About Second Chance Paws
A non-profit built on love, grit, and the belief that every animal deserves a life worth living.
Started with one dog.
Grown to change thousands of lives.
Second Chance Paws began in 2009 when founder Maria van den Berg found an injured Border Collie abandoned on a roadside. Unable to find a shelter with space, she took him home — and never stopped.
What started in a spare bedroom has grown into a fully-staffed rescue organisation with two shelter sites, a network of 180 foster families, and over 2,400 animals successfully rehomed.
We are proudly no-kill, entirely donation-funded, and driven by a volunteer community of over 340 people who believe that no animal should be left behind.
Bruno — Dog #1
The Border Collie who started it all. Bruno lived happily with Maria until 2019, inspiring 2,400+ other animals to find their second chance.
15 years of compassion
Where it began
Maria rescues Bruno and registers Second Chance Paws as a charity from her home in Utrecht.
First shelter opens
We open our first dedicated shelter in Utrecht, with capacity for 30 animals and 20 volunteers.
Foster network launched
Our foster family network is established, tripling our capacity without a single new wall.
500th animal rehomed
We celebrate with a community open day attended by over 200 happy adopters.
Second site opens
A second shelter opens in Amsterdam, doubling our reach and capacity across the region.
2,400 animals rehomed
Our biggest milestone yet — and we are only getting started. The next chapter is written by you.
The people behind the paws
Maria van den Berg
Started it all with Bruno in 2009. Passionate advocate for no-kill sheltering and animal welfare legislation.
Tom de Vries
15 years in animal welfare. Oversees the health, behaviour, and rehabilitation of every animal in our care.
Sophie Lam
Manages our incredible team of 340+ volunteers with warmth, humour, and military precision.
Ravi Sharma
Ensures every adoption match is the right one. Has personally overseen over 800 successful rehomings.