Riverside County Animal Shelters Now Open on Sundays

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) will now be open on Sundays to give residents more opportunities to bring home a new pet family member.

With over 1,000 dogs and 100 cats across the shelter system, adopters and fosters are needed to help create more kennel space for the animals coming in daily.

"In the process of improving animal services, we listened and are following the example of other animal shelters with more convenient hours to come by and potentially adopt," said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. "I am grateful for the Ad-Hoc Committee and Riverside County Department of Animal Services for making this change that we hope will help more shelter pets find forever homes."

To kick off the new Sunday operating hours, there will be free adoptions on Sunday, April 27th. Fee-waived adoptions include vaccinations, microchips and spay and neuter services for adopted pets.

"Opening Sundays is going to be a game changer for our shelter pets and the people who care about them," said RCDAS Director Mary Martin. "We are excited to offer more opportunities for community members to fall in love with our many marvelous animals who deserve a fresh start."

Potential adopters can visit any of the four shelter locations during open hours to meet adoptable dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. Open hours for the Coachella Valley, San Jacinto and Western Riverside shelters are as follows:

• Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Closed Mondays

Blythe Animal Shelter is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, who serves with Supervisor Perez on the Ad-Hoc Committee, states, "Opening Sundays is a win for people and for pets, and I'm committed to helping RivCo animals thrive. I'm looking forward to more progress and continuing to implement lifesaving solutions."

RCDAS also offers short-term foster opportunities for anyone who would like to help give a pet a break from staying in the shelter while they wait to find a permanent home. For those who would like to help but cannot adopt a pet-full-time, they can sign up to foster at www.rcdas.org. The pets most in need of foster care are larger dogs, those with medical needs, and those with behavioral challenges.

To view adoptable pets, visit www.rcdas.org/adoptable-pets and for more information, email shelterinfo@rivco.org.