Empty The Shelters: Bring A New Best Friend Home With No Adoption Fees At These RivCo Shelters

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — It's Empty the Shelters time once again, with the BISSELL Pet Foundation sponsoring reduced adoption fees. From now until May 17, the Riverside County Department of Animal Services is participating in this nationwide event, joining more than 335 shelters across 39 states to help pets find loving homes.

This weekend, in Riverside County, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, find adoption fees waived at the following Animal Services locations:

• Coachella Valley Animal Campus: 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, CA 92276
• San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus: 581 S. Grand Ave., San Jacinto, CA 92582
• Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter: 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509

During the event, BISSELL Pet Foundation will sponsor fee-waived adoptions at all RCDAS shelters for cats and dogs, making it more affordable to welcome a new pet into the family, according to a recent news release.

All pets are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Some have been at the shelter for over a year, according to a pet database search.

RCDAS Deputy Director of Programs and Operations Jaclyn Schart spoke on the benefits of this adoption program.

“We saw progress last year with more adoptions, and we want that trend to continue,” Schart said. “We are entering the busy summer season with critically overcapacity for dogs, and we need action from the community to make space in kennels, particularly with large, adult dogs who often wait for months to exit the shelter.”

Cathy Bissell, the founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation, also spoke on the event.

“Ten years ago, Empty the Shelters® began with a simple goal—to bring awareness to the incredible cats and dogs in shelters,” Bissell said. “Today, it has grown into a national effort that has helped nearly 400,000 pets find families. Those adoptions have opened space for other pets to enter shelters, provided relief for shelter teams, and created the heartwarming joy that only adoption can bring. This impact has all been possible thanks to the commitment of shelters, adopters, donors and supporters across the country. As we celebrate 10 years, we encourage everyone to consider adoption and help more pets find the homes they deserve. It’s never too late to make a difference.”

With over 1,000 pets available for adoption across the shelter system, there are many breeds, ages and sizes to choose from.

Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez also discussed the need for this program.

“We made a commitment to help more pets find homes, and our partnership with the BISSELL Pet Foundation is a great way for the community to benefit while helping our cause,” Perez said. “RivCo shelters are full of amazing dogs and cats ready to go home with you today.”

Fifth District Supervisor Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez weighed in on the need at the shelters.

“I encourage the community to take advantage of fee-waived adoptions and give a RivCo pet a chance,” Gutierrez said. “There are so many happy tails and smiling faces waiting to meet you today.”

To view adoptable pets, visit www.rcdas.org/adoptable-pets. 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.

Those who would like to help but cannot adopt a pet full-time can sign up to foster at www.rcdas.org.