Riverside Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Fees, Pets & Contact 2026

by
2026 Riverside County adoption helper

Riverside Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Use this guide before visiting Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter for adoption hours, pets, fees, lost and found animals, owner redemption, licensing, stray turn-ins, vaccines, field services and the right Riverside County animal-control contact path.

Riverside Animal Shelter usually refers to Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, the Riverside County Department of Animal Services facility that serves Riverside, Jurupa Valley, Eastvale and other contracted areas. This 2026 guide brings the practical details together before you visit: the 6851 Van Buren Boulevard address, current shelter hours, adoption-fee rules, what is included with adoption, DIBS pre-adoption, what to bring, lost-pet steps, found-pet safety, walk-in vs appointment services, vaccine clinic rules and when to call field services instead of going to the shelter.

6851 Van Buren Blvd (951) 358-7387 Tue–Fri 11–6 Sat–Sun 10–4 Closed Monday
Official Shelter Page Official Adoption Info Lost & Found Help
1
Check open hoursClosed Mondays and holidays.
2
Search adoptable petsAvailability can change quickly.
3
Bring transport suppliesLeash for dogs, carrier for cats.
4
Use PETS phone line951-358-7387 for routing.
Important correction: “Riverside Animal Shelter” is not always the same thing as a private rescue or city-only shelter. For the City of Riverside and several nearby contracted areas, Riverside County Department of Animal Services points residents to the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter at 6851 Van Buren Blvd in Jurupa Valley.

Riverside Animal Shelter Quick Details

The main Riverside-area county shelter is Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter, operated by Riverside County Department of Animal Services. Use it for adoptions, many lost/found and owner-redemption needs, licensing, some walk-in services, vaccine/microchip appointments and county animal-service routing.

Official shelterWestern Riverside County/City Animal Shelter.
Address6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509.
Main phone(951) 358-7387, also shown as PETS.
Toll-free1-888-636-7387 for Riverside County animal services.

Who the Western Riverside Shelter Serves

Riverside County’s service-area page says RCDAS provides animal control for unincorporated Riverside County and contracted cities including Riverside, Jurupa Valley, Eastvale, Hemet, Perris, San Jacinto and others. It also explains that some cities have their own animal-control departments while using county sheltering routes for certain animals.

This matters because a loose dog, found cat, owner redemption, citation, license or field-service issue may depend on where the animal was found—not where you live. When unsure, call the official number and ask which agency handles your city or area.

City of Riverside RCDAS lists the City of Riverside under its contracted animal-control service areas.
Jurupa Valley / Eastvale These areas are tied to the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter route.
Nearby independent cities Some cities such as Corona, Moreno Valley or Norco may have separate animal-control contacts.

Riverside Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026

The official Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter page lists public shelter hours as Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Mondays and holidays.

Phone hours are different from shelter hours. The official page lists phone hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with after-hours emergency answering service through the same PETS number.

Service Official listed timing Practical visitor advice
Shelter / adoptions Tuesday–Friday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Best weekday window for meeting available animals and completing adoption paperwork.
Weekend shelter hours Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Arrive early because weekends can be crowded and pet availability can change fast.
Closed Mondays and holidays Do not plan adoption or walk-in services on closure days.
Phone hours Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Call for service routing, questions, current availability or after-hours emergency answering details.
Field services Monday–Saturday 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; stand-by officer off hours Use field services for animal-control issues, not adoption questions.
Vaccine / shot clinic By appointment only during normal shelter business hours Do not walk in for shots without checking appointment rules first.
Verify Official Shelter Hours Call (951) 358-7387

How Adoption Works at Riverside Animal Shelter

Riverside County says visitors can go to any shelter location during open hours to meet available pets. When you find the right match, you can complete the adoption during your visit, and most pets go home the same day they are adopted.

1

Search available pets first

Start with the official RCDAS adoption page and pet listings. Look for the animal ID, location, species, age, status and any foster or stray-hold note. A pet online is not guaranteed to still be available when you arrive.

2

Visit during open shelter hours

Use Tuesday–Friday 11–6 or Saturday–Sunday 10–4. Arrive with enough time to meet the pet, ask questions, complete paperwork and safely transport the animal home if approved.

3

Bring immediate family members

RCDAS recommends bringing immediate family members to meet the prospective pet. This helps staff talk through household fit, introductions and transition planning.

4

Prepare documents and supplies

Bring valid photo identification. If adopting that day, bring a leash for dogs or a carrier for cats and small animals. Renters should confirm landlord or HOA rules before adoption.

5

Ask about health, behavior and return support

Ask what is included, whether the pet is already altered, vaccination status, microchip details, behavior notes, home introductions and what to do if adjustment problems happen in the first 30 days.

Riverside Shelter Visit Planner

Use this quick helper before visiting. It does not search live animal inventory, but it helps you choose the right official route based on adoption, reclaim, stray turn-in, licensing, vaccines or animal control.

Build Your Riverside Shelter Plan

Choose your options and generate a practical next-step plan.

Riverside Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and What Is Included

Riverside County’s official adoption page says that during the first 48 hours a pet is available, cats are priced by age, dogs are listed at $105, and other animals are case-by-case. After the first 48 hours have passed, the official page says all adoptions are free.

