Second Chance Fund

What is the Second Chance® Fund?

The medical costs of treating and rehabilitating an abused animal can easily become overwhelming for any animal welfare organization -- particularly when long-term care is necessary. The Second Chance® Fund is one way American Humane Association works to support these organizations in their vital work. By providing financial assistance, in select cases, to animal welfare organizations responsible for the temporary care of animals as they are prepared for adoption into permanent, loving homes, the program provides animal victims of abuse or neglect with a second chance at life.

How does a local shelter or organization apply for financial assistance through the Second Chance® Fund?

Due to the overwhelming number of abuse cases nationwide, the Second Chance® Fund is offered only in select cases of animal abuse or neglect. Funding is awarded on a case-by-case basis by American Humane Association's Shelter Services staff. General guidelines of the Fund include:

• Animal sheltering agencies (public or private) and rescue groups are considered for the Second Chance® Fund.
• Individuals, businesses and corporations are not provided for in the guidelines of the fund.
• Funding may be used only to cover medical procedures for animals that have been victims of abuse or neglect and require medical treatment before being placed for adoption. Routine medical procedures -- such as vaccinations, heartworm testing, spay/neuter surgery, etc. -- and behavior modification and/or training are outside the scope of this fund.
• Medical procedures covered under the fund will allow animals to medically recover and live a relatively pain-free life.
• Animals involved can be successfully placed in new homes.
• Funding to any one agency is limited to $2,000 per fiscal year.
• Applications must be received no later than 6 months following the date of intake of the animal(s).

Second Chance® Fund Application Checklist

Complete the Second Chance® Fund Application (opens in new window)

Before submitting your grant application, please ensure that it includes all of the following documents, or your request will be considered incomplete and may be discarded:

• Copy of 501(c)(3) determination letter
• Completed application
• All veterinary receipts/estimates* (must be issued by veterinarian’s office) 
• Signed photo release
• Before and/or after photographs of animals**

*If services are/were provided by on-staff veterinarian, receipts must reflect out-of-pocket expenses only -- not retail value.
**Digital photographs are preferred.