Second Chance Animal Rescue Inc.

Second Chance Animal Rescue Inc. Onsite, we also house our Community Animal Hospital, offering a broad range of high-quality, low-cost treatment options for all pet owners.
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Our facility in Craigieburn is home to our lifesaving animal shelter, where, to-date, we have rescued, rehabilitated, and ethically rehomed over 12,000 animals and assisted countless pet owners to keep their beloved pets during times of hardship via our Community Outreach Programs. Those who have ever formed a loving connection with a companion animal will know the strength of this precious and un

ique relationship and why it should be championed. We are dedicated to providing our community with accessible resources and support, high standards of care, and compassion in order to keep pets and their people together where they belong. Over the past decade, we have embarked on a journey to evaluate the needs of animals (and their owners) in our community, to identify barriers and find innovative ways to deal with the grass root problems that see companion animals being abandoned. We aim to strengthen the human-animal bond and confront animal abandonment at its root causes. Through innovative programs, accessible services, community education and public advocacy, we have become a community resource hub for pet owners and an unwavering champion for animals who need us most. Our focus is to keep community pets with the families that love them by offering preventative pet retention programs, which work to avoid pets from needing assistance in the first place.

These are just SOME of the tiny little purr machines that have landed in our care over the last few days. 🧡It’s hard not...
27/11/2025

These are just SOME of the tiny little purr machines that have landed in our care over the last few days. 🧡

It’s hard not to fall in love with them. From those Itty-bitty toe beans, the way they wobble about and sleep in toasty little kitten piles. And don’t get us started on those adorably squeaky little meows! 🥰

But their arrival is an endless cycle. Each day brings more kittens, more pregnant mums, more mouths to feed. And with every kitten who gets adopted, another takes their place. We won't give up on them, but we can't do it alone!

Here’s how you can help:
🩺 Desex your cats to help us stop the cycle of homeless cats 👉🏻 bit.ly/SCAR_CommunityAnimalHospital
🐾 Become a Foster Carer and help these little ones grow 👉🏻 bit.ly/Foster_With_SCAR
🎁 Donate Kitten Supplies from our Wishlist 👉🏻 bit.ly/SCAR_Wishlist (Check out our pinned post for more information)
💚 Donate directly to help SCAR provide kitten formula, vet care, and other vital supplies 👉🏻 bit.ly/Donate_To_SCAR
📣 Share this post far and wide to help us spread the word!

ℹ️ PLEASE NOTE: These little ones aren’t available for adoption just yet, so we kindly ask that you hold off on enquiries for now. Their adoption profiles will be available on our website as they become old enough to find loving homes. Thank you! 🙏

Gorgeous Ted just wanted to say good morning and show you some of his favourite toys! 🎾🥕Did you know that this handsome ...
27/11/2025

Gorgeous Ted just wanted to say good morning and show you some of his favourite toys! 🎾🥕

Did you know that this handsome boy is available for adoption right now? 🥺 If you’re looking for happy, cuddly and playful companion, how can you look past this face?! 😍

Find out more about Ted below and fetch this boy into your heart and home today! 🧡

🐶 Adopt Ted 👉🏻 bit.ly/4ph7KNL
ℹ️ MC: 953010005631527 | Source: BR100692
📍 Second Chance Animal Rescue, Craigieburn VIC

This pretty little lady is Sophie 🧡Found abandoned in a carpark, this one-year-old little cat ended up at a local pound,...
26/11/2025

This pretty little lady is Sophie 🧡

Found abandoned in a carpark, this one-year-old little cat ended up at a local pound, where it became clear that her teeth were in terrible condition. 💔 Sadly, due to the overwhelming number of cats currently in the pound at the moment, Sophie’s future now hung in the balance…

The pound reached out to our team, desperately searching for someone who could help this gentle girl find the care she needed and a loving home too. Here at SCAR, we believe that very animal deserves to find their second chance and no life should slip through the cracks.

So, even with multiple litters of kittens arriving daily at our shelter, we still opened our doors (and our hearts) to Sophie. 🧡

This little sweetheart is super friendly, very affectionate and adores people. She’s always ready for a cuddle or a chin scratch, loves snoozing in warm patches of sunlight or chasing her favourite pink mouse around the room. 🐁 You’ll often find her snuggled into a plush blanket or watching the world go by from the top of her cat tree.

