Gia was responsible at responding to my concerns and questions. I agreed to Foster a 14 month old female Great Dane. Turned into 8 weeks. By then, I started to realize she had a special personality and my elderly Puggle & cat seemed to accept her, sort of. I turned into, what I later learned, is called a "foster fail".. which means I fell in love and ended up adopting her myself. read more

BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THIS RESCUE! My wife found Second Chance online and saw a dog she wanted more info on. She ended up texting an employee and every reply said we needed to send $150 to lock down the dog. All my wife wanted to do is ask a couple of questions. She then showed me what was happening and I told her to text our phone number to this lady so I could ask a couple of questions. After three long winded replies, every one mentioning the money, I told my wife to forget it. In the time this lady took to reply on text message, she could have called and answered our two questions. This rescue is all about the money ONLY! We were both ready to drive the two hours to San Diego and pick up the dog that night and all she wanted was the down payment. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THIS RESCUE! read more

We are thankful to second hand rescue. We adopted a senior pom/mix. He has brought so much happiness to our family. This 10 yr old little guy had some health issues. However, we took care of it and he is the happiest, easiest little "viejito". Gia was kind and made the adoption process a breeze. Furthermore, before I met Gia I already admired her because of her love and commitment to animals. Thank You Gia and "Second Hand Rescue." Please adopt, there are hundreds of furry critters starving for a second chance. Peace. Clarissa read more

Second Chance Rescue - Baloo (timmy for Gia) hanging out in bed. - Pet Adoption Near Me

A couple of things : -not responsive -no records/vet docs produced -interesting representation for the rescue -rescue consists of a bf/gf team only (it seems) -high adoption rates, and no copy of contract Gianella and Brody dont't answer phones or emails or texts about whats going on. I was asked to meet at a certain meeting place, and when I showed up, Gianella was not there. I called and texted and finally she just shows up. Little red car, with several pups in the back. No biggie, maybe she ran late. What bothers me is how far I travelled and how there was no communication up until then so I was wondering if she even remembered about our meeting. My thoughts now are that she forgot, and hopped in her car when she finally saw my text. It was extremely hot and the area we were meeting in did not have anywhere to sit, and due to construction, I had to park and walk blocks from my car. Still, seeing the pups was great. Seeing the "rescue" people was....something else. Again, it seemed to me that either these people were rushed or, or...its just how they function. I had a really weird feeling when I met them. The boyfriend kept talking, and had dry white crusties in the corner of his mouth. He was dressed messily with visibly dirty clothing. Gia was wearing a very small very ill fitting dress that was exposing in a few ways (really no judgment, but I questioned her professionalism and then it went downhill from there...) and was swaying while I was talking to her. Her eyes were half open. I am making no accusation, but I think anyone can take that for what it is. She asked ME if I had a pen to sign the contract, then when I got it from my purse, she asked me for a pen again, as I was handing it to her. She said WHOOPS! very non chalantly, very delayed response. Later, my child asked me "what was wrong with the lady being so sleepy." It was 10am. Here is the vital part, the "normally we charge 500 for puppies but for this type of dog, we do 800." This really bothered me. If I wanted to shop, I would. It is really sketchy to me to change a price in the days leading up to a meeting, but I was already invested at that point. I think they know this. I think they know that people are invested, communicated, excited...whatever and that by then you cant say no. I also find it weird that if she is late, doesnt respond, or forgets about you, that she claims an accident, a burglary, an emergency. There was an emergent situation, and she was not able to get the medical records to me for the pup I eventually took home. She said she would bring them to me on the date I picked up the pup. Then, she said she would email them. She did not and has not. Pup is chipped but I had to zoom into a picture of folded up papers showing her "vaccines" and her surgery date to get the chip numbers. I don't even have true proof of castration/surgery. In short, I would not reccommend this rescue. I am concered about the profits and/or legitimacy of it all. My pup is ok, and we're happy, but these people are unprofessional and frankly, sketchy in alot of ways. I don't even have a contract! My experiences are recent and if you message me I will respond. I'm sure others have had similar experiences. read more

