RivCo Animal Shelter Continues Waiving Adoption Fees: What To Know

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Dog and cat adoptions at Riverside County animal shelters are offering fee waivers to encourage adoptions, as short-and long-term foster programs have expanded to remove impounded pets from cramped conditions for a taste of freedom, officials announced Wednesday.

"Pets deserve our best efforts, and we are moving to meet every opportunity to save more lives," Board of Supervisors Chairman Manuel Perez said.

The Department of Animal Services confirmed Wednesday that most fees will continue to be waived without a definitive end date, allowing prospective adopters to pick out a dog or cat without having to worry about paying the cost of vaccination, microchipping, spay/neuter and impoundment.

Only canine licensing fees, which for altered dogs is generally $25 or less, are required based on the adopter's residence.

The county initiated fee waiver campaigns in April.

Although the Department of Animal Services has partnered with Progressive Animal Welfare Society and other nonprofits to move nearly 500 impounded pets out of local shelters to rescue centers nationwide in the last month, overcrowded conditions persist.

Officials said that as of Tuesday, roughly 1,100 cats and dogs — mostly the latter — were caged.

"Shelter overcrowding means three to five dogs may share a space designed for only two," according to an agency statement.

Fostering programs in which residents can take a dog or cat home for set periods without the obligation of formal adoption have been adjusted and expanded. Among the newest offerings is "ticket to ride," where impounded dogs and cats only need a temporary home — two to four weeks — while the Department of Animal Services prepares to transfer them to rescue groups or permanent homes.

The Dog Day Out program allows volunteers to take a furry friend out for a morning or afternoon to walk or play.

"Studies show that just one day out of the shelter makes a dog five times more likely to be adopted," according to the department.

All fostered pets receive free veterinary services via the county.

Animals immediately at-risk of euthanasia can be viewed at rcdas.org/list-animals-need-rescue.

Addresses and hours of operation for the Blythe Animal Shelter, Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus and Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley can be found at www.rcdas.org.