PetSmart's National Adoption Week: Adoptable Pets Heading To these RivCo Locations

TEMECULA, CA — Many local rescues and animal-related charities, including the Riverside County Department of Animal Services and PetSmart, are partnering up to help match loving families with pets.

In 2025, over 260 Riverside County pets were adopted from a PetSmart location thanks to important partnerships between animal rescues and the county's Animal Services department, according to a recent county news release. Adoption Week starts Monday, March 23, and continues through Sunday, March 29.

• Temecula's PetSmart, located at 32413 Highway 79, will participate in the event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Partners: My New Hope Foundation, ARE Animal Rescue inc.
• The Murrieta PetSmart, located at 25290 Madison Avenue, will be participating daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 pm.: Partner: Workin Whiskers.
• Lake Elsinore's PetSmart, located at 29227 Central Avenue, participates daily from noon to 4 p.m.: Partner: Act 2 Rescue and TLC or the IE.
• Hemet's PetSmart, located at 2153 W. Florida Avenue, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Partner: Riverside County Animal Services, Living Free Animal Sanctuary
• Banning's PetSmart, located at 300 S. Highland Springs Avenue, Suite 9, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Partner: Haven Pet Center.
• PetSmart in La Quinta, located at 79375 Highway 111, will be open daily from noon until 3 p.m., Partner: Pretty Good Cat.
• Palm Desert's PetSmart, located at 34900 Monterey Avenue, will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Partner: Coachella Valley Animal Campus
• Palm Springs's PetSmart, located at 5601 Ramon Road East, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the event: Partner: Kittyland.

The Riverside County Animal Services department is partnering with PetSmart Stores in Palm Desert, Hemet, and Pico Rivera.

"Millions of pets find themselves in U.S. shelters each year, adding strain to many local shelters coping with stretched resources," Animal Services spokesperson Victoria Perez said.

RCDAS is one of the nation’s largest sheltering systems, taking in over 34,000 pets per year. The county was recently awarded a $25,000 grant to support National Adoption Week by holding events at local PetSmart stores.

Funds from PetSmart Charities support RCDAS and the local community by preparing pets for adoption, providing supplies and helping with veterinary care.

Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez discussed the importance of the effort.

“This funding supports our efforts to increase adoptions, making lasting connections between people and pets,” Perez said. “With RivCo shelters experiencing ongoing overcrowding, enhancing our adoption program is vital, and we appreciate the support from our partners at PetSmart Charities.”

President of PetSmart Charities, Aimee Gilbreath, shared her thoughts on the adoption week event.

“Our animal welfare partners in local communities are determined to keep pace with the need, and deserve support,” Gilbreath said. “We’re proud to work alongside Riverside County Department of Animal Services and appreciate the critical steps they take to advocate for the animals that come through their doors in need of love, safety, care and nutrition. Please consider supporting their lifesaving work through volunteering, fostering, adopting, or by donating.”

PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week is a special time during the year. Neighborhood PetSmart stores will host adoptable pets to meet and cuddle in spacious areas, and staff and volunteers are ready to make introductions and answer questions. Potential pet parents can also learn about the products and services they’ll need for the best possible start with their new family members.

“We’re expanding our adoption footprint to include the Pico Rivera location this year, and I’m looking forward to many more pets going home thanks to the support from PetSmart Charities,” said RCDAS Manager Daylin Valencia. “We will continue to expand and steward adoptions in the community while making the process easy, accessible and enjoyable.”

All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip and an engraved ID tag.

“Our commitment to lifesaving extends into the community, and adopting a RivCo pet is a life-changing experience,” said Fifth District Supervisor Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez.

For more information about RCDAS, visit www.rcdas.org.