Riverside County Department of Animal Services Reports Major Progress in 2024
March 12, 2025
Riverside, CA – March 12, 2025 – The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting significant achievements in feline lifesaving, pet reunification, and community support programs.
As one of the nation’s highest-intake shelter systems, RCDAS took in over 31,000 dogs and cats, plus 4,000 small animals, livestock, and wildlife. In response, the department expanded spay/neuter programs, increased pet adoptions and reunifications, and transferred thousands of animals to rescue partners.
“Our dedicated staff members and volunteers provide care to the thousands of animals that come through our doors each year, as well as help struggling pet owners find solutions to keep their pets safely at home,” said Supervisor and Animal Services Ad Hoc Member Yxstian Gutierrez, Fifth District. “While we continue to face challenges in our area’s pet overpopulation crisis, we are all committed to finding long-term solutions. This annual report underscores the changes we’ve made to see progress towards our goals. Significant progress takes time, and we’re committed to getting there.”
Key 2024 Achievements
Record-Breaking Veterinary Services – 14,075 spay/neuter surgeries were performed, helping reduce unplanned litters. The addition of two new mobile wellness vehicles expanded veterinary care for owned pets, preventing unnecessary shelter intake.
5,000 Cat Challenge Success – Through an expanded foster network, streamlined adoptions, and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts, cat euthanasia decreased by 4,373—a major step in reducing feline overpopulation.
Facial Recognition for Lost Pets – Partnering with Petco Love Lost, RCDAS used facial recognition technology to match lost pets with owners, boosting reunifications by 12%.
Field Services & Public Safety – Animal Control Officers responded to roughly 40,000 calls for service—more than 100 calls per day—including large-scale rescues and cruelty cases.
“Riverside County has one of the highest per-capita animal intakes in the country, making community support essential,” said Dr. Kimberly Youngberg, Interim Director of RCDAS. “We need adopters, fosters, and volunteers to help us continue this lifesaving work in 2025.”
Get Involved
RCDAS is committed to expanding services, increasing live outcomes, and ensuring the best care for every animal. Community support is vital to this mission. To adopt, foster, or volunteer, visit www.rcdas.org.
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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