Riverside County Animal Shelter Adoption & Pets Guide
Use this 2026 guide before you visit a Riverside County animal shelter, adopt a dog or cat, reclaim a lost pet, report a found animal, check vaccine and microchip options, or decide whether you should contact the county call center, a specific shelter campus, or another local rescue.
Riverside County Department of Animal Services operates a large county sheltering network. This page turns the official details into a practical visitor plan: which shelter serves which area, what to bring, how fees work, when adoptions become free, how DIBS pre-adoption works, and what to do if your pet is missing.
VALLEY
JACINTO
PALMS
Riverside County Animal Shelter Locations, Hours and Phone Numbers
Riverside County is large, so the best shelter depends on where the animal was found, which campus has the pet listing, whether you need adoption, reclaim, licensing, a clinic appointment or field-services help.
| Shelter | Address | Hours | Phone / Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter | 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509 | Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Mondays and holidays. | 951-358-7387 or 1-888-636-7387. Main western shelter for adoption, reclaim, stray turn-ins, licensing and more. |
| San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus | 581 S. Grand Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92582 | Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Mondays and holidays. | 951-358-PETS or 1-888-636-7387. Useful for San Jacinto Valley, Hemet-area and nearby eastern-county pet searches. |
| Coachella Valley Animal Campus | 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, CA 92276 | Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Mondays and holidays. | 760-343-3644 or 1-888-636-7387. Coachella Valley route for adoption, found pets, reclaim and services. |
| Blythe Animal Shelter | 245 S Carlton, Blythe, CA 92225 | Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed for lunch 12 p.m.-1 p.m.; closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. | 760-921-7857 or 1-888-636-7387. Eastern Riverside County shelter for Blythe-area pet needs. |
Which Riverside County Animal Shelter Should You Contact?
Do not pick only by the shelter nearest your house. Pick by jurisdiction, city served, where the pet was found, which 24Petconnect listing shows the animal, or where your appointment was booked.
Western Riverside
Use the Jurupa Valley shelter for many western-county and city-of-Riverside animal services, including Eastvale, Jurupa Valley and the City of Riverside routing listed by RCDAS.
Coachella Valley
Use Coachella Valley Animal Campus for communities such as Cathedral City, Indian Wells, Coachella, Indio, Palm Desert and La Quinta animal-control service routing.
Blythe area
Use Blythe Animal Shelter for Blythe-area sheltering and field-service needs. Remember its lunch closure and weekday-only public hours.
Official Riverside County Animal Services Links to Check First
Use this page for plain-English help, but use official RCDAS links for the final live answer on hours, pet availability, waitlists, appointments, fee promotions, events and emergency notices.
How Riverside County Animal Shelter Adoption Works
RCDAS is not just a small local rescue. It is a large county sheltering system with more than 1,000 available pets on many days. Your best chance is to choose a shelter, check the current pet listing, arrive prepared and move quickly when you see a good match.
Browse the correct shelter’s available pets
The official adoption page links to 24Petconnect listings for Western Riverside, Coachella Valley, San Jacinto Valley, Blythe and foster pets. Use the pet ID, shelter name and listing screenshot when asking questions.
Visit during open hours
RCDAS says you can visit any of its four locations during open hours to meet available pets. Most adoptions can be completed during the visit when the pet is ready and the match works.
Bring immediate family members
Bring the people who must live with the decision. Staff can help with pet introductions and match questions, but they cannot judge your home routine if key household members are absent.
Bring required basics
Bring valid photo ID. If adopting that day, bring a leash for dogs or a secure carrier for cats and small animals. Renters should confirm landlord or HOA pet rules before going.
Ask before you commit
Ask about medical notes, vaccines, spay/neuter status, behavior observations, stray-hold status, return policy, first-week care, resident-pet introductions and post-adoption support.
Plan for same-day pickup
RCDAS says many pets go home the same day. That means you should have food, transport, calm room, bedding, collar/harness, litter box, crate or baby gates ready before visiting.
