About Us

Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) was formed in 1960 by a group of hardworking volunteers, led by animal lover Maria K. Lloyd. The goal was and continues to be to care for the homeless animal population of San Diego County and to educate the public about pet over-population and responsible companion animal care.

In the nearly 50 years since our inception, RCHS has grown from a small facility run by volunteers to a professionally managed humane society that provides quality shelter care, adoption services, education programs and an animal safehouse program for the survivors of domestic violence.

The Rancho Coastal Humane Society is a non-profit, 501(c)3, charitable organization. We are a private animal shelter solely funded by donations from supporters and grants.

Adoptions

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. After finding the perfect match, we help prospective adopters learn about health care, nutrition requirements, grooming, exercise, responsible pet ownership, socialization and the importance of the human/animal bond.

The San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition

In August of 2004, a group of animal welfare professionals from across the nation convened at Asilomar in Pacific Grove, California, for the purpose of creating goals focused on significantly reducing the euthanasia of healthy and treatable companion animals in the United States. The statistical guidelines developed at this meeting came to be known as the Asilomar Accords.

Public and private animal sheltering organizations in San Diego County have embraced the Asilomar Accords and have joined together in creating a local "community coalition", called the San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition, for the purpose of saving the lives of healthy and treatable animals.

The terminology used in the table below conforms to the definitions prescribed by the Asilomar Accords, as well as the San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition. The statistics focus on a "Live Release Rate," which is the percentage of pets that leave shelters alive.

SDAWC Statistics Fiscal Year 2011-2012

Rancho Coastal Humane Scoiety Statistics Fiscal Year 2011-2012

Audited Financial Statement

990 (7-1-2011 to 6-30-2012)

President/CEO

Jim Silveira

Board of Directors:

Michael Berg – Chair

Dawn Danielson, RVT – Vice-Chair

Chandani Flinn - Secretary

Susan Colross  – Treasurer

Cherrie Giles

Gail Hano

Lou Palestini

Joy Christov Urich

Leah Arruda   

Allegra L. Pajot

Dean Janis

Honorary Board Members:

Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, District Three
Anita Blanchard, Jean Susalla,

Advisory Board – Chris Ross, DVM

Staff

Brian Cook – Thrift Shop Manager
Lizzie Hart – Humane Educator
Amy Hefflin – Animal Safehouse Program                                                                                                              Libby Kovalcik – Kennel Supervisor
Julie Moews, DVM - Veterinarian
Jody Odegard – Bookkeeper
Mary Pilon – Volunteer Coordinator
John Van Zante - PR & Marketing Director
Nick Winfrey – Community Liaison
Joyce Younger – Office Manager
Kathy Zerkle – Medical Director