Riverside, CA – May 20, 2026 –Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) is urgently asking community members to adopt or foster a dog or cat, in response to the active fires threatening the county. 

The county’s Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter is currently monitoring the Bain Fire and plans to open for normal operations once first responders clear public access to Van Buren Blvd. The San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus is supporting evacuated animals from the Verona Fire and preparing for an influx of animals that may be displaced or evacuated from the community.

The department is currently nearing 240% capacity, and space is critically needed now. Every home secured today directly creates space for an animal in crisis.

"This is one of the most direct ways a community member can help right now," said Dr. Kimberly Youngberg, RCDAS Assistant Director. "Every person who walks through our doors today and takes home a pet is making room for another pet that may desperately need it before the day is over. This is the perfect time as many people have an extended weekend for the Memorial holiday, so providing a safe haven for a pet in need is a fulfilling way to help right now."

No appointment is needed. Anyone interested in fostering or adopting can walk in between 11AM-6PM today through Friday and 10AM-4PM Saturday and Sunday. 

San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus
6851 Van Buren Blvd., Jurupa Valley, CA 92509

Coachella Valley Animal Campus
72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, CA 92276

Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter (Do not attempt to drive to the shelter until first responders open Van Buren Blvd—follow RCDAS on social media for the official update.)
6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509

Fostering requires no prior experience and foster commitments can be as short as a few days.

Fostering is not the only way to help - adoption fees for cats and dogs are also waived at all locations. All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip and an engraved name tag. 

You can view available pets visit www.rcdas.org/adopt.

Riverside County Department of Animal Services: 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.