Riverside County Participates in California Adopt-a-Pet Day on June 6
On Saturday, June 6, the Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) will offer fee-waived adoptions at its shelters. This event is part of the third annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day, coordinated by the California Animal Welfare Association, the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the ASPCA.
During this event, adoption fees will be waived for all adoptable animals at Riverside County shelters, including the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, and the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley. The adoption hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Who Can Adopt and Where
The event invites Inland Empire residents looking to add a pet to their family to visit any of the county shelters. More than 1,000 dogs, cats, and other animals are currently available for adoption at these locations. Most animals are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Shelter staff will assist visitors in finding pets that match their lifestyle and preferences. The variety of animals includes different breeds, ages, sizes, and energy levels, ensuring options for many types of households.
Background on California Adopt-a-Pet Day
This annual event began in 2024 and has seen growing success, placing thousands of animals in homes across California. In 2024, 3,609 pets were adopted statewide during the event, increasing to 4,979 in 2025. This year, organizers aim to surpass 5,000 adoptions.
The ASPCA provides grants that help cover adoption fees at participating shelters, including those in Riverside County. This effort addresses capacity pressures faced by animal shelters, which nationwide saw 5.8 million dogs and cats entering shelters last year.
How to Participate or Learn More
Residents interested in adopting can visit any of the Riverside County shelters on June 6 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Additional information about the adoption process is available at the Riverside County Department of Animal Services website (www.rcdas.org/adopt).
An interactive map on the California Adopt-a-Pet Day website (caadoptapetday.org) helps locate nearby participating shelters. Social media users can follow updates by searching the hashtag #CAAdoptAPetDay.
According to RCDAS Director Mary Martin, the event is an opportunity to find unique pets that bring joy and companionship. Fifth District Supervisor Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez encourages the community to visit, reminding residents there is "a pet for everyone" at the county shelters.
This fee-waived adoption day aims to increase the number of animals finding permanent homes and reduce shelter crowding in Riverside County and across California.
