In the face of rising costs and dwindling public donations, Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) is on the brink of permanent closure. After 17 years of serving vulnerable animals and families in crisis, SCAR must raise $200,000 by November 2025—or shut its doors forever.
Despite saving over 17,000 lives, offering critical veterinary care, and supporting thousands of women and families escaping domestic violence, SCAR is now the one in crisis. Donations have dropped nearly 50 per cent, while essential vet care has cost the shelter $336,000 in just six months.
“We’re seeing a heartbreaking rise in need—but a dangerous drop in support,” SCAR founder & CEO Marisa Debattista said.
“The rising cost of living has created donor fatigue, and while we understand the pressure everyone’s under, it’s left our safety net hanging by a thread.”
SCAR is not just an animal shelter. It’s a refuge for families in turmoil, survivors of domestic violence, and people facing homelessness, providing temporary pet care and long-term rehoming solutions when no-one else can.
With over 25 urgent calls a day for help, SCAR is at breaking point. Staff are stretched. Resources are depleted. And hope is running out.
But there’s still time.
Your donation can be the difference between hope and heartbreak. A gift of $20, $50, or $100 could keep the lights on, fund life-saving surgeries, and keep families and pets together during their darkest moments.
“Seventeen years of life-saving work shouldn’t end like this,” Debattista said.
“If you’ve ever adopted, fostered, volunteered or simply cared—we’re begging you to act now. We can’t do this without you.”