On Monday, June 20, 2022 I met with Gianella Alas to pick up either a brown or white 5ish pound Chihuahua. After waiting in my car for 2 hours in 90 degree heat..she shows up with a small black Chihuahua named "Frankie". Six months old per Gia. No collar, leash or papers of any kind. Not even any water or food. She said the other two were kept by their foster families. I took "Frankie" home with no discussion of his habits, likes or dislikes. He was unneutered, untrained, no leash training, a barker scared to death of people and dogs. And charged me $600.00 which was not the agreed upon ammount, She left quickly after I paid her. Her boyfriend, Brody, was supposed to pick him up on Wednesday, 6/22/2022 to take him to the Vet at 7AM for neutering. shots and chipping. He never showed and when I called him, he said the Vet had an emergency and would do it next Wednesday, 6/29/2022. I called the Vet, Quality Animal Clinic, Catherine Harrison, DVM and spoke with Suzette. She said they had no such emergency and were expeting "Frankie". They picked him up at 7AM on the 29th and took him to the Vet. I had to pick him up and was surprised to find out the Vet said he was 2 years old!! I later found out he had been returned to Gia. On the adoption form I filled out before doing any business with her, it said the charge was $500.00. On his adoption papers it said the price was $550.00 The adoption paper also said he was born on 4/1/2022 which she had written in and signed. I told her how upset I was with her and she offered to take him back but not give me my money. This misrepresentation makes the transaction null and void and questionable of how she obtained this dog. I also put out $300.00 for training at Unleashed. He pees and poops all over my house and will not go outside on the grass. Do not do business with this woman Gianella Alas, her boyfriend Brody, or Second Chance Rescue. She should not be in the rescue business!! I will be taking legal action to get my $100.00 fee plus court cost returned. I will also ask for the reimbursement of my $300.00 in training fees and incidentals. read more

I had a great experience with this rescue! They were lovely people who clearly cared about their animals. My gorgeous pup was well socialized, happy, and healthy. They were super responsive- I saw him online, messaged Gia, and adopted him within the next couple of days. They already had his microchip ready to go so I could transfer it to myself and had taken him to the vet to get checked out and given his booster shots before I took him home. I'd been having a hard time with so many rescues- they were expecting application fees before you could even meet any dogs, refused to let anyone other than families adopt, communicating poorly, etc. Second Chance Rescue was a breath of fresh air- they just want to make sure their animals go to forever homes filled with love and affection. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to make the best decision I've made! read more

Second Chance Rescue - Pet Adoption Near Me

I found the cutest puppy on pet finder with Second Chance. The response from Gianella was super quick and I was able to get the adoption process going almost immediately and had my new baby in my arms the next day. I highly recommend Gianella and Second Chance if you are looking to add to your family. read more

Second Chance Rescue - Riesling - Pet Adoption Near Me

I found Second Chance Rescue through Pet Finder. I had pretty much given up on rescuing a dog when me and my boyfriend saw little Lacie at the time and figured let's give it a shot. I reached out and later that evening heard back with more information and the application. Filled it all out and within a day heard back to meet up that weekend! Gianella sent me all the information and was set to meet Lacie! The day we met Gia brought Lacie and her sister (no she wasn't pressuring us to get both - just wanted to bring them both so we could see them). It was instant love! After spending 30 minutes or so, we decided we were bringing Lacie home, who shortly after got a name change to Nala! It was great because the adoption fee covered her spay, microchip and rabies shot for the later date, which we have done since adopting her back in November! I'm so thankful for finding Second Chance Rescue and Gia! Gia was wonderful through the whole process and still checks in occasionally on Nala! If you're looking for a dog, this is the place to check first! read more

Second Chance Rescue - Nala! - Pet Adoption Near Me

They are so amazing thanks so much highly recommend they are there when you need them very friendly and professional

Gia rescued an abused husky who never knew kindness and took care of him for a year until he found a forever home with us. That was no easy feat. He was terrified and timid, scared of everything. He is a beautiful adoptable dog that she worked with to help him out of his shell. Gia got him neutered and all of his vaccinations are current. She and all rescuers are hard to get ahold of. That can be very frustrating but please remember she is VOLUNTEERING. It can sometimes take her a day to get back but she saw everything through. She provided us with the necessary paperwork and was very responsible. Our family highly recommends Gia and this rescue. read more

Adopted my best friend from here. It was super easy and I love being able to give her a second chance!

We love our pug, Julio! The process was pretty painless (especially compared to other adoption sites). He had all the necessary paperwork and the transaction did not take very long. Communication was great! I can't imagine my life without him. read more

Second Chance Rescue - Julio Puglesias! - Pet Adoption Near Me

I recently wrote a negative review concerning a no show for a rescue dog meet up. Gianella Alas has gone above and beyond to get my dog to me. She was inan accident on the day of our appointment and that was the cause of the no show. I will be forever grateful for her persistence and care. read more

Second Chance Rescue is an amazing rescue! I am a networker and I love helping dogs/cats in need. Gia has taken in numerous dogs and puppies that were in need of help. This rescue has made sure all the dogs were placed in loving and caring homes read more

We had a great experience and highly recommend Second Chance Rescue. Thank you Gia, we love our puppy so much!

