Our Mission & History

Our 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.

TAX ID # 95-2151583

Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) was founded in 1960 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 operates out of the same little yellow house.

RCHS is well-known for its personalized pet adoption process, Friends of County Animal Shelters program (FOCAS) and humane education programs. RCHS is also recognized for services that strengthen the human-animal bond, including the Animal Safehouse Program, the Community Pet Food Bank, Pet-Assisted Therapy and Pet Loss Support programs, Veterinary Care Program for Seniors and community outreach that provides 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.

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. To view RCHS 2021 intakes and outcomes as established by the Asilomar Accords, please click here.

RCHS is recognized nationally as a top rated 4-star charity by Charity Navigator, achieving a perfect 100-point overall score. The only animal shelter in Southern California to receive this distinction. RCHS has a Platinum Seal of Transparency through GuideStar and charity accreditation with the Better Business Bureau.

At Rancho Coastal Humane Society, we believe that Every Animal Deserves a Tomorrow®.