About Rancho Coastal Humane Society

Founded in 1960 by animal advocate Maria K. Lloyd, the Rancho Coastal Humane Society is a non-profit organization located on Requeza Street in Encinitas. RCHS operates under its core promise—"Every Animal Deserves a Tomorrow®"—and is part of the San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition, committing to ensure no healthy or treatable animal is euthanized for time or space.

While pet rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption through their FOCAS (Friends of County Animal Shelters) program remain central to their work, RCHS offers an array of specialized services focused on protecting the human-animal bond:

• Animal Safehouse Program (ASP): Provides temporary, safe shelter and veterinary care for pets belonging to individuals experiencing domestic violence, as well as military veterans or seniors undergoing medical crises or hospitalization. This safety net allows pet owners to seek help without fearing for their pets' safety.

• Community Pet Food Bank (Brock's Pet Food Bank): Delivers pet food and essential supplies to local families experiencing economic hardship, helping keep pets in their original homes rather than being surrendered.

• Senior & Low-Income Assistance: Programs like the Karen Sickels Seniors-for-Seniors Adoption Program waive adoption fees for older pets paired with older adults, while their Veterinary Care Program for Seniors offers financial aid to low-income seniors for their pets' medical treatments.

• Humane Education & Community Outreach: Hosted at Vivian's Learning Center, RCHS conducts youth animal camps, school visits, and the Pet-Assisted Therapy (PAT) program, which brings therapy animals to local healthcare facilities and community events.

The Celebration of Second Chances Gala

The Celebration of Second Chances: The Next Chapter gala took place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Del Mar Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe. Serving as the society’s marquee annual fundraiser, the gala brings together animal lovers, community leaders, and philanthropists to support RCHS’s lifesaving programs.

Highlights of the Evening

• Theme & Ambience: Set against the backdrop of the country club, the evening was styled as an elegant cocktail gathering complete with valet service, premium open bars, and gourmet food stations.

• Tribute & Honorees: The 2026 event featured a special tribute honoring longtime friends and dedicated animal advocates Jerry and Pam Cesak. Jerry is widely recognized across San Diego as "Jer" from the iconic Jeff and Jer Radio Showgram.

• Fundraising Impact: Guests participated in live and silent auctions offering curated travel packages, local experiences, and luxury items. All proceeds directly fund the ongoing rescue operations, medical care, and community shelter programs at RCHS.