The Riverside County Department of Animal Services rescued over 60 dogs from a house fire in unincorporated Riverside County near eastern Hemet yesterday. The Field Services team removed the dogs from the property and transported them to the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus where they are now available for adoption to the public.  

“This type of large-scale rescue requires all of our teams to jump into action, and now we need the public’s help to give these dogs a home,” said RCDAS Field Commander Lesley Huennekens. “We know other dogs will need a safe spot to land today and tomorrow, and we’re here to help both people and pets by serving as a safety net during an emergency or crisis.”  

With over 1,000 dogs across the shelter system there is an urgent need for public support to clear kennel space immediately through foster, adoption, and rescue. The department has been operating in sustained critical overcapacity for dogs, and the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus is now at 300% overcapacity. All adoption fees are waived at all shelter locations through March and include spay/neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations and an engraved ID tag.

More dogs continue entering the shelter system than are leaving through adoption, return-to-owner or rescue. In January of this year, 1,694 dogs entered the shelter system while 1,237 left through adoption, return-to-owner or transfer out.

There are no appointments required to adopt or foster, and the public is encouraged to show up at the shelters so staff can answer any questions and assist in person. Please share this urgent request and visit www.rcdas.org for more information.

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.

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Caption: The Riverside County Department of Animal Services rescued over 60 dogs from a house fire near eastern Hemet yesterday.