Our Mission & History

Dedicated to the San Diego community since 1960, Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) was founded by animal lover Maria K. Lloyd who purchased property off a small dirt road in Encinitas, California. At that time the shelter was home to dogs, cats, birds, goats, sheep and even a burro named Milton. Today, that dirt road is I-5, but the shelter still resides in the small yellow house where Lloyd once lived.

RCHS is known for its personalized pet adoption process and humane education. We’re also recognized for programs and services that strengthen the human-animal bond, including the Animal Safehouse Program, pet food banks and community outreach that all provide a “helping paw” to people in crisis. At RCHS we believe everyone should be able to keep their beloved pets safe, healthy and by their sides.

In 2018, RCHS returned to its “wild side,” opening a Wildlife Center that treats and releases sick, injured or orphaned songbirds, birds of prey, squirrels, rabbits, ducks and even baby skunks. We have no government contracts and are supported only by individual donors, grants and foundations, and our Thrift Shop.

Part 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. Our shelter stands with the Coalition and abides by the Asilomar Accord when it comes to serving this community and its animals!