This brave girl has now had all her teeth removed, but she’s made an amazing recovery and is finally ready for the next big chapter of her life… a loving home with YOU! ✨

So, if you'd like to give Sophie the wonderful family she’s always deserved, check her out below and bring this sweet girl home today! 🧡

🐱 Adopt Sophie 👉🏻 bit.ly/4al1nE6
ℹ️ MC: 956000018349850 | Source: BR100692
📍 Second Chance Animal Rescue, Craigieburn VIC

💛 UPDATE: Due to an influx of applications, Lola is now on hold 💛Are you ready to meet Lola? This sweet seven-month-old ...
26/11/2025

💛 UPDATE: Due to an influx of applications, Lola is now on hold 💛

Are you ready to meet Lola?

This sweet seven-month-old Chihuahua pup came into our care when her family could no longer look after her. She's friendly, very social, and always ready to make new friends, whether they’re humans or other doggos. And now she’s looking for her loving home! 🥰

Lola is the happiest little munchkin with a HUGE love for life and the people around her. She is the ultimate lap dog. If you're sitting, she's on your lap, and if you're standing, she wants to be held like a tiny shoulder parrot. 🦜

Like most Chihuahua’s, Lola LOVES to curl up right against you at night like a toasty little hot water bottle. She also loves soft blankets, cosy beds, and all the comfy spots she can find.

When she's not snuggling, Lola is very much a bouncy, playful puppy who loves her toys, exploring the world on walks, and bouncing through tall grass like a little bunny. 🐰 While she’s still getting the hang of her toilet training, Lola knows her name, can sit, and will wait politely for all her meals like the little lady she is. 🥰

So, if you’re looking for a curious, joyful little dog with plenty of love and cuddles to share, check out Lola and bring her home today! 🧡

🐶 Adopt Lola 👉🏻 bit.ly/4io9qlF
ℹ️ MC: 956000019630943 | Source: BR100692
📍 Second Chance Animal Rescue, Craigieburn VIC

Become a Volunteer for SCAR over Christmas! 🧡🎄It’s the busiest time of the year and our shelter is bustling with animals...
25/11/2025

Become a Volunteer for SCAR over Christmas! 🧡🎄

It’s the busiest time of the year and our shelter is bustling with animals in need! Which means we’re looking for some extra special hands to help us make sure each dog and cat feels safe, has a full belly and lots and lots of love! 🥰

So, if you’ve got some time throughout December and January, follow the steps below to get involved and kickstart your volunteer journey today! 🐾 This is a great opportunity to give volunteering a try before joining us long-term and the best way to make an impact for animals in need!

Sign up today to become part of the SCAR Volunteer team and spend your holidays bringing comfort and joy to animals in need! ✨

Apply to volunteer at 👉🏻 bit.ly/Volunteer_With_SCAR

Get ready to fall in love with your new best friend… Ted! 🧸🧡At just four years old, Ted is one of the most handsome, lov...
24/11/2025

Get ready to fall in love with your new best friend… Ted! 🧸🧡

At just four years old, Ted is one of the most handsome, loveable doggos we’ve ever met, and now he’s on the lookout for a loving family! Could that be YOU? 🥰

This sweet, affectionate Kelpie x Sharpei loves long walks, adores his toys, and is happiest sharing his day with his favourite people. He’s dog-friendly, super social, and dreaming of a home where he can be a part of every adventure! 🐾

Ted has been working through some separation anxiety, and thanks to our behaviour team, he’s already making great progress. ✨ He’ll thrive in a home with someone who’ll be around more often than not, who’ll continue gentle, positive training to help Ted feel secure when alone.

So, if you're searching for a happy, cuddly and loyal companion to weave into your daily life, Ted’s the boy for you! Check him out below and let this beautiful boy become a cherished part of your family. 🧡

🐶 Adopt Ted 👉🏻 bit.ly/4ph7KNL
ℹ️ MC: 953010005631527 | Source: BR100692
📍 Second Chance Animal Rescue, Craigieburn VIC

🚨 There’s only ONE WEEK LEFT to take advantage of SCAR’s Summer Desexing Special! ☀️Book your cat’s desexing procedure h...
24/11/2025

🚨 There’s only ONE WEEK LEFT to take advantage of SCAR’s Summer Desexing Special! ☀️

Book your cat’s desexing procedure here at our SCAR Community Animal Hospital in Craigieburn before THIS SUNDAY 30th November and you’ll save $96! 🙀

Why you’ll love it (and your cat will too):
🛑 Stops the cycle of unwanted litters, keeping more cats out of shelters
🩺 Protects against certain health risks
🐾 Improves behaviour and quality of life

☎️ Call our friendly team on (03) 7002 6649 to secure your spot before the end of the week!
ℹ️ All cats must be healthy and between 9 weeks to 9 years old. Conditions apply. Offer ends November 30.