Riverside County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and What They Include
RCDAS lists a fee structure for the first 48 hours a pet is available and says that after the first 48 hours have passed, all adoptions are free. Fee promotions can also happen, so always check the official adoption page and the shelter counter.
| Pet type | First 48 hours fee listed by RCDAS | After first 48 hours | Included with adoption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cats 8 weeks to 4 months | $65 | Free after the first 48 hours available for adoption. | Spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip and ID tag. |
| Cats 5 months to 1 year | $45 | Free after the first 48 hours available for adoption. | Spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip and ID tag. |
| Cats over 1 year | $25 | Free after the first 48 hours available for adoption. | Spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip and ID tag. |
| Dogs | $105 | Free after the first 48 hours available for adoption. | Spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip and engraved ID tag. |
| Other animals | Case-by-case | Ask in person or through official contact route. | Depends on species, medical status and shelter process. |
DIBS Pre-Adoption: How Stray-Hold Pets Work
RCDAS uses a DIBS pre-adoption process for animals completing their mandatory stray hold period. This matters when you see a pet online that is not yet fully available for adoption.
Stray hold first
Animals on mandatory stray hold may need 3 to 10 days before they can leave with a new adopter, depending on the situation.
Paperwork early
DIBS lets you complete paperwork early. If the original owner does not reclaim the pet, you take the pet home the first day it is available.
Owner can still reclaim
Pre-adoption is not a guarantee if the lawful owner reclaims the pet during the hold. Keep backup pet options in mind.
Lost and Found Pets in Riverside County
Lost-pet work is time-sensitive. Do not wait for one website to update. RCDAS tells owners to use Petco Love Lost, visit nearby shelters every couple of days and search close to home because many lost pets are found within a mile of where they live.
If you lost your pet
- Search and register your pet on Petco Love Lost.
- Search the RCDAS found-pet listings for each shelter campus.
- Walk the area where the pet disappeared and hang clear lost-pet signs.
- Visit nearby animal shelters every couple of days because intake can lag.
- Ask neighbors, family and friends to search within at least a one-mile radius.
- If licensed in Riverside County, alert DocuPet.
- If microchipped, alert the microchip company and update your contact details.
If you found a pet
- Search lost listings and register the found pet on Petco Love Lost.
- Bring the pet to a vet clinic or shelter for a free microchip scan.
- Post found-pet signs near the exact area where the pet was found.
- Post on local lost/found social pages with clear photos and cross streets.
- If safe and possible, hold the pet for at least 72 hours so the owner can locate it.
- If you cannot hold the pet, bring it to the proper shelter during business hours.
- If after hours and the pet is sick, injured or a public-safety threat, call 951-358-PETS.
Owner Reclaim: How to Prepare Before You Go
If you believe your pet is at a Riverside County animal shelter, act quickly and bring proof. Staff must verify ownership, animal ID and records before release.
Save the 24Petconnect link, animal ID, shelter campus and screenshot.
Bring valid photo identification and matching contact details where possible.
Photos, vet records, license, microchip record, adoption papers or medication history help.
Bring leash, collar, harness, crate or carrier before the pet leaves the shelter.
Riverside County Vaccines and Microchips
RCDAS lists vaccine and microchip appointments at shelters and mobile wellness events. Clinic services are appointment-only, and the legal owner must be present.
Clinic locations listed by RCDAS
- Riverside Clinic: 951-358-7387, 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509.
- Coachella Valley Animal Campus Clinic: 760-343-3644, 72-040 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, CA 92276.
- Services are by appointment only during normal shelter business hours.
Clinic requirements
- The legal owner of the pet being vaccinated must be present.
- The owner must be 18 or older to authorize services.
- Pets must be properly restrained on a leash or in a carrier.
- Bring prior vaccine proof if you have it.
| Service | Dog cost listed | Cat cost listed | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies | $10 | $10 | Rabies vaccination is important for licensing and public health. |
| Core vaccine | DA2PP $18 | FVRCP $18 | Young pets may need a series, not only one shot. |
| Additional vaccine | Bordetella $18 | FeLV $18 | Ask what is recommended for your pet’s age and lifestyle. |
| Microchip | $21 | $21 | Register the chip and keep phone/email current. |
Community Cats, Kittens and TNR in Riverside County
Not every outdoor cat is lost, abandoned or in need of removal. RCDAS explains that many Riverside County cats live as community cats in managed colonies.
