SECOND CHANCE RESCUE CENTER

MISSION STATEMENT:   "To Speak for All Animals Great & Small, Who Cannot Speak for Themselves."

ESTABLISHED: March 2006

FOUNDER: Rosey Quinn 

CLASSIFICATION:  Private, 501c3 Non-Profit. 

STAFFING:  Second Chance Rescue Center employs paid staff and utilizes the help of volunteers from the community and organizations from the surrounding area.   Our facility relies on donations and volunteers in order to provide the best service in the interest of the animals we care for each day.  

SECOND CHANCE RESCUE CENTER IS A LIMITED ADMISSION SHELTER.  This means we do not euthanize animals in order to open kennel space and can only accept animals if we have an open kennel. We offer alternatives for families to re-home their pets when our facility is full.  NO animal shelter wants to see healthy pets perish. Second Chance Rescue Center promotes and provides education on the crucial need to spay and neuter all cats and dogs to prevent the careless and uncontrolled breeding of these companion animals.  Second Chance only euthanizes pets if the animals are suffering for a threat to the community.  This means if the pet is aggressive, has severe behavioral issues that makes it a danger to the public, or if the animal is severely ill or injured.

AVAILABLE SHELTER SPACE:  Second Chance carefully inventories the number of pets on site and reserves designated openings for strays we are contracted to accept and care for. Space beyond that is qualified as space available to accept unwanted pets.

LENGTH OF STAY:  ALL animals up for adoption at Second Chance are cared for until that animal's formal adoption.  Because a shelter can not knowingly adopt out potentially harmful animals to the public, animals that prove to be overly aggressive, pose a threat to society or are diagnosed with terminal illnesses by a veterinarian are humanely euthanized by a certified Veterinary Technician.

PIT BULLS AND SCRC:  Second Chance accepts surrendered Pit Bulls and Pit Bull Mixes based on circumstance, when space available. Second Chance will place up for adoption, Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes with the same criteria as any other breed of dog (temperament and health permitting). Adopting a Pit Bull from Second Chance requires microchipping the dog before leaving the building. There is no grace period with this policy. Microchipping is at the adopting parties expense. Second Chance often uses the voluntary services of Pit Rescue of the Great Plains during screening and approval of adoption.  

HORSES:   Second Chance Rescue Center has a separate facility (off site) uniquely designed for the care of horses removed from undesirable or cruel conditions. These horses, when deemed healthy enough physically and mentally are put up for adoption through the center.  (To inquire about horses waiting for a new loving start, or to offer donations to help care for them please contact our office.) 

MICROCHIPPING:  Second Chance offers microchip services during normal business hours. Microchipping insures indisputable identification of your pet and the process is as quick and painless as your pet getting vaccinated.  Our shelter utilizes the 24PetWatch system.

SURRENDERING PETS:  Second Chance accepts unwanted pets - space permitting. We do not charge a fee for accepting pets, but request a monetary donation. This donation helps defer some of the cost of housing the animal until adoption.  Relinquishing pet owners should CALL BEFORE COMING to insure that space is available. 

WEB-PETS:  Pets listed as "off-site but available" are pets who are listed on the site, but who's adoption process is handled by the owner. If circumstances are such that you need to find another loving home for your pet and you are able to keep your pet in the familiar environment that he/she is use to until it is adopted, then you might consider Web-Pets.   We will place your pet on our website (some restrictions apply) with your submitted information, photo and contact information.  Click here for Web-Pets Agreement form and Intake form .  If you have questions after reading over the agreement form or would just like more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

ANIMAL CRUELTY:   Second Chance Rescue Center employs two full-time Humane Officers sworn in to investigate and prosecute cases of animal abuse and neglect. Officer Rosey Quinn brings the Sioux Falls and surrounding communities over 12 years of experience and expertise of South Dakota Animal Welfare Laws. Officer Dana Wigg has been employed by Second Chance since 2008.  All concerns of abuse or neglect are investigated.

SD STATE PENITENTIARY:  Second Chance Rescue Center regularly employs SD State Penitentiary inmates through the Community Service program. These individuals work directly with the dogs 8 hours a day, 7 days a week cleaning, feeding, and exercising them.

COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK:  Court ordered and education community service hours are available at Second Chance Rescue during normal hours of operation.  Applicants for court ordered service must be 18 years of age or older.  Applicants for school service credit must be 16 years of age or older.  Advanced permission from Second Chance is required for all community service work applicants.