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) has been serving San Diego County and the Southern California community for more than 64 years. Founded by animal lover Maria K. Lloyd, our shelter once operated out of a couple of converted cottages and barns on nearly 5 acres off a dirt road which is now Interstate 5. Over the past two years, RCHS campus has experienced a complete transformation. Today, RCHS can support a population that has grown more than 300% since its founding. With our “Unleashing PAWSibilities” Capital Campaign, RCHS now includes the state-of-the–art Charlotte’s Medical Center, Vivian’s Learning Center, FOCAS Adoption Center and Community Pet Food Pantry.
What We Do
While RCHS is well-known for its personalized pet adoption process, youth education programs and Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS) program, we also are recognized for established programming designed to strengthen and promote the human-animal bond. This includes the Animal Safehouse Program for victims of domestic violence, military veterans and seniors, the Community Pet Food Bank, Pet-Assisted Therapy and Pet Loss Support programs, and the Veterinary Care Program for Seniors in need.
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 as established by the Asilomar Accords.
At RCHS, we believe everyone should be able to keep their beloved pets safe, healthy and by their sides, Every Animal Deserves a Tomorrow®.
TAX ID # 95-2151583
Meet Our Team

Judi Sanzo
President & CEO
(with Stella)

Brian Arao
Customer Service Director
(Zeus & Layla)

Chelsea England
Animal Safehouse Program Director

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

Mikalla McFadden
Foster Program Director
(Deacon)

Julie Moews
DVM – Veterinarian
(Pixie)

Michele Moua
Adoption Services Director
(Kippie)


Kelly Peters
Vice President, Community Impact (with Molly)

Mary Pilon
Volunteer Services Director (Bear)

Niki Plasse
Community Outreach Manager