Things to Consider
Before adopting a pet, keep in mind you are making a commitment to an animal that wants to be with you 10, 15 or even more years. Take your time! At Rancho Coastal Humane Society, our adoption counselors are specially trained to help you determine whether a pet is right for you and to help you find the best “fur-ever” match.
Free Vet Exam
As a new adopter with Rancho Coastal Humane Society, you are eligible for a free vet exam. For a list of participating veterinarians:
Behavior and Training
Look for trainers that use “positive reinforcement training” as their primary technique for training. Click the button below for a list of trainers in the San Diego County area.
Post Adoption Support
Our post adoption support counselors will reach out to you during the first three months of bringing your new furry family member home. In addition, you can call at any time with questions or concerns and we’ll always do our best to ensure a successful adoption.
Post-Adoption Resources
Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Encinitas (including Olivenhain, Leucadia, Cardiff), Rancho Santa Fe, La Costa, and Solana Beach. Caring for dogs, cats, small animals, horses and livestock, exotics/reptiles and birds.
Claws and Paws Pet Sitting is a sponsor of Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS). By accessing their services, you acknowledge and agree that RCHS is not liable for any actions, outcomes, or issues arising from your use of Claws and Paws Pet Sitting services. Any engagement with the sponsor is at your own risk. Please review their terms and conditions separately.
Have you lost or found a pet? Create a report now!
Petco Love Lost is a free and easy way to search 200K+ lost and found pets to help them return home. The database includes pets reported by individuals as well as thousands of shelter partners across the country. By uploading a photo of your lost or found pet and reporting it in our system, you make that pet visible to pet parents searching for their pet – making happy pet reunions just a few clicks away. Create a report here.
Dogs on Deployment is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military, veteran, and first responder pet owners. They connect eligible pet parents in need with volunteers for temporary pet boarding during service commitments or hardships—offering them peace of mind and preventing unnecessary pet relinquishment. They also offer financial assistance grants for veterinary care, military relocations, and spay/neuter services.
Relinquishments
We understand that sometimes it’s not always possible to keep a pet. RCHS always takes back animals it originally adopted to you. At this time, RCHS, is unable to accept any dogs other than those previously adopted to you from RCHS.
We can’t take in same-day or walk-in relinquishments, even of returning RCHS dogs.
If you are interested in relinquishing a cat, please email frontdesk@sdpets.org for more information and to begin the process.
In addition, here are two helpful resources to help you rehome your pet:
Emergency & Urgent Care
Veterinary Emergency Group (Open 24/7)
Dogs, cats, rabbits & exotics!
260 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024
760-377-6611 (Call and speak to a doctor anytime!)
www.veterinaryemergencygroup.com
Papaya Veterinary Emergency (Open 24/7)
Dogs & Cats
485 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
(619) 737-1364
www.papayapet.com
Tell Tail Moonlight (see hours below)
Dogs & Cats
414 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 652-5002
www.moonlightvet.com
Mon – Fri: 11 am – 9 pm
Sat & Sun: Closed