Keeping Pets Safe.
Supporting Families.
Since 1997, the Animal Safehouse Program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society has kept pets safe while supporting families through temporary challenges. Our no-cost program provides short-term, confidential housing and veterinary care for pets, giving families peace of mind to focus on their safety, access support services, or receive medical care without having to choose between their pet and getting help.
For survivors of domestic violence, concern for a pet’s safety can be a critical barrier to leaving. By providing a safe place for pets, the Animal Safehouse Program removes that barrier, helping families access shelter and essential services while preserving the bond that supports healing and recovery.
If you believe you are eligible call (760) 753-6476 or email safehouse@sdpets.org for more information & eligibility.
The Animal Safehouse Program is a community-driven, referral-based program. We work closely with domestic violence shelters, hospitals, social service agencies, the VA San Diego Healthcare System, and Family Justice Centers, including One Safe Place, to help connect eligible clients with temporary care for their pets. If you’re seeking safety or navigating a crisis and are not yet connected with one of these resources, we still encourage you to contact us to discuss your situation and available options.
Clients are enrolled through a case manager, advocate, social worker, or healthcare provider and must be actively engaged in services. This coordinated approach helps ensure clients are connected to essential resources while we care for their pets and support safe reunification.
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 for support (24/7) or 911 if you are in danger now.
Additional Resources:
The Animal Safehouse Program proudly partners with One Safe Place, a trusted resource that supports individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and other forms of victimization. Through compassionate, no-cost services, including case management, legal assistance, counseling, advocacy, and connections to additional community resources, One Safe Place helps individuals navigate their next steps in a safe and supportive environment.
Locations: San Marcos and National City
Supporting our community together. Through our partnership with One Safe Place, donations from Brock’s Community Pet Food Bank help provide pet food and supplies to clients receiving services who have pets, extending support to families navigating crisis.
To learn more about Brock’s Community Pet Food Bank and how your donations help support pets and families in need, visit our Pet Food Bank.
For military veterans in need of medical care, our Animal Safehouse Program is also about keeping families intact and respecting the human-animal bond. By having RCHS watch over a pet(s), veterans are able to seek the medical attention they need without having to consider giving up their pets in the process.
RCHS is proud to be partners with Dogs on Deployment – another great resource for Military Veterans!
Foster homes play a vital role in helping Rancho Coastal Humane Society care for vulnerable animals in our community. By opening your home to a pet in need, you provide comfort, stability, and individualized care while helping free up shelter space for other animals.
Foster volunteers are especially important for the Animal Safehouse Program (ASP), which provides temporary care for pets belonging to families in transition due to situations such as domestic violence, medical emergencies, or other unexpected crises.
Interested in fostering? Join our foster network and help provide lifesaving care for pets in need.
