Second Chance Animal Rescue opens new hospital in Craigieburn

A one-of-a-kind low cost animal hospital that supports owners who can’t afford to pay vet bills and helps find temporary homes for pets of domestic violence survivors has moved to a new base in Craigieburn. Find out how you can help out.

Second Chance Animal Rescue founder Marisa Debattista with the iconic Dulux Dog.

A new low cost animal hospital to support pet owners who can’t afford to pay vet bills has opened in Craigieburn.

Second Chance Animal Rescue held its grand opening at its new and larger facility in Grasslands Ave on Saturday.

The organisation — which was founded in 2008 by vet nurse and shelter volunteer Marisa Debattista — had been based in Campbellfield.

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One of the puppies that will be treated at the Craigieburn hospital.

The hospital cares for dogs and cats.

“Our new animal hospital aims to provide veterinarian support to sick and injured animals whose owners may not be able to afford to pay the bills,” Ms Debattista said.

“We will also be offering a number of free services not readily available within the state — such as our Safe House for Pets program, where we will find temporary homes for pets whose owners who are domestic violence survivors.”

Second Chance Animal Rescue founder Marisa Debattista and Project Manager Sarah Kilalea with the iconic Dulux Dog during Open Day festivities.

The hospital also hosts a range of initiatives, including responsible pet ownership and pet first aid workshops, as well as rehoming cats, dogs and other pets.

Ms Debattista estimated they would adopt out more than 1400 homeless cats and dogs, treat 3000 animals, de-sex 300 pets for free and assist more than 300 underprivileged owners with free veterinary treatments a year.

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They also plan to hand out more than 2000kg of pet food through a Free Food Bank initiative.

Second Chance Animal Rescue has also partnered with Dulux, who supplied $20,000 worth of paint to decorate the new facility.

The company’s famous Jelly Bean initiative has also returned to help raise $140,000 for the new hospital.

Until the end of October, customers who buy 8L of Dulux paint at Bunnings can also purchase a Jelly Bean tin, with $1 from each sale donated to the hospital.

Donations has already been used to pay for $50,000 worth of medical and surgical supplies and $25,000 worth of cages and enclosures.

The group will host a pet adoption drive at 20 Bunnings store across the country on October 6.

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