Gia is wonderful!!! She took care of everything. She not only met us on time, she really loves the animals she rescues she made the process smooth, she is very knowledge and explained what we would need to feed and care for him. Gia kept him for us til after July 4, because we were worried about the fireworks. We tried several other rescues before Gia and it was very difficult to make appointments applications to fill out...understaffed places trying to answer all calls. Of course these are volunteers trying to do their best, Gia stands out her compassion and pure goodness are evident as soon as you meet her! Next she is going to help us find a kitten! K. read more

We adopted our Blixa, a terrier mix one year old, from Second Chance. Gianella was thorough and helpful throughout the process. Blixa is our absolute joy. We are so grateful! read more

Second Chance Rescue - Pet Adoption Near Me

Second Chance Rescue was one of the best rescue shelters I've ever dealt with. Gia was super friendly, she quickly responded to my texts and emails answered all my questions and was very knowledgeable. We found our adorable kitty Mouse through them and the adoption was very professional and went smoothly. I would recommend Second Chance Rescue if you are looking to adopt a fur baby and give them a forever home! Thanks again Second Chance Rescue! read more

Second Chance Rescue - Our baby Mouse! - Pet Adoption Near Me

Tried to adopt but their approach was as if all others are guilty of animal cruelty. It was the adoption application that made me feel poorly trying to adopt. So much of the questions and agreement seem to make and assumption that I was a bad person and likely to harm any pet. Further communication from these "social justice warriors" went downhill from there. Most supring is they did not understand why I found an assumption of guilt was offensive. I believe a policy of attraction works better than one of compulsion. The process wanted me to agree all medical had been revealed before a visit and any one on one to ask questions. They got this wrong also, proper use a a "choke collar" (the name is what is wrong) is actually better and less harmful if used properly as it can be more gentle than a regular collar that pull against a dogs windpipe. A sliding collar (a better name) will loosen after a slight tug. The technique needs to be demonstrated by a trainer to be done correctly. I understand wanting to filter out some adoptees, but putting one on the defensive from the start, works against human nature and their goals. If you really want someone to understand a way of thinking, then shown by action and confirmation what is a good idea to win hearts and minds. Second chance is superior to all others and has nothing to learn. read more

deserves ZERO stars honestly. GIA , the owner, is very rude and unprofessional, such a bad head for a recsue. Her prices are ridiculous! $175 for kittens/cats and $300-$650 for dogs/puppies. Whether they're purebred or mutts. She lies about a lot as well. She doesn't deserve anyones business considering she can barely run this one. Funny how she claims this is a "non profit" because it's NOTHING of the sort. The BBB and Osha deserved to be called and these animals should really be in an actual non profit. read more

My husband and I adopted the sweetest puppy ever from this rescue. Gia the owner of the rescue was so kind and easy to work with. She was so professional and we could tell she really cared about giving our dog the best life. Our sweet girl came to us with all her shots and spayed. I would recommend adopting any sweet fur baby from them! read more

I had been looking to adopt a dog for nearly 4 months. Other rescue groups and city animal shelters made the adoption process extremely complicated and stressful. I had nearly given up. But all of that changed when Gia from Second Chance Rescue responded to my inquiry. Not only was Gia responsive via email and text messaging, but the way she set up the "meet & greet" was so ideal for me ...... outdoors at a public park (instead of some stranger's house) which made introductions so much more relaxing and pleasant. I felt zero pressure and Gia spent lots of time with me answering all my questions under the shade of a tree with my soon-to-be dog sitting in my lap. I adopted my 2-year old forever fur ball and named her Emily. She is the most well behaved, even-tempered, zen-like dog ever! I cannot believe how lucky I got! read more

One of the best rescue for pets. I unfortunately had to give my beloved pet away to a better home for my own good and for his good I had worry that he wouldn't go into a good home until second chance rescue contacted me to help me I was overwhelmed at first trying to find my dog a new home but after they contacted me and reassured me that he would go into a good home I felt a big stress relief. Its been about 3 or 4 months now I still ask for updates here an there and im glad to see him super happy in a loving home and seeing how his overall health and emotion improved definitely made me realize that I made the right choice by giving him to second hand rescue to help him find a loving home. read more

Beware of this animal rescue organization - no stars from me. I responded to a posting for a Toy Poodle. Unfortunately I was allergic to the dog. I told Gia he couldn't be purebred. She indicated in a text that he was actually a Miniature Poodle Mix. I never would have responded to her posting if the dog was listed as a Poodle mix. I accepted another Toy Poodle on a trial basis. I also had respiratory allergy problems to that dog. Gia and Brody accepted the dog back. It was not a purebred either. I have never had allergy problems with purebred Poodles. If a dog is a poodle mix I have problems. I requested in a text and email $300 of the $600 Gia charged me since I had no dog and their postings were not truthful. I did not sign their contract either because I did not adopt a dog. The contract indicates their charge is $550! Gia did not respond to my requests for a partial refund. read more