Rancho Coastal Humane Society

Looking for a great charity to get involved in? Check out the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. The Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) is dedicated to rescuing and sheltering abandoned companion animals and encouraging adoptions into loving homes. They also strongly promote humane ideals through education and community outreach. 

Visit their beautiful campus in Encinitas, which is also home to the Military Working Dog Memorial (MWD) and several educational programs. RCHS was formed in 1960, and nearly 56 years later has grown from a small, volunteer-run facility to a professionally managed humane society with a quality animal care shelter, adoption services, education programs and animal safehouse programs. Since the beginning, their goal has been to care for the population of homeless animals in San Diego County and to educate people about the overpopulation of pets and responsible animal care. 

RCHS’s primary objective is the adoption of animals into loving, permanent homes. Once owners find the perfect match, they will learn about healthcare, nutrition requirements for their pet, grooming, exercise and proper pet ownership. 

Adoption isn’t all that they do at RCHS. They also offer many Humane Education programs and workshops. These workshops are meant to encourage and reinforce the proper care of animals, and also teach genuine companion animal care. These programs are great for kids of all ages. They also offer Animal Safehouse programs, which provide temporary foster care for animals who suffer from domestic abuse, as well as a Second Chance Program which allows pets from other shelters a second chance at adoption.

Even if you are unable to adopt, you can also donate or be part of the RCHS Pet Sponsorship program. When you sponsor one of the special animals in their care, the RCHS will send you updates about "your" pet. You’ll be the first to know when your sponsored pet gets adopted. You can also donate through cash, check, online/offline credit card donations, and time and energy volunteering. 

The Rancho Coastal Humane Society also offer fun and flexible volunteer programs; volunteers are the heart and soul of the RCHS. They have a wide variety of programs to choose from, from pet therapy to on-site animal companionship. They are always looking for dedicated volunteers, so visit their website and complete the online application today. You can also download the application and mail it to them. Another great way to volunteer is fostering. Open you heart and home to an animal who is in need of a temporary home. Becoming a foster volunteer guarantees that the most needy animals receive the best care offered. 

The RCHS has many upcoming events and first up is the 5K Paw Walk in the Garden on Saturday, Feb. 18. Located in the San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas, walkers can cover the full 3.1 mile course or create their own route. You don’t even need to bring your dog—you can just come and enjoy the scenery and serenity of the gardens. There will be pet products, snacks for people and treats for dogs and valuable information for dog lovers. It’s not competitive, and walkers will have access to the gardens until 1 pm. Don’t miss out on this great event, and mark your calendars with these upcoming celebrations:

February 23rd

The Rancho Coastal Humane Society will host a fundraiser at the Brigantine in Del Mar from 4 pm until close. Come and help raise funds for pet food and animal care. 15% of your food and beverage purchases will be donated to the RCHS.

April 29th-30th

The RCHS will be at the Encinitas Spring Street Fair, so stop by and see how you can help an animal in need.

May 7th

The RCHS will be at the Carlsbad Village Fair from 8am–5pm

May 12th-14th

The RCHS will host their next adoption event weekend at Petsmart in Encinitas.

May 18th

The La Jolla Veterinary Hospital will host The Rancho Coastal Humane Society's Paws and Pints event.

June 3rd

The Rancho Coastal Humane Society will present the Encinitas Rotary Wine Festival at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course from 5-8 pm.

June 4th

Stop by The Hotel Del in Coronado and check out the Fashion Week SD Yappy Hour from 3-5 pm. 

For more calendar events, volunteer opportunities, programs and information, visit rchumanesociety.org/. 

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