RivCo Flies 36 Dogs To East Coast To Find 'Home For The Holidays'

RIVERSIDE, CA — To give 36 dogs a fresh shot at finding a forever home, Riverside County has flown them to New York and Maine, animal authorities said.

The "lifesaving flight" took off just after midnight on Saturday morning amid rainy weather to carry a total of 109 dogs from other rescue and shelter organizations in the region, thanks to a partnership between Riverside County Department of Animal Services and Wings of Rescue.

“These flights demonstrate our dedication, teamwork and drive to saving more lives in our community and partnering with groups who share our goal is a win for all,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “We need to keep the momentum going, and we need the community to open their homes to homeless pets in Riverside County.”

As Animal Services continues to operate in "critical overcapacity for dogs," adoption fees are being waived at all shelter locations through November.

“Whether pets leave the shelter on a cross-country flight or in the back of their new family’s car, our goal is always the same: to help every animal we possibly can,” said RCDAS Manager Daylin Valencia. “Our teams show up every day with compassion and commitment, and we’re hopeful that our community will continue to show up for them too, through adopting, fostering, sharing, or simply spreading the word.”

In addition to fees being waived, the shelter system will cover spay/neuter surgery, microchips, vaccinations and an engraved tag.

The shelter is currently housing nearly 1,000 dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes.

“Giving a dog a home for the holidays is the ultimate gift,” said Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. “RivCo pets deserve our best efforts, and this is the season to give a shelter pet a chance.”