Second Chance Animal Rescue Society

Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) is a no kill, non-profit animal rescue organization based in Edmonton and Athabasca, Alberta serving northern Alberta, Canada.

Second Chance Animal Rescue Society
Founded2002 (2002)
FoundersSylvia Christiansen, Jan Pysyk
Typenon-profit charity
FocusAnimal rescue
Location
Area served
northern Alberta, Canada
Revenue
$1.16 million (2018)[1]
Employees
3 (2018)[1]
Volunteers
250
Websitescarscare.ca

History

The organization was cofounded by Sylvia Christiansen and Jan Pysyk in 2002 after they began rescuing dogs found in remote communities in northern Alberta. In the first year, about 70 dogs were helped, increasing to about 500 in 2008, with the aid of about 100 volunteers and 50 foster homes.[2]

The society later added cats, and the occasional domestic rabbit, to their work. By 2018, they reported having rescued, rehabilitated and adopted out over 10,000 homeless cats and dogs over the years.[3] In 2018, they reported adoptions of 646 dogs and 321 cats. Including those altered and returned to their owners, the society helped 792 dogs and 412 cats.[3]

Programs

SCARS receives most animals in need from municipal pounds and low income people in First Nations, Métis and rural communities. The organization relies on a network of volunteer drivers and foster homes. They typically have over 200 animals in care.[4] Some available animals are featured in a weekly newscast on the Global Television Network. Programs include:

Rehabilitation and Adoption

All animals taken into care receive medical care, are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and socialized, with any behavioural issues addressed. In 2018, 646 dogs and 321 cats were taken into this program.[3] Occasional adoption events are held where prospective adopters can meet some available animals.[5]

Spay/Neuter Assistance

A program called "Spay-Neuter-Return" serves primarily First Nations, Métis and rural communities in northern Alberta.[6] Dogs and cats are transported from the communities to be neutered and receive other needed veterinary care. After recovering from surgery, they are returned to their home community. Some cats are included in a trap-neuter-return program, where unsocialized feral cats are returned to outdoor colonies with ongoing care by caregivers. Some pets, rather than being returned, are taken into the adoption program.

Small communities where animals were assisted by this program in 2018 included Athabasca County, Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement, Calling Lake, Cold Lake, Fishing Lake First Nation, Frog Lake First Nation, High Prairie, Lac La Biche, Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Slave Lake, and Maskwacis, St. Paul, Westlock and Whitefish Lake First Nation. Other communities served included Calgary, Edmonton and Leduc County.[3]

Winter Pet Shelter Program

Winter shelters are provided for dogs and cats living outdoors, mainly in First Nations, Métis and rural communities. In 2016, 109 dog shelters were built, along with 20 cat shelters.[7] In 2018, 45 shelters were built and delivered at a supply cost of approximately $125 each.[3]

Sanctuary

Animals with significant behavioural or medical issues become permanent residents at the organization's sanctuary.[8] In 2018, 32 residents met this criteria.[3]

Notable Rescues
  • Twenty-six “sheepdog mutts” were rescued in March 2019 from a Parkland County farm after a purebred Maremma Sheepdog and Border Collie bred, and their offspring also multiplied.[9]
  • Marigold the blind dog had her eyes removed in 2019 after she was found to be suffering from glaucoma and cataracts. A mother dog with six pups was also featured.[10][11]

Fundraisers

The society has two major fundraisers each year, which together raised over $100,000 in 2018:[3]

  • Tails on the Trails “Bark Party”[12]; and
  • Critters & Cocktails gala,[13] (formerly Canines & Cocktails), begun in 2005.[14]

References
  1. "Second Chance Animal Rescue Society: Quick View", Reporting Period ending 2018-12-31, Canada Revenue Agency, accessed Dec. 21, 2019.
  2. “Dog’s Best Friend”, Edmonton Journal via PressReader, June 1, 2008.
  3. "Annual Report 2018", SCARS, accessed Dec. 21, 2019.
  4. "About us", SCARS, accessed Dec. 21, 2019.]
  5. “SCARS seeks forever homes for 30 rescue animals”, The Sherwood Park News, April 30, 2019, accessed Dec. 21, 2019]
  6. "Spay-Neuter-Return", SCARS, accessed Dec. 21, 2019.
  7. "Annual Report 2016", SCARS, accessed Dec. 21, 2019.
  8. "Sanctuary Animals", SCARS, accessed Dec. 21, 2019.
  9. “26 sheepdog mutts looking for country homes with space to roam”, Wallis Snowdon, CBC News, March 8, 2019.
  10. “Sweet pup who lost eyes steals hearts of Alberta animal rescue group“, Emily Mertz, Global News, Aug. 11, 2019.
  11. “Marigold”, SCARS, accessed Dec. 21, 2019.
  12. "Animal rescue society stages annual fundraiser", Dayla Lahring, St. Albert Today, Aug. 2, 2017.
  13. "Critters & Cocktails 2019", SCARS, Nov. 1, 2019, accessed Dec. 21, 2019.
  14. "Good Works", Edmonton Journal via Press Reader, Sept. 10, 2010.
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