Secondhand Hounds is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue. Founded in July of 2009, our many volunteers have made a positive impact on the lives of many dogs and cats in our community. Our organization provides safe shelter, proper veterinary care and daily necessities for animals at risk, while working hard to find each a permanent, loving home!

Every penny goes toward helping save animals who are truly in need. We love all dogs, but the more money we can raise, the more we can help dogs when others cannot afford it. I hope you see the worth in our rescue and will support us by giving a donation! Let's raise the big bucks for the pooches! -Rachel Mairose, Director

Testimonials

I rescue with Secondhand Hounds because they had enough faith to stick with my Sherlock through 2 adoption returns until I found him! They take ANY shape, size and health of dog and don't flinch. SHH rescues for the reason I rescue. Help the animals that need help! -Bethany

I foster / volunteer with Secondhand Hounds because when I come home from walking dogs, helping new fosters, or even just playing with doggies waiting for a forever family - I feel like I've made a difference in something bigger than myself. I like telling my daughter about the new dogs SHH saved, and even if all I ever do is give them breakfast once or twice... I feel like I played a part in their new journey to a happy life. Not to mention, the foster 'failure' on our newest puppy has added a perfect new family member to our own house! - Summer

I rescue with Secondhand Hounds because puppies are my prozac. -Elana

I foster because of moments when its love at first sight and the happiness I feel when I have brought a dog together with a loving home! -Bess, SHH foster

I rescued my dog from Secondhand Hounds, and continue to support them - because they don't just take the "easy" dogs. They take the pit bulls, the dogs that need surgeries, cats, bunnies, whelping moms, babies needing extra help, puppies with parvo - you name it, they aren't afraid to take it.

1. Sometimes their desire to save animals means that one too many dogs get pulled from MACC; or maybe one or five extra dogs make it onto a transport. I am okay with that type of impulse.
2. They have a strong board with many members that I respect within the animal welfare community.
3. They're a good investment.
4. And plus... without them, my Samson would never have found his way from a Kansas City street as a baby puppy into my life. -Mandi

When my husband and I were ready to get another pet, we went to a Second Hand Hounds (SHH) event at Ruff House. We liked the idea of animals having lived with a family (versus existed in both an overwhelming and isolating environment at a shelter), and being able to get some good insight from the foster family about each animal’s day-to-day temperament and behaviors. My husband and I expected to be able to pick up a dog and bring him or her home with us that day – we didn’t realize that SHH had an entire adoption screening process! But we are grateful that SHH takes care to place animals with people who are realistic about what caring for a pet entails. A few weeks after we first met our little Jojo, my husband and I welcomed both him and his brother, Charlie, into our home. They have been terrific additions to our family, and bring amazing amounts of joy and laughter into our lives. My husband and I are so grateful to all of the foster families who choose to care for abandoned animals and work to find them a great “forever” home – and we are delighted to be able to provide care to two sweetie animals who likely would have experienced a much different fate were it not for SHH. A sincere and enthusiastic “thank you!!” to everyone who works to make SHH the wonderful organization it is!

Why do I rescue. It started with the itch to have 2 dogs, but knowing I could not afford everything that would come with a second dog and my overall love of most things furry. Secondhand Hounds allows me to have a second dog, because through donations they are able to provide food and vetting as well as necessities. I provide the love and treats until they they find their forever homes :) -Jessica