put to sleep unnecessarily, Marisa was devastated.

Determined to make a difference towards the overwhelming need for companion animal support and the limited resources available to pet owners, Marisa launched SCAR from her living room, rescuing as many animals as she could fit into her home.

Since then, Marisa’s vision and dedication have transformed SCAR into a medium-sized charity supported by a robust community of people united by their love for animals.

We have hundreds of Volunteers who contribute in numerous vital ways to help us take care of the animals in the shelter. Over 120+ local Foster Carers have opened their hearts and homes to provide loving care and rehabilitation to animals not yet ready for adoption. And we have a vibrant community of over 85,000 supporters across Facebook and Instagram.

SCAR Now

From those humble beginnings, SCAR has continued to grow into a thriving animal welfare hub consisting of:

  • An Animal Shelter:
    • Dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming companion animals in need, our shelter includes kennels for cats and dogs, a boarding cattery, grooming facilities, multiple animal training programs, a purpose-built education and multipurpose room, and an outdoor puppy school and exercise area.
  • A Community Animal Hospital
    • Offering low-cost and accessible veterinary and pet care to all pet owners, regardless of their financial situation, which increases our ability to keep animals in their homes with the people who love them.
  • Multiple Outreach Programs
    • Providing free pet food, emergency pet boarding and medical support to pet owners in need – keeping families together with the pets they love and stopping shelter relinquishment in its tracks.

Milestones

  • April 19, 2015:
    • After years of planning and fundraising, our first animal shelter opened in Campbellfield, Victoria. This facility allowed us to save more animals and provide a welcoming space for potential adopters.
  • August 2019:
  • Jan 2020:
    • We launched our Emergency Boarding Program called Safe House for Pets which supports pet owners escaping domestic and family violence to leave crisis situations sooner.
  • June 2024
    • Our Free Pet Food Pantry has distributed over 1 MILLION free pet food meals, and we’ve provided emergency boarding and medical support to over 9,230 animals

DONATE

SCAR is a not-for-profit organisation with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, meaning all donations over $2 are tax-deductible. Make a donation today or become a regular donor to help keep pets and the people who love them together where they belong.

You can also Leave a Gift In Your Will! which is a very special way to show your commitment to vulnerable animals in need here at SCAR. With your help, we can continue our lifesaving work for years to come.

Donate Today

Learn More

Want to know more about SCAR? Visit our FAQs Page 

Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.

Anatole France

About

Second Chance Animal Rescue Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation that relies heavily on donations to continue our lifesaving work in the community.

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Second Chance Animal Rescue Inc. acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, which includes the existing family members of the Gunung-Willam-Balluk clan as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to Ancestors, Elders, families and communities, past, present, and future.

At Second Chance Animal Rescue Inc. (SCAR), respect and compassion guide us in everything we do. We believe everyone deserves to be valued and heard, and we are committed to making SCAR a safe, inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds feel welcome, safe and empowered to make a difference.

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Kennel Sponsorship Contact

Paws At Work Registration Form

If you are interested in taking part, please complete the following registration form, and we will add you to our waitlist to be contacted for the next available round of dates.
Group Organiser's Name *
*50% fee for cancellations within 14 days of your booking. 100% fee for cancellations within 7 days of your booking.

Corporate Volunteering Registration Form

If you are interested in taking part, please complete the following registration form, and we will contact you to discuss availability and make your team’s booking.
Group Organiser's Name *
Availability *
Acknowledgement
*Due to the physical nature of working in the shelter, volunteer roles may involve significant amounts of manual handling, and a reasonable level of fitness is required. Manual handling includes sustaining repetitive movements of lifting/bending, pushing/pulling, twisting/turning and walking for extended periods of time. Some heavy lifting up to 15kg may be required.
Details for Tax Invoice & Payment

Please make sure the following details are correct.
I acknowledge that my organisation will receive an invoice for a financial contribution of a minimum of $800 (inc GST) or more, depending on the number of people who are booked in. I understand payment is within 14 day payment terms for hosting our volunteers.
I acknowledge the cancellation policy*
*50% fee for cancellations within 14 days of your booking. 100% fee for cancellations within 7 days of your booking.
Contact Name For Invoice *

