Kids & Family

Rancho Coastal Humane Society Merges with Friends of County Animal Shelters

The join-effort aims to help even more animals.

Editor's Note: The following news release is from Rancho Coastal Humane Society. 

Two of San Diego County's most trusted animal welfare organizations, Friends Of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS) and Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS), have announced their merger. The merger is effective immediately. Both RCHS and FOCAS are asking the public for continued support of their lifesaving work.

When FOCAS was formed more than 25 years ago it was the first animal rescue organization working exclusively with San Diego's three County shelters. Now the number of rescue agencies involved with the County shelters is approaching 160, which is one of the main reasons for the merger. By combining resources and manpower the RCHS / FOCAS program will gain a broader reach and become more effective.

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"RCHS and FOCAS share the same values and mission," explains former FOCAS President Nancy Heitel. "That is why this merger is a great step for both organizations and also a 'win-win' situation for the animals of San Diego County. The work of FOCAS will continue and, under the banner of Rancho Coastal Humane Society, we will have the ability to help even more animals." 

FOCAS was formed in 1986 to support the San Diego County Department of Animal Control (since changed to "Animal Services"). FOCAS co-founders Peggy Howell and Sue Geller set out to create a strong adoption program for the homeless animals in the three County shelters. Since that time, with the help of FOCAS, more than 8,000 dogs and cats have found homes.

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RCHS President Jim Silveira points out, "The merger of RCHS and FOCAS makes sense in so many ways. Since 1960 Rancho Coastal Humane Society has been providing care for homeless animals in San Diego County and educating the public about pet over-population and responsible pet care. While RCHS and FOCAS have operated as separate organizations, our values and mission have always been the same."

Silveira is encouraging FOCAS volunteers and supporters to visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to the website at www.sdpets.org.

"Even though RCHS has been here more than 50 years, we're 'new' to many of the FOCAS volunteers and supporters. Please come out and meet us. We need you in order to continue this lifesaving work that you've supported through FOCAS."


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