“Empty the Shelters” Event May 1-15 at all RivCo shelter locations

Riverside, CA – May 1, 2025 –BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending pet homelessness, is once again prompting a nationwide call for adoption through its Empty the Shelters event, running May 1-15, 2025. Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS), will participate alongside 380+ shelters across 43 states to help pets find loving homes through fee-waived adoptions, generously sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation.

With RivCo shelters experiencing overcapacity of large breed dogs, there is an urgent need for adopters to help reduce the number of dogs in kennels. More dogs are coming in than leaving, and there are over 1,000 dogs currently across the shelter system.

“We are out of space, and we need to get as many dogs as possible out of our shelters as soon as possible,” said RCDAS Deputy Director of Programs and Operations Jaclyn Schart. “We are urgently asking for the community’s help to step up and save lives.”

Adoptable pets will be available at the following times and RivCo Animal Services locations:

Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Coachella Valley: 72-050 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276
• San Jacinto: 581 S. Grand Ave. San Jacinto, CA 92582
• Jurupa Valley: 6851 Van Buren Blvd Jurupa Valley, CA 92509

Monday-Friday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

• Blythe: 245 S Carlton Blythe, CA 92225

Fee-waived adoptions include vaccinations, microchips, I.D. tag and spay and neuter services for all RivCo adopted pets. Staff is available on-site to help answer questions and match potential adopters with a pet who fits their lifestyle and needs.

"We are reducing barriers to lifesaving, and free adoptions plus new Sunday hours is a recipe for success,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “These dogs deserve a fresh start, and I know we can increase the number of dogs leaving the shelter to their forever homes.”

RCDAS also offers short-term foster opportunities for anyone who would like to help give a pet a break from staying in the shelter while they wait to find a permanent home. For those who would like to help but cannot adopt a pet-full-time, they can sign up to foster at www.rcdas.org.  The pets most in need of foster care are larger dogs, those with medical needs, and those with behavioral challenges.

To view adoptable pets, visit www.rcdas.org/adoptable-pets and for more information, email [email protected]

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