Fifty-eight RivCo Dogs Leave Shelters on Back-to-Back Lifesaving Flights

At 200% Overcapacity, BARK-chella Fee-Waived Adoptions Start April 10
 

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Riverside, CA – April 7, 2026 –The Riverside County Department of Animal Services partnered with Wings of Rescue to send 58 dogs on two separate flights to Washington state and the East Coast last week on Thursday morning and Saturday, shortly after midnight. The flights included large and medium breeds to include dogs like Withers, who waited to leave the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter for over 130 days.   

“It’s amazing to see the power of partnership play out with Wings of Rescue helping us give so many dogs a second chance,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “Thank you to all the team that support these lifesaving flights and to all of the organizations opening their doors to RivCo pets.”

With over 1,000 dogs across the shelter system, RCDAS continues to operate in critical overcapacity for the number of dogs compared to kennel space. Flight transports create immediate space and give dogs like Withers an opportunity to be noticed by families looking to adopt in other communities.

“These two flights were back-to-back and our team answered the call,” said RCDAS Manager Daylin Valencia. “Both of these flights consisted of primarily large dog breeds, and they’re a vital avenue for hundreds of dogs to continue their journeys.”  

To keep the second chances going, all RivCo shelters will continue offering fee-waived adoptions during BARK-chella from April 10-19. All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchips, and a collar with an engraved ID tag.

“This is a great opportunity to add a loving companion to your family,” said Fifth District Supervisor Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez. “The BARK-chella lineup is full of amazing dogs and cats of all ages, sizes and breeds, and I’m looking forward to RivCo pets taking center stage.”

For more information visit www.rcdas.org.

To access images/b-roll, click here.  

Credit: Riverside County Department of Animal Services

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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