The Rescue House, Inc.

Organization Description

The Rescue House, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to assisting cats through its rescue, foster, and adoption activities. We find loving homes for unwanted, abandoned, homeless, and abused cats. We open our arms to socialized, people-friendly cats that need assistance, regardless of age and handicap. We are a true no-kill cat rescue organization. The Rescue House’s mission is to eliminate the need for our organization. We strive toward this goal through education to increase public awareness of responsible pet ownership and an aggressive spay/neuter program.

Below are the addresses for our adoption partners:

Petco Mira Mesa

8290 Mira Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 9212

PetSmart Encinitas

Encinitas Ranch Town Center (SW corner of Leucadia Blvd/El Camino Real)

1034 North El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024

PetSmart Aero

3396 Murphy Canyon Road. San Diego, CA 92123

 

 

Health & Safety

Disclaimer: 

Please note: This site deals with animals (domestic or wild) and may have a higher risk of injury due to bites, scratches, physical injury, contagious diseases, etc. In addition to increased caution and situational awareness, it is highly recommended that you have a current tetanus vaccine and health insurance. Ensure that you meet with your site supervisor to understand the increased risk in completing your internship at this site, as well as the appropriate measures you can take to mitigate and/or respond to these risks.  Your orientation at the site should also include a general site safety orientation.

Disclaimer: 

* Includes animals

Students interested in animal caretaking with only evening availability will be permitted to schedule shifts between 6 pm and 8 pm. These visits will take place during the hours of store operation within specific PetSmart or Petco locations. Prior to shift assignment, students will receive training regarding what actions to take to ensure the health and well-being of the animals in the adoption center. They also will receive instruction on all tasks that must be completed during each shift, which for the 6pm to 8 pm timeframe includes feeding the animals. There are tracking sheets and charts posted inside the visitation room to remind them what needs to be done at various times. Supervisors will not be on site during such times unless the student reaches out and requests assistance with an animal emergency; however, supervisors will be available via phone to answer all questions and provide support.

Working with animals is inherently risky as they can scratch and bite, so those students choosing to interact with the cats in our care have a chance of sustaining injuries. All of our cats are domesticated and friendly towards people; however, that does not eliminate the risk. While there usually are behavioral cues before an incident, in certain circumstances, it can occur without warning. Students will be trained on what to look for in a cat's demeanor that could indicate the cat is preparing to act aggressively. They also will be given a list of strategies to use to deescalate the situation and remove them from harm's way. Finally, they will receive training on how to correctly care for and treat any injuries sustained, including when to seek professional medical help.

 

Additional requirements and/or considerations
  • Must be 18 or older
Address 
1150 Garden View Rd., #231336
Unit #104
Encinitas, CA 92023
United States
General Phone 
Student Contact 
Name
Alexandra Padula
Job Title
Foster Placement & Center Assignment Coordinator; Member of the Board of Directors of The Rescue House, Inc.
Phone
Email

Current Opportunities

Title Program Start Date Location Type
Volunteer Internship 01/20/2026 Hybrid (combination of on-site and remote)
Program(s) 
Internship
Organization type 
Charity Organization/Foundation (Nonprofit)
Focus Population(s)
Animals
Focus Area(s)
Animal Welfare
Hours of operation 

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 days a week