Adoption Process

At Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS), we pride ourselves on providing a unique and customized adoption process, taking into consideration both the animal’s needs and yours. We are open for in-person adoptions Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. RCHS is closed for all major holidays.

Adoption Process

  1. View our Available Animals
    • Due to construction on our campus, there will be limited access to certain areas of our shelter. We are open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m Thursday through Monday. We ask all potential adopters to please view our adoptable animals online before visiting the shelter as our kennels will not be accessible to the public. Additionally, we will not have public restrooms available. Thank you for your understanding! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at (760) 753 – 6413 or info@sdpets.org. 
    • Some of our adoptable animals currently reside in a foster home. If that’s the case with the animal you are interested in please call our front office. 
    • Although it doesn’t happen often, foster families sometimes fall in love with their foster animals and want to adopt. RCHS fosters have priority when it comes to adopting animals they have hosted in their homes. On occasion, you may see an animal on our website which is adopted shortly after being available. 
  1. Fill out an Adoption Survey
  1. Visit RCHS In Person
    • RCHS is open for visits Thursday through Monday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (please refer to our construction notice above). 
    • During your visit, you’ll meet with one of our trained adoption counselors to discuss your adoption goals and preferences for your future pet. 
    • Our adoption counselors make recommendations based on each animal’s history, temperament, and unique adoption needs. They’ll help you identify an animal that aligns well with what you’re looking for. 
    • If both you and the adoption counselor feel it’s a good fit, you’ll be invited for a meet-and-greet session with the animal. 
    • For some animals, we may require that everyone in the household be present for the meet-and-greet. For dog adoptions, we do ask that any resident dogs also attend to ensure a good match. 
    • Additionally, renters may need to provide rental confirmation before certain adoptions can be approved. 
  1. Finalize the Adoption
    • If you decide to adopt, your adoption counselor will guide you to our customer service team to complete the adoption process. 
    • If you’re uncertain, please note that we do not hold animals, and adoptions operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Each visitor has priority with an animal while they’re in the kennel. If you decide to wait or look at other animals, please be aware that another adopter may adopt the animal in the meantime. 
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Adoption Fees

Dogs $145
Puppies $245
Cats $100
Kittens $125
Rabbits $40
Senior Pets (7+) $75
RCHS Favorites $75

The adoption fee includes:

  • Up-to-date vaccinations
  • Spay or neuter
  • Microchip and registration
  • Free health exam at participating veterinarian

These items purchased through a veterinarian would cost more than $250!

Special Fee Programs

Ask your adoption counselor about these programs.

  • Better with a Buddy – Adopt one cat, kitten, or dog and get the second one (within a year) for just $25. Does not apply to puppies.
  • Bonded Pairs – Second adoption fee is waived.
  • Two Purr One – Adopt two kittens together (within two weeks) and pay for just one.
  • RCHS Favorites These are adoptable pets that have been with RCHS for an unusually long time and we just can’t figure out why.
  • Pets for Patriots – Fees waived for San Diego veterans. To qualify, please apply before visiting the shelter. CLICK HERE
  • Seniors-for-Seniors – Any senior (60+) adopting a senior animal (7+) will have the adoption fee waived.
  • Training Incentive Rebate – Take your new puppy to an introductory training course focused on socialization and “puppy basics” and receive a rebate of $50 on the adoption fee.

Our Adoptable Animals

FINDING YOUR “FUREVER” FRIEND

A customized adoption takes time. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. Your counselor will invite you to participate in an interaction with an appropriate animal, and you may be asked to return with additional household members or a resident dog to test compatibility. Written landlord approval may be required.  Follow-up appointments may be necessary, and some dog adoptions may require a behavioral consultation before going home.

We continue to respond to our shelter partners and the community, bringing new animals onsite on a weekly basis, so don’t give up!  Please check the website daily for updates on adoptable animals and recent adoptions. Alternatively, you can sign up for our weekly adoption updates email which will notify you of new arrivals every week. Adoption surveys will be kept on file for six (6) months.  Please come back to the shelter as soon as a new animal interests you.