At Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS), we believe that Together We Save Lives! For the past 60 years, YOU have supported us in saving the lives of homeless companion animals and assisting pet families in need.

RCHS is recognized for programs that strengthen the human-animal bond, including the Animal Safehouse Program for victims of domestic violence, seniors and military veterans, Animal Camps for kids, Pet Assisted Therapy, Veterinary Care Assistance Program for seniors and the Community Pet Food Bank.

RCHS finds new homes for about 1,000 dogs, cats and rabbits each year. Many of these animals come from shelters that are struggling with overcrowding and high euthanasia rates. Bringing these animals to RCHS gives them a second chance.

During the pandemic, our mission to preserve and protect the human-animal bond was our highest priority. With the shelter closed to the general public, RCHS quickly and successfully launched an Adoptions-by-Appointment program, which implemented strict health and safety protocols and responded to increased demand for pet adoptions during stay-at-home mandates.

Our Community Pet Food Bank addressed a 200% increase in need and our Animal Safehouse Program quickly expanded to provide emergency pet boarding for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The Pet Loss Support program converted from in-person group sessions to individual telephonic counseling with professional counselors to address increased need for grief therapy during isolation. Our Animal Camp for children has resumed, with limited enrollment and strict safety protocols. In fact, our Spring Animal Camp welcomed the first group of students just last week.

Spring is about renewal and RCHS continues to plan for and embrace whatever the future holds. In March, the City of Encinitas approved the long-stalled RCHS building project, which means that, later this summer, RCHS will relaunch its capital campaign. The project will create a modern learning center, veterinary medical center, pet food storage facility and office space to better serve our growing community.

RCHS has no government contracts and is supported only by individual donors, grants and foundations, and our Thrift Shop. Right now, thanks to an anonymous donor, all donations will be matched $1 for $1 up to $75,000!

If you would like to learn more about RCHS, please join our “Zoom” Coffee with the President, Judi Sanzo, on April 15, 2021 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Please visit rchumanesociety.org/join-us-for-a-virtual-coffee-with-the-president/ for more details.