ENCINITAS - Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath (D-Encinitas) honored Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) as the 76th Assembly District’s 2021 Small Business of the Year.
Founded by animal lover Maria K. Lloyd, who purchased the small yellow house that RCHS still operates out of today, the shelter is well-known for its personalized pet adoption process, Friends of County Animal Shelters program (FOCAS), and humane education programs.
“Rancho Coastal Humane Society is a local institution and has done such an amazing job at protecting animals and connecting pets with loving owners. It is an honor to name Rancho Coastal Humane Society as our 76th Assembly District’s 2021 Small Business of the Year,” said Assemblymember Boerner Horvath. “Not only do they run a nationally recognized Animal Welfare program, but their many programs enrich our lives and community.”
RCHS also runs the RCHS Thrift Shop, proceeds from which directly support the care and shelter of homeless adoptable pets. They are 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. RCHS is recognized nationally as a top rated four-star charity by Charity Navigator, achieving a perfect 100-point overall score, which makes it the only animal shelter in Southern California to receive this distinction. RCHS also has a Platinum Seal of Transparency through GuideStar.
“This recognition serves as a great incentive for our team to continue the lifesaving mission Rancho Coastal started over 61 years ago,” said Judi Sanzo, CEO of RCHS. “It is through the generous support of our donors and community that we can stay true to our pledge that no healthy, treatable animal will ever be euthanized because of the length of stay or a lack of space.”