The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) is introducing a new way for dog lovers to pre-adopt their future best friend through the DIBS for Dogs program.

Starting this month, visitors to RCDAS shelters can place “DIBS” on dogs that are still on their legally required stray hold period, ensuring that when the hold ends, if their family hasn’t reclaimed them, the dog goes home with an adopter the very same day.

“We are focusing on solutions that help the community connect with pets, and this pre-adoption program is innovative and practical,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “As part of our commitment to increasing lifesaving this will ultimately help more dogs leave the shelter so they can start their next chapter with loving families.”

How DIBS Works 

1. Visit a Shelter – This program is currently in-person only.
2. Fall in Love – Spot a dog on stray hold you want to call DIBS on.
3. Call DIBS – Staff will verify eligibility, help you complete the process, and let you know when you can pick up your pet.
4. Pick Up Your Dog – Return on the available date and head home with your new family member.

Why DIBS Matters

RCDAS shelters are operating in a state of critical overcapacity as more dogs continue to enter the shelter than are leaving through adoption, lost pet reunification, foster or transfer. With more than 1,000 dogs across the shelter system, the goal of pre-adoption is to reduce the amount of time dogs spend in the shelter so others who need more time to be seen have it. The DIBS Program will:

• Reduce shelter crowding by moving dogs out faster
• Improve customer experience for adopters
• Free up resources for other animals in need

When & Where

The DIBS Program begins September 2, 2025, at all four RCDAS shelter locations. Visit www.rcdas.org for hours, addresses, and to view adoptable pets.

“The DIBS program is a great initiative, and I look forward to seeing more dogs leave the shelter at a faster rate,” said Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. “We call on the community to take advantage of this streamlined adoption process so we can move closer to achieving our shared goal of a 90% live release rate in Riverside County.”

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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.