Adopt from SCARS –

Save lives and help communities

Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) is a registered charity that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes unwanted dogs and cats in northern Alberta.

SCARS assists rural communities by removing unwanted dogs and cats, and providing services for pet owners. Most rescued pets are abandoned or slated for euthanasia. Each receives a health exam; spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, a microchip and any required medical or behavioural help. Pets live with foster home volunteers until they are ready for adoption.

Many community members care about pets but have limited ability to help. When communities perceive dog overpopulation as a public health or safety risk, collecting and shooting dogs can become the short-term solution. This is tragic not only for dogs, but also for people.

When one of our volunteers heard that a community was planning a cull, SCARS reached out to offer a more humane option. The community accepted and SCARS brought 15 dogs into care on April 15. Four young pups went directly to veterinary care, where they were treated for symptoms of canine parvovirus. Eleven dogs were transported to foster home quarantine, where a few began to show symptoms of canine distemper. Three tested positive for distemper.

Canine parvovirus and distemper are serious illnesses easily transferrable to other unvaccinated dogs. There is no specific treatment and therapy is largely supportive. So far the dogs are recovering and their personalities are beginning to shine in the care of loving SCARS foster homes. Because this community had so many sick dogs, SCARS is hoping to create a longer-term assistance plan including a pet vaccination program.

These dogs will remain with SCARS as long as recommended by the veterinarians assisting with their wellness. Eventually they will become ready for adoption.

Improving the wellness of pets in remote communities is why SCARS began its dog shelter construction and spay-neuter-return programs. SCARS also has a sanctuary program for pets that for various reasons are permanently unadoptable. Since 2002, SCARS has helped thousands of pets.

There are many great reasons to choose adoption. Rescues are typically mixed breeds and are one of a kind. Foster homes get to know pets and help adopters find the right match. Adoption is affordable and pets can be returned if the match doesn’t work out. When you adopt, you save a life and help communities.

SCARS is making a difference, but it can only help as many pets as our resources allow. To learn more, visit our website at www.

scarscare.ca.