Volunteer Application

Date Of Birth
Is your tetanus vaccination up to date? *
Are you able to lift 10kgs comfortably and without injury?
Are you able to walk 3 kilometers comfortably and without injury?
Volunteering in the shelter is physically demanding, do you have any physical limitations that may prevent you from carrying out tasks, including, but not limited to: lifting, walking, reaching, writing, reading, cleaning?
Do you have a Working With Children Check?
Drag & Drop your Working With Children's CheckAccepted File Type PDF, JPG, PNG - Max Size 3MB
Do you have any prior convictions for fraud or offences involving animals or any other convictions other than minor traffic offences? (Australia or overseas)
Person to Notify in Case of Emergency
Availability

What days/hours do you have available for your volunteer commitment? Please note we ask for a minimum 6 month commitment on a weekly or fortnightly basis for the first three months.
How often are you available?
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday/Sunday
Are you available to work on public holidays?
Can you provide a minimum of 6 months commitment?
Volunteer Experience
Have you been involved with Second Chance Animal Rescue previously?
Are you currently a student at a Tafe/College/University?
Are you seeking work placement through Second Chance Animal Rescue as part of your studies?
Are you interested in assisting with volunteering your time and vehicle to drive critters and items for SCAR?
Interested?
Do you have access to a reliable vehicle?
Do you have a current Victorian Licence?
Agreement

Terms and Conditions *

Share Your Story

Tell Us Your Story:
Please upload any photos you wish to share with us of your pet:
Drag & Drop your Images hereAccepted File Types JPG, PNG - Max Size 3MB
Are you happy for us to share your words and images across our socials?
Second Chance Animal Rescue Volunteer Application

Personal Information

Please specify I.D type
Proof of current tetanus vaccination is required
Are you able to lift 10kgs comfortably and without injury?
Are you able to walk 3 kilometers comfortably and without injury?
Volunteering in the shelter is physically demanding, do you have any physical limitations that may prevent you from carrying out tasks, including, but not limited to: lifting, walking, reaching, writing, reading, cleaning?

Person to Notify in Case of Emergency

Availability

What days/hours do you have available for your volunteer commitment? Please note we ask for a minimum 3 month commitment on a weekly or fortnightly basis for the first three months.

Volunteer Experience

Are you interested in assisting with volunteering your time and vehicle to drive critters and items for SCAR?

Interested?
Do you have access to a reliable vehicle?
Do you have a current Victorian Licence?

Agreement

Corporate Volunteering Registration Form

Corporate Volunteering Registration Form

We are currently taking bookings for our Corporate Volunteering Program.

If you are interested in taking part, please complete the registration form below, and we will call you to discuss availability and make your team’s booking.

Group Organiser's Name
Group Organiser's Name
First Name
Last Name
I.e: Your preferred month to volunteer
Acknowledgement
*Due to the physical nature of working in the shelter, volunteer roles may involve significant amounts of manual handling, and a reasonable level of fitness is required. Manual handling includes sustaining repetitive movements of lifting/bending, pushing/pulling, twisting/turning and walking for extended periods of time. Some heavy lifting up to 15kg may be required.

Details for Tax Invoice & Payment

Please make sure the following details are correct.

I acknowledge that my organisation will receive an invoice for a financial contribution of $800 (inc GST) or more, depending on the number of people who are booked in. I understand payment is within 14 day payment terms for hosting our volunteers.
I acknowledge the cancellation policy*
*50% fee for cancellations within 14 days of your booking. 100% fee for cancellations within 7 days of your booking. Please refer to full cancellation policy above for more information.
Contact Name For Invoice
Contact Name For Invoice
First Name
Last Name
Organisation's Address to send Invoice To

Sponsorship Contact

How you’d like to sponsor

Employment Application

Job Title - Our Story
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Paws at Work Contact

Vet Contact

Training Team Contact

APPLICATION FORM

This form will assist our staff to determine if your pet may be suitable for our Owner Assisted Rehoming Program. Your honest answers are necessary to ensure that we can help. Thank you!
About Your Pet
Has your pet shown any of the following behaviours?
Drag & Drop or Click to upload a photo of your petAccepted File Type jpg, png - Max Size 3MB