'Barkchella' Event Happening At RivCo Animal Shelters

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — In a co-celebration of the "Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival," the Riverside County Department of Animal Services this weekend will host "Barkchella," offering sheltered dogs and cats at low- or no-cost.

"So many people have a heart for animals and want to see them loved and protected," agency Director Erin Gettis said. "'Barkchella' is a great way for the community to help our shelter pets find a new reality in a new home."

Microchipping, vaccination, spay and neuter fees will be waived Saturday at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, as well as the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter, 6851 Van Buren Blvd., Jurupa Valley, and the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, 581 S. Grand Ave., San Jacinto.

The shelters' hours of operation are generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Barkchella" is slated to continue on Saturday, April 20, for the second and final weekend of the music fest.

"We are always grateful to everyone for coming together in this way to support Riverside County shelter pets, and we look forward to seeing everyone at our shelters for the `Barkchella' pet adoptions to help save lives," Gettis said.

Officials noted that, although most adoption fees are waived, for county residents, the purchase of dog licenses are still required. The fees vary, depending on where an adopter resides within the county, ranging from $12 to $25 for altered pets.

Additional information is available at rcdas.org/.