📣 Share with a fellow cat parent and let’s keep our community pets safe, healthy & happy!

This pretty little lady is Tula 🧡Just one year old, Tula is a Lagotto Romagnolo x Border Collie who recently arrived at ...
23/11/2025

This pretty little lady is Tula 🧡

Just one year old, Tula is a Lagotto Romagnolo x Border Collie who recently arrived at SCAR from one of our rescue partners as she’d been feeling overwhelmed and stressed in their shelter environment.

When Tula first stepped through our doors, she was a little nervous, but extremely sweet and eager to greet everyone she met. 🧡 She’s playful, very social, and that little face absolutely lights up whenever someone comes by to spend time with her.

But sadly, this little cutie struggles with being left on her own. Separation anxiety is something we’re seeing a lot more of in animals being surrendered and it’s very tough. Especially for a young dog still learning the world… but, thankfully Tula has landed in the perfect place.

Our Senior Animal Trainer, Gerry is a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, and he’s been working closely with Tula from day one. Learning what triggers her worries and helping her build the confidence she needs to feel safe, calm, and okay with spending time alone.

Tula’s journey with us is only just beginning, and we’re so excited to watch her grow into a more relaxed, self-assured girl before she’s ready to find her loving home. Stay tuned, as there’s so much more to come for this sweet soul! 🧡

✨ If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety SCAR will soon have a brand-new program designed to help! More details very soon! 👀

ℹ️ PLEASE NOTE: Tula isn’t available for adoption just yet, so we kindly ask that you hold off on enquiries for now. Her adoption profile will be available on our website as soon as she’s ready. Thank you! 🙏

SHELTER. Vet Care. Outreach. Love
www.secondchanceanimalrescue.com.au

Weigh in with our little family of Kittens! 🐱A couple of weeks ago we introduced you to a little family of kittens who a...
22/11/2025

Weigh in with our little family of Kittens! 🐱

A couple of weeks ago we introduced you to a little family of kittens who arrived in our care with their mum after being surrendered to a local vet clinic.

At just three weeks old, they were the smallest, fluffiest little bundles when they arrived. Still nursing from mum, they’d fight over teats and have adorable little wrestling matches before cuddling up together for a toasty snooze. 🧡

Now six weeks old, these cuties have definitely found their feet! They’re incredibly confident and curious, have tons of energy and their funny little personalities are starting to shine through!

When their amazing foster carer, Helena went to pick up her trackies from the floor recently, she found that they were much heavier than expected... and when she looked inside, three of the kittens were fast asleep in one of legs! 😹

Each kitten has now gained approximately 170g – 220g since they arrived, are gradually starting to wean from mum and enjoy solid food… which we’re sure mum’s very happy about! 😅 It’s very tiring work keeping five little mouths fed, but she’s done an amazing job and deserves the life of love and rest that’s coming to her!

We cannot wait for these cuties to find their loving families very soon! We just know they’re going to be excellent little companions full of mischievous kitty chaos! Make sure you keep an eye out here over the next few weeks for their adoption profiles! 🧡

ℹ️ Check out our pinned post for how you can help make a difference this Kitten Season!

SHELTER. Vet Care. Outreach. Love
www.secondchanceanimalrescue.com.au


HAPPY HOME TAIL: Rosie the Senior Foster Champion 🧡Gorgeous Golden Retriever, Rosie, celebrated her 10th birthday in Aug...
21/11/2025

HAPPY HOME TAIL: Rosie the Senior Foster Champion 🧡

Gorgeous Golden Retriever, Rosie, celebrated her 10th birthday in August, surrounded by her wonderful pawrents, Alex and David. 🥳 Despite adopting Rosie from SCAR in July of 2023, Alex says it feels like Rosie’s always been a part of their lives.

