Riverside County Animal Services Reports Major Lifesaving Gains

Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) shared encouraging progress in animal care and shelter operations during the Coachella Valley Animal Campus (CVAC) Commission meeting yesterday. Key updates include significant reductions in euthanasia, increased live outcomes, a growing network of national and local partners, and a plan to extend weekday shelter hours to 7 p.m.

Recently, Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, alongside his colleagues, passed a “no-kill” resolution for animals entering the County’s shelters, calling the initiative “RivCo Rise.” 

“This resolution is a call-to-action to rise to the occasion and be part of the solution to saving more pets,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “We need to focus on listening, learning and leading with compassion. We need to be willing to collaborate daily to achieve our shared vision of a no-kill community.” 

Equally important, the Board of Supervisors agree that resources and staffing must increase to meet the 90% live release rate to becoming a no-kill County. 

“Best Friends Animal Society commends the Riverside Board of Supervisors and the Riverside County Department of Animal Services commitment to increasing pet lifesaving and working to achieve no-kill,” said Michelle Dosson, Pacific Regional Director, Best Friends Animal Society. “On the heels of the recent no-kill proclamation, we’re excited to work with Animal Services Director Mary Martin to reach our common goal of saving every healthy and treatable animal in Riverside shelters.”

Lifesaving Milestones

Between January and May 2025, RCDAS reported a major shift in outcomes for shelter pets compared to the same time last year: 

• The countywide live release rate rose to 79.7%, with dog outcomes at 81.9% and cat outcomes at 73.4%.
• Euthanasia for dogs decreased by 42% (874 fewer dogs), and cat euthanasia fell by 32% (264 fewer cats).
• Cat adoptions increased 18%, resulting in 160 more cats finding homes.

“Behind the numbers are faces with unique stories, who deserve our best efforts and a united front laser-focused on finding them homes,” said RCDAS Director Mary Martin. “I believe that with enhanced programming, adequate staffing, and partnering with anyone who will help, we can save many more lives.” 

New Programs and Community Engagement

The department is currently in the process of implementing new programs, including a Dog Day Out foster field trip program and Ticket to Ride foster program for pets leaving RivCo shelters to other destinations.  

RCDAS continues to build a network of transfer and transport partners to receive adoptable pets. Since January, 150 animals have been transported out-of-state to partners in Michigan, Texas, New York, and Utah. In-state rescue partnerships now span 10 cities across California.
The department has also added new rescue partners in 20 U.S. cities, expanding lifesaving pathways for pets in need.

Looking Ahead

To continue reducing barriers to lifesaving, Martin announced her plan to extend shelter operating hours Tuesday-Friday to 7p.m. within the next three months. 

“Making sure Riverside shelters are open to the public when they are able to meet our pets is a welcome change,” said Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. “With a commitment to community-focused solutions, we are charting a new course together and making improvements day-by-day.” 

These improvements are vital to addressing the department’s critical dog overcapacity, where creating space in kennels is a daily priority. Fee-waived adoptions are ongoing until capacity reaches safe and humane levels. Additionally on Saturday, June 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., all open shelters are participating in the second annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day along with over 150 shelters in the state. All fee-waived adoptions include spay/neuter services, microchips and age-appropriate vaccinations. 

For more information, visit www.rcdas.org. 

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About 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.