Welcome to the Safe House for Pets Program
At Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR), we recognise the deep bond between pets and their owners. Our Safe House for Pets Program offers emergency pet boarding to pet owners facing crisis, so they don’t have to relinquish their beloved companions during challenging times.
How the Program Works
Whether you’re facing a sudden illness, leaving a situation of family and domestic violence, or even homelessness, we understand the importance of keeping pets safe during difficult times.
Sadly, many human shelters for individuals needing safe refuge do not accommodate pets, which can mean that pet owners facing family and domestic violence or homelessness may remain in unsafe situations rather than leave their pets behind.
Our program provides a temporary safe haven for these pets, giving owners the opportunity to secure their own safety, take a breath and then work out a plan moving forward. We aim to reunite pets with their owners as soon as possible, removing a significant barrier to escaping a violent or unsafe situation. This initiative can potentially save lives by providing a secure environment for pets until their owners achieve stability and safety.
The Link Between Family and Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse
Substantial evidence exists worldwide documenting the connection between animal abuse and family and domestic violence. Abusers often exploit pets to hold control over their victims, inflicting both physical and emotional harm in many cases.
This can increase the emotional and psychological toll of an already traumatic situation. In response, SCAR established the Safe House for Pets Program with the following objectives:
- Emergency Care and Comfort: We offer emergency boarding and care during critical moments, recognising the gravity of all forms of violence.
- Reuniting Pets with Owners: Upon ensuring their safety, we facilitate reunions between pets and owners.
- Collaboration with Local Organisations: We partner with local human service agencies to address family and domestic violence in Victoria.
- Information Resources: We provide resources for individuals escaping family and domestic violence, prioritising pet safety.
- Support for Pet-Friendly Housing: We explore avenues to keep pets together with their owners, escaping violence.
- Advocacy for Pet-Friendly Rentals: We advocate for expanded rental housing that accommodate pets.
Ensuring Safety
Safety remains our number one focus within this program. Precautions are always taken to ensure the safety of not only the pets in our care, but also of the clients themselves. Animals in emergency boarding are housed in a dedicated, secure section of our shelter and, when required, placed in foster care under the supervision of foster care volunteers who are specifically trained to assist with this program. Each case receives individual assessment to provide appropriate assistance or referrals.
Contact for Help and Support
If you are experiencing family and domestic violence, please seek assistance by contacting the following:
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or chat online at https://1800respect.org.au
- In emergencies: Always call 000
For more information about our Safe House for Pets Program or to reach out for assistance, contact our team directly below:
Phone: (03) 9357 0834
A Message From Our Sponsor’s – Petstock Foundation
Quote:
Second Chance Animal Rescue Inc. works tirelessly to support people by providing a safe space for their pets through their Safe House for Pets Program.
The program provides temporary care for at-risk animals whose owners are facing enormous challenges as victim-survivors of domestic violence. These owners and their pets have endured a lot of hardship together, and their special bond runs deep. Second Chance Animal Rescue are committed to making sure that no pet owner in our community is set back along their road to recovery because of a pet they refuse to abandon.
And this is why we have committed to supporting them with a $92,000, 2-year partnership to ensure they can continue their life-changing work to keep pets and people together. – 10th May 2023
Further info:
This incredible support has already (and will continue to go) such a long way to ensure that we can keep changing lives here at SCAR; helping to keep pets and people together where they belong! Please join us thanking Petstock and the Petstock Foundation for their incredible and continued support of SCAR as we fight to help those in need!
Testimonials
Tina
I would like to thank you with all my heart and soul for all the help, support, understanding and kindness you provided. I am so thankful and grateful for everything. You all do an amazing job and I cannot thank you enough.
Testimonials
Lisa
Thank you so much for the wonderful service you have given to myself and my team by taking in a dog at a minutes notice, when we really had nowhere else to turn. Knowing that the dog had somewhere to go and be safe on a difficult day for us was very much appreciated and such a relief! You are amazing and do such a wonderful and important job. Once again, thank you so much and keep up your amazing work!
Testimonials
Michelle
Thank you for helping me, Bingo and Harry. I’m trying to do everything on my end not to lose my babies
Support our Safe House For Pets Program
Your support can make a significant difference. By donating today, or becoming a regular donor, you can help us continue to run this life-saving program. Together we can keep pets in homes with the families who love them!
Learn More
Want to know more about SCAR? Visit our FAQs Page
A dog doesn’t care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his.