Riverside, CA - Over the weekend, Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) helped over 440 pets start their next chapter outside of overcrowded shelters. On Friday, July 18th, 66 dogs flew cross-country to rescue partners in Maine and New York. The next day, a total of 106 pets left the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter, whose doors stayed open to the public until midnight.  

Combining adoptions, fosters, return-to-owners and transports from all locations over the weekend, 443 pets left RCDAS shelters for a second chance. This comes as the department expands lifesaving programs designed to save more pets as part of the “RivCo Rise” resolution, approved by the County Board of Supervisors in June.

“We listened to community members, and these back-to-back actions show our commitment to becoming a no-kill County,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “This is a marathon, not a sprint, but with more funding, staff positions and support, we are on our way to helping every animal that can be helped.”  

Increasing flight transports, adoptions and fosters are important strategies aimed at reducing shelter overcrowding, but public support is crucial for saving even more lives. While the weekend results helped, RivCo shelters are still in need of community support.

“Our staff at all levels go above and beyond to save lives, and we rallied together this weekend with determination and enthusiasm,” said RCDAS Deputy Director of Programs and Operations Jaclyn Schart. “Our midnight event showed me there are people willing to open their homes to wonderful pets, and it was a fun reminder that our efforts are changing lives for the better.”

To keep the focus on saving lives, RCDAS is offering fee-waived adoptions at all shelter locations as part of PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week taking place July 21-27th. All adoptions include spay/neuter services, microchips, vaccinations and ID tags.

“What better way to enjoy the rest of summer than by helping a loyal companion looking for a place to call home,” said Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. “We want to see more adoptions, more fosters and more pets find their forever families!”

Adopters who take home a dog weighing 40lbs or more from the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus will also receive a $50 gift card to help buy supplies for their new pet.