Our Mission

Founded with a clear purpose, Second Chance Animal Rescue Inc. (SCAR) embarked on a mission to rescue and rehome pets in need. In an industry traditionally prioritising animals over people, SCAR’s mission has evolved over the years, recognising that the well-being of both people and their pets are intertwined.

We advocate for accessible pathways that connect pet owners with social service providers, striving towards a common goal: to save lives and support our local communities, nurturing bonds between pets and people alike.

Since our establishment in 2008, SCAR has expanded its focus from animals to include their human companions, fostering a safer, more empathetic community. Our renewed framework drives us towards even greater achievements, ensuring a sustainable impact for vulnerable animals, and their owners, well into the future.

 “Engaging the hearts, hands, and minds of our community to stop the cycle of animal abandonment.”

We aim to create a positive, cohesive community where animal owners are supported with accessible resources, enabling them to care for their pets without fear of financial hardship.

Our Vision

“Animals are safe and healthy in the homes where they live and not in shelters due to preventable barriers.”

We strive to strengthen the human-animal bond and tackle animal abandonment at its root causes. Through innovative programs, accessible services, community education, and public advocacy, we continue to be a community resource hub for pet owners and an unwavering champion for animals in need.

Our Focus

We help keep community pets with the families who love them by providing preventative pet retention programs within our Animal Shelter, Community Animal Hospital, Behaviour Training Department and various Outreach Programs.

These services are designed to help us prevent pets from needing assistance in the first place by:

  • Providing food and medical support: to assist the pets of owners struggling financially and ensure they remain healthy and cared for.
  • Rescuing, caring, and training: sick, injured, at-risk, and abandoned companion animals, and finding them new loving homes.
  • Reducing overpopulation: by implementing desexing programs for cats and dogs within our community to stop accidental litters.
  • Educating the public: by offering resources and education on all aspects of responsible pet ownership.
  • Offering safe haven: and providing a temporary home for the pets of people escaping domestic and family violence and/or facing homelessness until they can be reunited.

So far, these programs have had a significant impact on the lives of people and their pets in need throughout Victoria, especially in Melbourne.

Our Core Values

  • Compassion and Respect: Treating all animals and people with kindness and empathy.
  • Teamwork and Leadership: Collaborating to achieve greater results for animals and their people.
  • Honesty and Integrity: Having the courage to do what is right and being accountable for our actions.

Collaboration

Collaboration between animal welfare organisations and human services is essential for effectively supporting people and their pets in our community.

By joining forces, uniting our industries and working together to find solutions, we can address gaps and prevent the unnecessary separation of families and their pets.

Fun Facts You Should Know

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.

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

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 Mission
Drag & Drop your ResumeAccepted File Type PDF - Max Size 3MB

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