Every adoption includes spay or neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping and preventative treatments. Dogs also leave with a free engraved ID tag. Treat fee information as live shelter guidance that can change, especially during crowding, promotions or special events.

Adoption category Official listed fee rule What it means before you visit
Cats, 8 weeks to 4 months $65 during first 48 hours Ask about vaccines, spay/neuter timing, carrier and first-week kitten setup.
Cats, 5 months to 1 year $45 during first 48 hours Confirm personality, litter habits, other-pet notes and microchip details.
Cats over 1 year $25 during first 48 hours Ask about adjustment, stress, medical notes and best home fit.
Dogs $105 during first 48 hours Ask about leash behavior, energy, size, vaccines, ID tag and introductions.
Other animals Case-by-case Ask in person about species-specific care, supplies and adoption requirements.
After first 48 hours All adoptions free Confirm the animal’s live status, adoption readiness and included services before arrival.
Fee reality check: “Free after 48 hours” does not mean pet ownership is free. Budget for food, supplies, license, veterinary follow-up, flea/tick prevention, training, grooming, emergency care and pet-safe housing.

DIBS Pre-Adoption for Stray-Hold Pets

Riverside County describes a pre-adoption process called DIBS. Animals completing a mandatory stray-hold period of 3–10 days may be available for pre-adoption. You complete paperwork early, and if the original owner does not reclaim the pet, the pre-adopter can take the pet home on the first day it becomes available.

When DIBS helps You found a pet online that is not adoptable yet but may become available after the stray hold.
What can change The original owner can reclaim the pet before the hold ends, so the adoption is not guaranteed.
Best move Ask shelter staff about the specific animal ID, hold date, DIBS process and pickup timing.

What to Bring Before Visiting Riverside Animal Shelter

A Riverside shelter visit goes smoother when you arrive ready. Prepare for same-day adoption, possible lines, proof questions and safe transport.

✓Valid photo ID such as driver’s license, state ID or country ID.
✓Animal ID, screenshot or pet listing link from the official RCDAS adoption page.
✓Immediate family members who should meet the pet before adoption.
✓Leash for dog adoption or secure carrier for cats and small animals.
✓Landlord, HOA or property rules if you rent or have pet restrictions.
✓Questions about vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, behavior, returns and post-adoption support.
✓Time buffer. Riverside County says most adoptions are completed within one hour, but busy days can take longer.
✓Budget for first-month supplies, licensing, food, preventives, training and vet follow-up.

Lost Pets, Found Pets and Owner Redemption

If you lost a pet, Riverside County’s lost-and-found page says to search and register at Petco Love Lost, check the lost/found pet map, search the area where the pet was lost and create lost-pet signs. Pets brought into RCDAS shelters by Good Samaritans are uploaded as found pets into Petco Love Lost.

If you found a pet, the county recommends searching lost listings, registering the found pet, having the pet scanned for a microchip for free at a vet clinic or shelter, and checking the area where the pet was found. Do not assume the animal was abandoned; many pets are very close to home.

If your pet is missing Search Petco Love Lost, RCDAS listings, nearby streets, shelters, vet clinics and microchip records repeatedly.
If you found a pet Scan for a chip, register found details, post signs and use the official shelter route if you cannot reunite safely.
If your pet may be impounded Prepare photos, vet records, microchip number, license details, valid ID and payment method before reclaim.
Official Lost & Found Page Petco Love Lost

Walk-In Services vs Appointment Services

The Western Riverside shelter page lists adoptions as a walk-in service. It also lists several walk-in services for residents of unincorporated Riverside County or contracted cities, but multiple services direct residents to add themselves to a waitlist. Do not assume every service works the same way as adoption.

Service type How the official page frames it Smart action before going
Adoptions Walk-in service during shelter open hours Check adoptable pets, bring ID and transport supplies, arrive with enough time.
Stray turn-ins Walk-in service with waitlist direction Check official waitlist and safety rules before transporting an animal.
Owner redemptions Walk-in service with waitlist direction Bring proof of ownership, ID, animal ID/listing screenshot and payment method if needed.
Licensing Walk-in service plus separate licensing hours Confirm city/contract area, license needs, rabies proof and waitlist rules.
Volunteer services Appointment service Use the official appointment/volunteer route instead of walking in randomly.
Vaccines / microchips By appointment only during normal business hours Legal owner must be present, owner must be 18+, pets must be restrained.

Riverside Animal Control and Field Services

Animal control is not just adoption. Riverside County’s field services cover animal-related response issues, and the service-area page explains that RCDAS handles animal control for unincorporated areas and contracted cities. Some neighboring cities have their own animal-control departments, so location matters.

Call RCDAS for contracted areas Use (951) 358-7387 if the issue is in a RCDAS service area or you need correct routing.
Use the city agency when separate Cities such as Corona, Moreno Valley, Norco and Palm Springs may have their own animal-control contacts.
Examples of field-service issues Stray animals, animal cruelty concerns, noisy animals, deceased animals, licensing/citations and ordinance questions.
Immediate danger If there is a serious bite, active attack, traffic hazard or danger to people, use the appropriate emergency route without delay.
Check RCDAS Service Areas RCDAS Contact Page

Vaccines, Microchips and Pet Services

RCDAS says vaccine and microchip appointments are offered at shelters and mobile wellness events. For clinic appointments, the legal owner must be present, the owner must be 18 or older to authorize services, and pets must be properly restrained on a leash or in a carrier.

