About Us

Our Mission 

Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) 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.

TAX ID # 95-2151583

Who We Are

Since 1960, RCHS has been a trusted community resource for pets and the people who love them. Founded by animal advocate Maria K. Lloyd, our shelter began as a few small cottages and barns. Today, our campus has been transformed into a modern hub for animal care services, featuring new facilities that welcome visitors with the same warmth and kindness that has been the hallmark of our “little yellow house.

  • Vivian’s Learning Center – offering youth and community education
  • Charlotte’s Medical Center – providing state-of-the-art veterinary care
  • Brock’s Community Pet Food Bank – supporting pet families in need
  • FOCAS Adoption Center – finding homes for pets in need
  • Behavior and Training – helping dogs become well-adjusted and confident

When you donate to RCHS you’re saving the lives of abandoned companion animals, supporting pet families in need and teaching future generations compassion for animals.

What We Do 

While animal adoptions are at the heart of our work, our mission goes far beyond. RCHS helps keep pets and their people together, especially during times of crisis, through programs and services that provide care, support, and education:

Providing temporary care for pets of domestic violence survivors, seniors, and veterans.
Helping families keep pets fed and healthy.
Matching senior pets with senior people at no cost.
Bringing comfort and connection to people of all ages.
Providing essential care for pets of low-income seniors.
Partnering with community members to care for and support animals and programs.
Teaching compassion and respect for animals.
Our Promise
As a member of the San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition, we pledge that no healthy, treatable animal will ever be euthanized for time or space. At RCHS, we believe pets are family, and Every Animal Deserves a Tomorrow®.

Meet Our Team

Judi Sanzo

President & CEO

Brian Arao

Customer Service Director
(Zeus & Layla)

Chelsea England

Animal Safehouse Program Director

Krissy Farrer

Medical Director – Community Programs

Matt Gentile

Chief Operating Officer (with Rainie)

Sydnie Greenfield

Animal Care Director (Duke)

Lizzie Hart

Humane Educator
(Beetlejuice)

Nina Jimenez Taylor

Sr. Director of Strategic Communication
(with Levi)

Libby Kovalcik

Behavior & Training Specialist
(with Beez)

Colette Licata

Veterinary Care Program Coordinator

Julie Moews

DVM – Veterinarian
(Pixie)

Michele Moua

Adoption Services Director
(Kippie)

Janice O’Connell

Thrift Shop General Manager

(Finnegan)

Kelly Peters

Vice President, Community Impact (with Molly)

Mary Pilon

Volunteer Services Director (Bear)

Niki Plasse 

Community Outreach Manager

John Van Zante

Public Relations Director
(with Jake)

Mark Viguri

Multimedia Designer

(Flynn)

Mikalla Zapata

Foster Program Director
(Deacon)

Kathy Zerkle

Medical Director

(Makutu)