“She’s our world,” says Alex. “She loves every person she meets, and considering her background, she’s the most trustworthy dog.” You see, before she arrived in our care, Rosie had a breeding dog for seven very long years.

Her entire existence had been dedicated to creating life rather than truly living it, and the moment she was too old to keep going, Rosie was sent to a local pound. 💔

As if that wasn’t enough, Rosie’s desexing surgery at the pound led to severe complications that nearly claimed her life. Luckily, our team acted quickly, and beautiful Rosie made a full recovery in time to be adopted by Alex and David. The full story of Rosie’s early days with us is linked below. 🧡

“It’s been so rewarding and special adopting an older dog,” says Alex. “She acts like a puppy and has never let her past or age hold her back. She loves playing fetch, going to the cafe for a coffee, and her idea of heaven is definitely the dog beach.” 🏖️

Alex and David have since become foster carers for SCAR, and Rosie is such an incredible foster sibling. “She’s so calm and gentle with the puppies and kittens. She helps them learn to interact with other dogs and gives them a confidence that’s difficult to learn from humans.”

Alex says, “We honestly don't remember life before Rosie, and I wish we’d had all of her 10 years… I don’t know how we ever lived without her.”

After such a traumatic start to her life, we’re so happy that this special, sweet girl has found such a wonderfully loving and rewarding life with Alex and David. These are the stories that remind us of why we do what we do. 🧡

ℹ️ Rosie’s full story 👉🏻 bit.ly/Rosies_Journey
ℹ️ Be like Rosie and become a Foster Carer for SCAR today 👉🏻 bit.ly/Foster_With_SCAR

Four tiny pups arrived in our care last week at just four weeks old. They were tiny, hungry and heartbreakingly underwei...
21/11/2025

Four tiny pups arrived in our care last week at just four weeks old. They were tiny, hungry and heartbreakingly underweight. 💔

Sadly, their first few weeks of life had been spent trapped inside a cage with barely any food. By the time they were seized and taken to a rural pound, these little souls were not in a good way.

Knowing the pound was no place for such fragile little pups, the staff worked hard to find an organisation that could help. Getting to the pound from SCAR would mean a 4.5-hour round-trip, but one of our amazing volunteers made the journey to bring the pups safely into our care.

When they arrived, our vet team checked them thoroughly, created individual treatment plans to manage their health and give them lots of cuddles! 🧡

Safe in their foster homes, these little cuties have been busy resting, recovering, and showing incredible resilience. With their bellies finally full, they’re slowly gaining weight and confidence. They waddle around with increasing curiosity and devour every meal before curling up in the closest willing lap for a snooze. 💤

It will still be a little while before they’re ready to bound into their loving homes, but for now, they’re safe, they’re loved, and they’re healing. ❤️‍🩹 Big thanks to the rural pound who refused to give up on these pups and helped them find their way to SCAR to begin their second chance! 🙏

ℹ️ Donate today and help us continue rewriting the stories of vulnerable animals in need just like these little pups 👉🏻 bit.ly/Donate_To_SCAR

Address

23 Grasslands Avenue
Craigieburn, VIC
3064

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 3:30pm
Thursday 10am - 3:30pm
Friday 10am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+61393570834

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Our Story

Second Chance Animal Rescue was founded in 2008 after vet nurse and local shelter volunteer Marisa Debattista witnessed firsthand how many beautiful animals needed help, versus how little resources were available.

Knowing she could make a change, Marisa launched Second Chance Animal Rescue with a few vet nurse friends and a handful of animals. Since then, we've grown into a network of hundreds of foster carers and other volunteers, with just as many cats and dogs in care. We're proud to say that by the start or 2019 over 10,000 animals had been rescued from not-so-pleasant fates in pounds and shelters throughout Victoria, and are now happily settled in new homes around the state. (Of course, our adopters will tell you, the question remains about just who saved who!)

On April 19th, 2015, after many years of planning and endless fundraising efforts, our first animal shelter opened in Campbellfield, Victoria. This first facility allowed us to save more animals and give potential adopters the chance to meet animals in a happy, relaxed space. Following this, in August 2019 SCAR moved from Campbellfield to Craigieburn, Victoria to open a MUCH bigger new facility which included our open-to-the-public community animal hospital, animal shelter, an education hub and cat boarding facility.

Second Chance Animal Rescue is a not-for-profit organisation with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, meaning all donations over $2 are tax deductible.