This holiday season, Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) is urging people to help RivCo shelter pets find a Home for the Holidays. The event runs December 19th through December 24th at all 4 county animal shelters, with adoption fees waived for cats and dogs of all ages and sizes. Plus, the first 50 dog adoptions over 40 pounds will receive a $50 gift card to purchase pet supplies.

“It's a wonderful time to give the gift of a warm home to a new family member,” said RCDAS Director Mary Martin. “The spirit of the season is all about making memories with loved ones, and our shelter pets want nothing more than to share their unconditional love with you.”

Each adoption helps move a pet out of the shelter and into a Home for the Holidays at a critical time as RivCo shelters continue to operate over-capacity. Every adoption includes spay/neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccinations. Dogs adopted during the event will go Home for the Holidays in a brand new collar and ID tag, sponsored by DocuPet.

“As the sponsor of Home for the Holidays, DocuPet is proud to support adopters who are stepping up for shelter pets,” said Jackie Rose, Chief Strategy Officer at DocuPet. “Helping families welcome a new pet while ensuring animals go home with proper identification is a meaningful way to support both pets and the community.”

The event will take place at all RCDAS shelter locations with the following hours for the Western Riverside, San Jacinto, and Coachella Valley locations:

• December 19: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• December 20–21: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• December 22: Closed
• December 23: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• December 24: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Blythe location hours are Monday–Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed daily from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.)

“Adoptions are one of the fastest ways the public can make a real impact for animals right now,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “When someone adopts during the holidays, they’re not just giving one pet a home. They’re creating capacity in a system that’s under real strain and helping the county care for more animals in need.”

“Our shelters are full, and the community has always been part of the solution,” said Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. “The holiday season is a moment when people are home, paying attention, and ready to help. Choosing to adopt right now is one of the most meaningful ways residents can step up.”

Available pets can be viewed at RCDAS.org or in-person at the following locations:

Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter (Jurupa Valley)          

6851 Van Buren Blvd., Jurupa Valley, CA 92509          

San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus (San Jacinto)          

581 S. Grand Ave., San Jacinto, CA 92582          

Coachella Valley Animal Campus (Thousand Palms)          

72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, CA 92276

Blythe Animal Shelter          

245 S. Carlton Ave., Blythe, CA 92225

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About RCDAS

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services shelters more than 35,000 animals annually across four locations, making it one of the largest sheltering systems in the country. RCDAS provides adoption, lost pet reunification, pet support services, and public safety programs, all aimed at keeping pets with families and increasing animal lifesaving.