Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS), along with Outcomes for Pets Consulting Group, have released January through September 2025 data for the county-wide animal sheltering system, showing meaningful progress in lifesaving while acknowledging continued pressure on capacity and resources.

Key Highlights from the Report:

• Cat lifesaving saw the most significant gain in 7 years and for dogs, the highest in 4 years (page 4)
• Live Release Rate rose to 81% for dogs (75.3% in 2024) and 72% for cats (62.2% in 2024)
• Euthanasia decreased by 1,316 fewer dogs and 630 fewer cats (page 7)
• Adoptions climbed 5 percentage points for dogs and 8 percentage points for cats, compared to 2024 (page 6)
• Transfers to partner shelters and rescues remained well above national averages, with 3,408 dogs and 951 cats transferred (page 6)
• Programs such as Dog Day Out, Ticket to Ride, increased adoption hours, and fee-waived adoptions improved visibility, reduced kennel stress, and increased live outcomes for shelter pets (pages 2, 3, and 9)

“These outcomes show what is possible when we stay focused on the right strategies,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “Every improvement represents real lives saved, and our teams and partners deserve credit for the work behind these numbers.”

Riverside County manages one of the nation’s highest-intake sheltering systems, and the findings illustrate both meaningful gains and areas that continue to demand sustained attention. 

“There is progress to celebrate, and we will continue strengthening support for the animals and families who rely on us,” said Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez.

The department credits operational improvements, expanded community engagement, and dedicated staff and volunteers for the positive trends, while acknowledging that long-term investment will be essential to maintain momentum.

“We are proud of the direction we are heading, and we are focused on building solutions that last,” said RCDAS Director Mary Martin. “The pressure on our system remains significant, and this progress depends on disciplined work across all four shelters.”

To view the report visit https://rcdas.org/rivcorise.

NOTE: This report includes cats and dogs only. The cat live release rate is expected to stay below 90% as cats and kittens live as both pets and free-roaming community cats in Riverside County, so RCDAS takes in only the most vulnerable cats and kittens that may be experiencing illness or injury. This typically results in a lower live release rate for cats overall.

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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.