Program areas at RCHS
Animal programsfocas programpet food bankpet assisted therapypet loss supportveterinary care programsee schedule oanimal programs:rancho Coastal's adoptions and animal care program finds new homes for dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits surrendered by their owners, transferred from regional animal shelters, and rescued from disaster areas. During their stay at the shelter, all of Rancho Coastal's animals receive excellent medical care, and staff and volunteers work on improved socialization and engage in enrichment activities to ensure successful adoptions. Rancho Coastal offers educational programs regarding Humane treatment of animals and responsible care of pets, as well as a seniors-to-seniors program that incentivizes and supports adoptions of senior pets by persons over the age of 60. Rancho Coastal's foster volunteer program provides care and comfort of neo-natal kittens, puppies, and bunnies in homes throughout san diego county, allowing Rancho Coastal to increase the number of adoptable animals in its care beyond its kennel capacity.focas program:the focas program gives pets from other shelters a second chance to be adopted. This program is the result of the merger of friends of county animal shelters (focas) with Rancho Coastal. Rancho Coastal has continued the partnership started by focas with the three county animal shelters, and has expanded the focas program by taking dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits from chula vista animal control, el centro Humane Society, the san diego house rabbit Society, the department of animal services, animal friends of the valley (afv), and from other shelters in parts of the country or the world where euthanasia practices continue. Rancho Coastal is a limited admission shelter, which enables it to keep adoptable animals until they can be placed with their new families. Each of the dogs, cats, and rabbits is given a "second chance" for adoption, and a new opportunity to find a loving home.pet food bank:rancho Coastal provides pet food and supplies for pet owners on fixed incomes, the sick and disabled, working families that struggle financially, military families, and the homeless. Since april 2020, the pet food bank has opened every saturday, distributed pet food every thursday at a local food pantry, and hosted numerous special events to support this community.pet assisted therapy:rancho Coastal's pet assisted therapy (pat) program brings the unconditional love of animals to people in need at special needs and at-risk youth programs, senior centers, skilled nursing and residential facilities, hospice, veteran centers, college campuses, schools, libraries, and local businesses. The pat program has been re-energized in 2021, once covid restrictions were lightened to allow onsite visitation.pet loss support:rancho Coastal's pet loss support program (plsp) helps people suffering the sadness and grief of losing a beloved pet. The program offered group meetings twice a month, with weekday and weekend options, led by a team of professional grief counselors. A lending library, resource materials, and a referral list of therapists were created to support the healing process. Plsp continues to provide one-on-one counseling sessions by appointment, and expects to resume group meetings in early 2024.veterinary care program:rancho Coastal launched its vet care program in january 2021. Original funding was provided by a grant, and several funding sources have been developed since inception. This program provides financial assistance, resources, and support for seniors (60+) and their adult pets. Applicants must be on a fixed or limited income, live in san diego county, and provide proof of income and a written estimate from a licensed veterinary hospital. Financial coverage is considered for urgent/emergency veterinary care, x-rays and diagnostic testing, medication, and certain ongoing or chronic conditions.
Animal safehouse programsee schedule oanimal safehouse program:the animal safehouse program (asp) provides temporary care for pets of domestic violence victims. This program provides a support service to domestic violence shelters which are unable to accept pets. Rancho Coastal actively collaborates with domestic violence shelters, the san diego domestic violence council, the county of san diego department of animal services, city and municipal animal shelters, the san diego family justice center, san diego domestic violenceresponse teams, social services, mental health services, law enforcement, educational facilities, military, and many other agencies and individuals who want to eradicate abuse and help break the cycle of family violence. Asp has been expanded to include temporary care for pets of veterans who require hospitalization but decline treatment because they have no one to care for their "companions." By accepting their pets into the program, Rancho Coastal is helpingveterans pursue essential medical care at va hospitals and treatment centers. In march 2020, Rancho Coastal extended asp to provide temporary care for pets of seniors facing emergency hospitalization and covid-19 patients admitted for treatment. In december 2021, asp became a partner at one safe place, the north county family justice center, providing pet supplies and resources, donating children's clothing, and organizing temporary housing for pets of domestic violence clients receiving support services from this multi-disciplinary agency.
Kids programs/animal campssee schedule okids programs/animal camps:animals are a source of great fascination for children of all ages. Rancho Coastal encourages children to share their passion for animals. The Humane education programs focus on teaching children the importance of proper care and compassion toward the animals that share our world. All of the education programs offered are geared towards embracing children's natural love and curiosity about animals, while fostering a sense of respect and kindness for all life.rancho Coastal offers programs for children, including the kids community service program (kcs) for students in grades 6 through 12, birthday parties, shelter tours,and classroom presentations. Rancho Coastal has a whole line-up of camps to excite and educate children. Camps are held during spring, summer, and fall school breaks, and are age-appropriate for children 6-14 years old. Camps run in themed, week-long sessions, and are conducted by trained Rancho Coastal educators. Using hands-on games, activities, arts and crafts, guest speakers and, of course, live animals, children are taught about co-existing with wildlife and the importance of companion and native animals in our world.