Riverside, CA – March 23, 2026 – Thanks to a new grant from PetSmart Charities®, Riverside County Department of Animal Services will help more pets in Riverside County get healthy, adoption-ready, and into loving homes. The $25,000 grant will support National Adoption Week events at local PetSmart stores in Palm Desert, Hemet and Pico Rivera taking place March 23- 29, 2026.

Millions of pets find themselves in U.S. shelters each year, adding strain to many local shelters coping with stretched resources. RCDAS is one of the nation’s largest sheltering systems taking in over 34,000 pets per year. Funds from PetSmart Charities support RCDAS and the local community by preparing pets for adoption, providing supplies and helping with veterinary care. Last year, over 260 RivCo pets were adopted from a PetSmart location thanks to this important partnership.

“This funding supports our efforts to increase adoptions, making lasting connections between people and pets,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “With RivCo shelters experiencing ongoing overcrowding, enhancing our adoption program is vital, and we appreciate the support from our partners at PetSmart Charities.” 

“Our animal welfare partners in local communities are determined to keep pace with the need, and deserve support,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities.  “We’re proud to work alongside Riverside County Department of Animal Services and appreciate the critical steps they take to advocate for the animals that come through their doors in need of love, safety, care and nutrition. Please consider supporting their lifesaving work through volunteering, fostering, adopting, or by donating.”

PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week is a special time during the year. Neighborhood PetSmart stores will host adoptable pets to meet and cuddle in spacious areas, and staff and volunteers are ready to make introductions and answer questions. Potential pet parents can also learn about the products and services they’ll need for the best possible start with their new family members. 

“We’re expanding our adoption footprint to include the Pico Rivera location this year, and I’m looking forward to many more pets going home thanks to the support from PetSmart Charities,” said RCDAS Manager Daylin Valencia. “We will continue to expand and steward adoptions in the community while making the process easy, accessible and enjoyable.” 

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WHEN/WHERE:

Adoptable pets will be available at the following times and PetSmart locations:

• Palm Desert: Friday, March 27^th from 10am-2pm (34900 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92211) 

• Hemet: Friday, March 27^th from 10am-2pm (2153 W Florida Ave, Hemet, CA 92545) 

• Pico Rivera: Saturday, March 28^th from 10am-2pm (8852 Washington Blvd, Pico Rivera, CA 90660) 

All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip and an engraved ID tag. 

“Our commitment to lifesaving extends into the community and adopting a RivCo pet is a lifechanging experience,” said Fifth District Supervisor Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez. 

For more information about RCDAS, visit www.rcdas.org.

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About PetSmart Charities

PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities has helped more than 11 million pets find loving homes. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to local animal welfare organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. This critical support fuels adoption, access to veterinary care, pet hunger and disaster response programs that make a meaningful impact in local communities. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its mission, granting more than $600 million since 1994. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, PetSmart Charities has received a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator consecutively since 2003 — placing it among the top one percent of rated charities.

Follow PetSmart Charities on Instagram: @PetSmartCharities

Find PetSmart Charities on Facebook: Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities
See PetSmart Charities on YouTube: YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc