Thank you for your interest in the Animal Safehouse Program (ASP).

The Animal Safehouse Program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society provides no-cost, short-term care for pets while their owners navigate personal challenges. Pets are cared for in safe foster homes or boarding, receive comprehensive veterinary care, and are supported with behavior care, training, and daily supplies. We also provide regular updates and photos for peace of mind while owners focus on safety, recovery, and rebuilding stability.

By offering this support, we help prevent unnecessary shelter surrenders and work to reunite pets with the families who love them.

🐾 Who We Support:

• Domestic Violence Survivors entering emergency shelter through a DV service provider
• Veterans enrolled in VA inpatient or residential treatment programs
• Adults 60+ admitted for emergency medical hospitalization
• Limited support for other urgent situations, as space allows

 

 
✅ Basic Eligibility
To qualify for the Animal Safehouse Program, pet owners must:

Be Connected to a Support Professional

This program is referral-based. Pet owners must be connected with a case manager, advocate, social worker, healthcare provider, or other qualified support professional who can provide a referral, help coordinate services, and remain a point of contact throughout the pet’s stay as needed. This may include individuals preparing to enter a shelter or treatment program, or those receiving support during a hospitalization or other qualifying crisis.

Limited exceptions for short-term urgent situations may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on program capacity and available resources.

Be Located in San Diego County

Clients must reside in San Diego County or be entering a safe shelter/receiving support services within the county.

Plan for Short-Term Care

Be able to reclaim your pet within 90 days. Care is provided in 14-day agreements, with extensions reviewed based on the pet's well-being, foster capacity, and ongoing communication. 

The program is intended for individuals who plan to reunite with their pets and are committed to working toward reunification. We understand that circumstances may change, but the program is not intended for situations where rehoming is the primary plan or intended outcome.

Explore Other Options First

Clients should first consider boarding, friends, family or other foster resources.

Provide Consent & Documentation

The pet owner (or legal Power of Attorney) must communicate with ASP staff and sign all required forms. If receiving treatment, a Release of Information (ROI) may be required for coordination with providers.

Maintain Communication

Pet owners are expected to stay in regular contact with ASP staff (at least every one to two weeks) throughout their pet's stay. Ongoing communication is required for consideration of boarding extensions.

Consent to Veterinary Care 

ASP provides necessary veterinary care, including spay/neuter, vaccinations, flea prevention, and microchipping. Participation requires consent to these services.

Spay/Neuter Requirement

As a condition of enrollment, pets that are not already spayed or neutered must undergo the procedure while participating in the Animal Safehouse Program. The procedure is provided at no cost to the owner. Owners must agree to this requirement before their pet can be accepted into the program, unless a veterinarian determines that surgery is not safe for the pet.

 

🐶 Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I apply for ASP services?

Step 1: 

A case manager, advocate, or provider contacts ASP to confirm eligibility and availability.
Phone: (760) 753-6476 | Email: safehouse@sdpets.org

Step 2: 

ASP connects with both the referring professional and client to review program requirements before sending intake forms.

The client must:

• Consent to veterinary services (spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip)
• Provide prior veterinary records (if available)
• Sign a temporary care agreement (14-day renewable)
• Complete a pet profile

Step 3: 

Sumbit intake forms and schedule the pet's intake appointment.

 

Is the Animal Safehouse Program referral-based?

Yes. Participation requires a referral from a case manager, advocate, social worker, or healthcare provider, along with active engagement in ongoing case management, treatment, or support services. Referrals primarily come from domestic violence shelters, hospitals, the VA San Diego Healthcare System, and Family Justice Centers, including One Safe Place.

 

Is there a cost for this service?
No. ASP services are provided at no cost. Donations are always welcome to help support others in need. 

 

How long can my pet stay in the program?
Most pets stay anywhere from 2 weeks - up to a maximum of 90 days. Length of stay depends on your situation, your progress toward reunification, and program capacity.

 

Where will my pet stay?
Pets are cared for in volunteer foster homes or through boarding. In some cases, pets may stay onsite temporarily while placement is arranged.

 

What is a volunteer foster home?
Volunteer foster homes are individuals or families who have volunteered to temporarily care for pets in the Animal Safehouse Program. They are trained and supported by RCHS through our Foster Team and work closely with ASP to provide a safe, temporary home for pets while their owners navigate a crisis. Foster volunteers remain in consistent communication with our team throughout the pet’s stay.

 

What types of pets do you accept?
We primarily accept dogs and cats, and may assist with small companion animals on a case-by-case basis.

 

Can I visit my pet?
To help pets adjust, in-person visits are not permitted.

 

Will I receive updates?
Yes. You will receive regular updates and photos, typically weekly.

 

Can I send food or personal items with my pet?
Yes, we recommend bringing a small supply of your pet's current food to ease their transition. We provide all other supplies, but please be aware that personal items like toys and beds may not be returned.

 

Do you provide medical care?
Yes. ASP provides necessary veterinary care. Please disclose any medical conditions during intake.

 

What if my pet has special needs or behavior concerns?
We work with a variety of needs, though some cases may require additional planning. We'll review each situation individually.

 

Will my pets stay together?
We make every effort to keep bonded pets together when possible.

 

Can I speak directly with the foster?
To respect privacy for both pet owners and fosters, we do not share personal contact information. All communication will go through program staff.

 

What if a pet cannot be reclaimed?

The Animal Safehouse Program is intended to provide temporary care while families work toward reunification. Reclaiming pets is an expectation of program participation. If circumstances change and reunification is no longer possible, families must communicate with ASP staff to discuss next steps. The program is not intended as an alternative to pet surrender, and placement in RCHS's adoption program is not guaranteed.