Official website of Second Leash

No one should have to choose between getting help and keeping their dog.

Second Leash is an Arkansas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing temporary foster care for dogs when their owners face incarceration, treatment, hospitalization, housing instability, domestic violence, or another temporary crisis.

A joyful reunion representing the mission of Second Leash.

💜🩵 September for Hope

Hope Has Four Paws.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Throughout September, Second Leash is raising awareness, honoring lives lost, sharing reasons to stay, and hosting more than $300 in weekly giveaway prizes.

Our mission

More Than Rescue — We’re Preservation.

Second Leash protects the bond between people and their dogs by arranging temporary foster care during treatment, hospitalization, incarceration, housing instability, domestic violence, and other temporary crises.

The dogs entering our program are already loved and have families who want them back. We provide a bridge between crisis and reunion so a temporary hardship does not have to become a permanent goodbye.

Temporary care

Dogs receive safe, loving care while their owners work toward stability.

Ownership preserved

Our goal is reunification—not adoption or unnecessary surrender.

Families supported

Owners can seek help knowing their dog has a safe place to stay.

Who we serve

A safety net for people and pets

Second Leash is based in Arkansas and reviews each request individually. Assistance depends on foster availability, safety, timing, transportation, location, and the dog’s needs.

Owners in crisisPeople facing a temporary disruption in their ability to care for a dog
Volunteer fostersHouseholds providing temporary care and stability
Referral partnersPrograms and professionals helping families access support

Choose your path

How will you help keep a family together?

Learn about our work

See how temporary fostering works, who we help, and why preventing surrender matters.

How It Works

Open your home

Provide a safe, temporary place for a dog while their person works toward stability.

Explore Fostering

Fund a safe stay

Help cover food, veterinary care, supplies, transportation, and the practical costs of reunification.

Ways to Donate

Trust and transparency

Verified nonprofit information

Second Leash is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax-deductible as allowed by law.

  • EIN: 33-3031631
  • Founder and Executive Director: Brandie Self
  • Email: bself@secondleash.us
  • Phone: (870) 456-3950
  • Official administrative address: 14303 Combee Ln, Roland, AR 72135

This is an administrative and mailing address only. It is not a public animal intake location. Please do not arrive with an animal without prior arrangements.

Read our transparency information

Because hard times should not mean permanent goodbyes.

Help us give more dogs a safe place to land—and more people the chance to come back for them.