Happy Folks Find Fuzzy Friends At 'Clear The Shelters' In RivCo

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – Nearly 350 impounded dogs and cats are bound for new homes, thanks to an "amazing" turnout for Riverside County's third annual "Clear the Shelters" event, the head of the Department of Animal Services said Tuesday.

"The total adoptions figure is just humbling," Animal Services Director Robert Miller said. "Our communities came together in support for Riverside County's homeless pets."

The county's three largest shelters participated in the Saturday adoption drive, resulting in 263 canines and 82 felines being matched with new owners, according to Animal Services spokesman John Welsh.

He noted that a goat and a red-eared turtle also found homes.

The total number of adoptions fell just shy of the number taken home during the 2016 Clear the Shelters event -- 358.

"What an amazing turnout. We want to thank all of our adopters," Miller said.

More than 60 shelters throughout Southern California were involved in the drive, during which impounded animals were offered at steeply discounted rates. In Riverside County, a flat $4.52 fee was charged for dogs and cats.

According to Welsh, the typical cost to adopt a pooch -- including vaccination, spay/neuter and microchipping fees -- is $105.

Welsh said the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms saw 63 dogs and 17 cats adopted, while at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, 42 dogs and 33 cats found new homes. At the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, 158 dogs and 32 cats were adopted.

Clear the Shelters is part of a national adoption campaign supported by NBC/Universal Studios, according to organizers.

ALSO COMING UP NEARBY:

• 'Stagecoach Days' Parade, Rodeo & Battle of Bands: Banning

• Annual King Ludwig's Oktoberfest: Beaumont

• F.I.T. Fun Color Run - 5K Walk/Run & Kids Mini Run: Temecula

• Shakespeare in the Vines: Importance of Being Earnest - Temecula

• Comic Con Palm Springs

-- City News Service/Image via Riverside County Animal Services