Riverside, CA – The Riverside County Department of Animal Services is in urgent need of fosters and adopters at all shelter locations. With over 1,000 dogs across the shelter system, immediate action is needed as the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus hit 270% capacity for dogs.

The department set a goal of getting 30 big dogs adopted or fostered from the San Jacinto shelter by Thursday, November 6th.

“Operating in critical overcapacity puts animals at risk of sickness or injury and is not safe for pets or staff,” said RCDAS Director Mary Martin. “We need to be ready to continue receiving animals that have nowhere else to go, and we are hoping the community is willing to open their homes now more than ever to save lives.”

Shelter overcrowding means some animals are at-risk of euthanasia simply due to lack of space and the inability to properly care for them. All pets are available for adoption at no cost and include spay/neuter, microchips, vaccinations, and an engraved ID tag.

Foster homes that can accommodate a dog for two weeks or more are also urgently needed, especially for large dogs. RCDAS can supply fosters with available supplies on hand.

Shelter hours:

Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed Mondays

Shelter locations:

• Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter 6851 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92509
• San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus 581 S. Grand Ave. San Jacinto, CA 92582
• Coachella Valley Animal Campus 72-050 Pet Land Place. Thousand Palms, CA 92276
• Blythe Animal Shelter (Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 245 S Carlton. Blythe, CA 92225

Please share this urgent request and visit www.rcdas.org for more information.