FOCASRCHS

  • July 1, 2012

    It's official! The merger of Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS) and Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) is complete! After more than ten (10) months, all the legal documents have been approved by the Attorney General's office and the Secretary of State. We couldn't be more thrilled!

    Thank you for your patience. We're sorry that we couldn't share the details of this merger with you sooner, but we needed to wait for the official seal of approval.

    Here are the details:

    Why did FOCAS merge with RCHS?

    * When FOCAS was formed in 1986, it was the first (and only) animal rescue organization to work exclusively with San Diego County's three shelters. During the next 25 years, FOCAS found homes for more than 8,000 shelter dogs and cats.
    * Today, there are approximately 160 animal rescue groups in San Diego County that are following the FOCAS example and helping pets from the County shelters find homes.

     

    Why did FOCAS choose to merge with RCHS?

    • Former FOCAS President Nancy Heitel says, “FOCAS and RCHS share the same values and mission. That's why this merger is a natural fit for both of us; and it's definitely 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.”

     

    Why did RCHS welcome FOCAS under its umbrella?

    RCHS has been in operation for more than 50 years, conducting the same work as FOCAS – taking animals from the shelters of San Diego County and finding them permanent, loving homes. RCHS President Jim Silveira, states, “This merger is a continuation of our combined vision, allowing us to expand our reach to assist more animals. We call this branch of RCHS the FOCAS Adoption Program.”

    Go to the RCHS website at www.sdpets.org, scroll down to “Programs” and click on “FOCAS” for an explanation of the merger. In addition, when you “Search for Pets,” you'll see many dogs, cats and rabbits with the FOCAS logo next to their name. The logo means that this animal was taken from one of our animal shelters in San Diego County.

     

    Here's how you can continue to support the FOCAS adoption program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

    You simply write your check to “FOCAS” and send it to:
    FOCAS
    c/o Rancho Coastal Humane Society
    389 Requeza Street
    Encinitas, CA 92024

    Simply click here or log on to www.sdpets.org and scroll down to “FOCAS” in the “Programs” section to make an online donation using your credit card.

    If you have additional questions, would like to tour Rancho Coastal Humane Society, or want to volunteer, please call (760) 753-6413. Either Jim Silveira, the CEO & President of RCHS, or one of his staff, will be happy to assist you.

    FOCAS and RCHS thank you for your continued support, in a myriad of ways, and for your personal commitment to the homeless animals of San Diego County. We deeply appreciate your contribution to our four-legged friends.