Our Mission:
Rancho Coastal Humane Society is dedicated to saving lives of abandoned companion animals, promoting adoption into loving homes and offering education programs and support services that inspire and strengthen the human-animal bond.
Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) was founded in 1960 by animal lover Maria K. Lloyd who purchased property off a small dirt road in Encinitas, California. At that time, the shelter was home to dogs, cats, birds, goats, sheep and even a burro named Milton. Today, that dirt road is I-5, but the shelter still operates out of the same little yellow house.
RCHS is well-known for its personalized pet adoption process and humane education programs. RCHS is also recognized for services that strengthen the human-animal bond, including the Animal Safehouse Program, the Community Pet Food Bank, Pet-Assisted Therapy and Pet Loss Support programs, and community outreach that provides a “helping paw” to people in crisis. At RCHS, we believe everyone should be able to keep their beloved pets safe, healthy and by their sides.
A member of the San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition, RCHS abides by the pledge that NO healthy, treatable animal will ever be euthanized for time or space. Our shelter stands with the Coalition and abides by the Asilomar Accord when it comes to serving this community and its animals!
Based on statistical reporting through the national database, Shelter Animals Count, RCHS currently maintains a 100% Live Release or Save Rate. This refers to the percentage of animals leaving the shelter either through adoption, transfer or return to owner.
At Rancho Coastal Humane Society, we believe that Every Animal Deserves a Tomorrow®.
Create an alert, and we'll notify you every time a new pet comes in who meets your criteria.
389 Requeza Street
Encinitas, CA 92024
Sunday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Monday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Create an alert, and we'll notify you every time a new pet comes in who meets your criteria.
San Diego County
Additional adoption info
One of RCHS' main goals is the adoption of animals to permanent, loving homes. RCHS' adoption process is tailored to find the best match between pets and people.
HERE ARE THE STEPS YOU'LL GO THROUGH IN THE ADOPTION PROCESS:
Before you can see (that is, pet, cuddle, walk, and get to know) any animal you've seen in our kennels, we'll ask you to complete some paperwork. This paperwork must be completed first in order to minimize stress for you and the animals. Our process includes asking questions in order to make the best match between animal and owner. We like to gain a better understanding about your expectations, past experiences, and current animals at home.
Once all the paperwork has been satisfactorily completed, you may handle and visit the animal you're interested in. You'll have a counseling session with a knowledgeable member of our staff who will fill you in on the history and needs of that animal, and his feeding and exercise requirements. You can ask your counselor any questions about spaying or neutering, housetraining, obedience training, scratching (in cats), veterinary care, how to deal with fleas and ticks, and anything else you can think of.
You will be asked to sign an adoption contract and pay an adoption fee. We will provide you with a list of all items and medical treatments that are included in your adoption fee.
Adoption application
Southern California, CA 92591
Lake Elsinore, CA 92532
Murrieta, CA 92563
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