The Western Riverside shelter page lists vaccine/shot clinic hours as by appointment only during normal shelter business hours. Do not bring an unrestrained pet or expect a walk-in vaccine visit without checking the appointment system.

DogsUse a proper leash and keep distance from other animals in line.
CatsUse a secure carrier; do not hold a loose cat in your arms.
Owner rulesLegal owner must be present and at least 18 for authorization.
Vaccine & Microchip Info Pet Services Page

Pet Relinquishment, Rehoming and Owner Support

Pet relinquishment is listed among walk-in services for eligible residents, but the official page directs several service types to add themselves to a waitlist. Before surrendering a pet, ask RCDAS about pet owner support, food or supplies help, behavior resources, rehoming tools, low-cost clinic options and temporary assistance.

Surrender should be the last responsible step, not the first. If your problem is cost, housing, food, behavior, vaccines or temporary crisis, ask about support options before making a final decision.

Cost problemAsk about pet food, supplies, vaccines, microchips or low-cost service options.
Behavior problemAsk about behavior assistance or resources before surrendering.
Housing problemAsk about rehome options and time to plan safely.
Pet Owner Support Behavior Assistance

Common Riverside Shelter Mistakes to Avoid

Going on MondayThe Western Riverside shelter is closed Mondays and holidays.
Using old fee assumptionsRCDAS now lists a first-48-hours fee structure and free adoption after 48 hours; verify before visiting.
Assuming phone hours equal shelter hoursPhone hours are Monday–Friday 8–5, while adoption hours include weekends.
Forgetting leash or carrierBring a leash for dogs and a carrier for cats or small animals.
Skipping service-area checksSome nearby cities have separate animal-control agencies.
Waiting too long on a listed petRCDAS says animals move quickly and specific pets cannot be guaranteed.
Ignoring waitlist rulesStray turn-ins, redemptions and some services may require waitlist steps.
Arriving without proof for reclaimBring photos, vet records, microchip info, license records and ID.

Map to Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter

Use this map for directions to 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509. Verify current shelter hours, service rules, holiday closures, pet availability and appointment requirements on the official Riverside County site before traveling.

Map is for directions only. It is not proof of live hours, pet availability, adoption status, waitlist status or clinic appointment availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main Riverside Animal Shelter?

The main county shelter commonly searched as Riverside Animal Shelter is Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter at 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509.

What is the phone number for Riverside Animal Shelter?

The official Western Riverside shelter phone number is (951) 358-7387, also shown as PETS. The toll-free number is 1-888-636-7387.

What are Riverside Animal Shelter adoption hours?

The official Western Riverside shelter page lists hours as Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Mondays and holidays.

Are Riverside County animal adoptions free?

RCDAS currently lists fees during the first 48 hours a pet is available, then says all adoptions are free after the first 48 hours. Verify the current fee rule before visiting because promotions and policies can change.

What is included with a Riverside County adoption?

RCDAS says adoption includes spay or neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping and preventative treatments. Dogs also leave with a free engraved ID tag.

What should I bring to adopt from Riverside Animal Shelter?

Bring valid photo identification. If adopting that day, bring a leash for dogs or a carrier for cats and small animals. Renters should confirm housing rules before adoption.

How long does the adoption process take?

Riverside County says most adoptions are completed within one hour, including meeting the pet, paperwork and a brief behavioral consultation. Busy days may take longer.

What is DIBS at Riverside County Animal Services?

DIBS is a pre-adoption process for animals completing a mandatory stray-hold period. If the original owner does not reclaim the pet, the pre-adopter can take the pet home on the first day it becomes available.

Where do City of Riverside animal-control calls go?

Riverside County lists the City of Riverside among contracted animal-control service areas. Call (951) 358-7387 if you need correct routing for animal-control or shelter services.

Are vaccine clinics walk-in at Western Riverside shelter?

The official Western Riverside shelter page lists vaccine and shot clinic hours as by appointment only during normal shelter business hours.

Final Takeaway

Riverside Animal Shelter usually means Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter at 6851 Van Buren Blvd in Jurupa Valley. Before visiting, check the official RCDAS adoption page, confirm shelter hours, save the animal ID, bring photo ID and transport supplies, and understand the current first-48-hours fee structure plus free-adoption-after-48-hours rule. For lost pets, found pets, field services, licensing, vaccines or owner redemption, use the official Riverside County pages because the right route depends on the animal’s location and service type.

Official Shelter Page Back to Top
USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper

Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

Build a USA-wide shelter action plan

Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.

Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

0% completed

Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

0% readiness signals checked

Pet reclaim document checklist

If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.

Owner surrender preparation helper

Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

Adoption and first-month budget planner

This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.

Your generated shelter plan

Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.

Start with the Planner tab

Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.

USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.