Ear-tipped cat
A healthy cat with an ear tip is likely part of a managed community cat colony. Do not assume it needs to be captured or removed.
TNR trap rules
RCDAS says cats must be brought in a humane trap, one cat per trap, with contact information attached and the trap covered with a towel.
Limited capacity
TNR services are limited and vary by location. Jurupa Valley accepts a limited number Tuesday-Friday; Coachella has a Tuesday limit; San Jacinto is by email appointment.
Rehome or Surrender a Pet in Riverside County
RCDAS says it is mandated to accept lost and stray animals, but owned pets are accepted case by case based on capacity and urgency. The rehome page warns that shelters operate at or above capacity nearly every day.
Try self-rehoming first
Use Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet, Home-to-Home, friends, family and responsible social sharing before surrendering a healthy owned pet.
Prepare records
Have vaccine records, microchip, medications, bite history, behavior notes, diet, photos, spay/neuter proof and honest medical information.
Crisis support
If you are working with a case manager, social worker or support agency, RCDAS notes possible temporary boarding help through the proper contact route.
Foster, Volunteer and Donate to Riverside County Animal Services
If you cannot adopt today, fostering, volunteering and donating can still reduce overcrowding and improve outcomes for pets.
Foster help
RCDAS says foster placements can range from a few hours to several weeks. Common foster needs include orphaned puppies and kittens, senior pets, animals recovering from illness or injury, shy pets and animals needing a break from shelter stress.
Volunteer roles
High-impact volunteer roles include adoption matchmaking, dog walking and enrichment, cat socialization, pet photography, transport assistance and wellness-clinic support.
Donation items
RCDAS lists useful items such as towels, blankets, pet beds, exercise pens, leashes, toys, carriers, crates, unopened food, bleach, dish soap, sanitizer, bottles, KMR, syringes and disaster-response supplies.
Map to the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter
The map below points to the main western shelter in Jurupa Valley. If your pet listing or service need belongs to San Jacinto, Thousand Palms or Blythe, use the official shelters page before driving.
Check the official listing, shelter campus, hours, holiday notices, pet ID and whether you need a waitlist or appointment.
Have ID, screenshots, leash/carrier, proof of ownership or adoption questions ready.
Confirm vaccine record, microchip, ID tag, license, return policy and first-week care plan.
Watch: Razz Berry Meets Her New Family
This Riverside County Animal Services video is relevant because it shows how a shelter pet adoption can move quickly when interest is high. Use it as adoption context, then rely on current official RCDAS pages for today’s pets, fees, shelter hours and availability.
Video schema below uses the YouTube video ID, standard YouTube thumbnail URL and the date visible in the official video title.
Riverside County Animal Shelter Action Planner
Use this quick planner before you call, visit, adopt, reclaim, report a found pet, book a clinic appointment or ask about rehoming.
Select your situation and create a practical next-step list. This tool runs in your browser and does not send information anywhere.
Call and Message Scripts for Riverside County Animal Shelter
Because the phone system is centralized, clear messages matter. Use the shelter campus, pet ID and your service need in the first sentence.
Adoption script
Hi, I’m interested in pet ID [ID number] listed at [shelter campus]. Is this pet still available, and should I visit during open hours or complete any step first?
Lost pet script
Hi, I lost my [dog/cat] near [cross streets/city] on [date]. The pet is [description], microchip/license is [yes/no]. Which found-pet list and shelter should I check today?
Owner reclaim script
Hi, I believe pet ID [ID number] is my pet at [shelter campus]. What proof of ownership, waitlist step, fees or pickup timing should I prepare?
Rehome script
Hi, I need help rehoming my [dog/cat]. Is owned-pet intake available, are there capacity limits, and which self-rehoming or support steps should I try first?
Related Animal-Shelter.org Guides
Use these related guides when you need broader shelter search, no-kill verification or general animal-shelter planning.
Common Riverside County Shelter Mistakes to Avoid
Calling without the pet ID
Always save the animal ID, shelter campus and listing screenshot. Staff can search faster when you are specific.
Going to the wrong shelter
Riverside County has multiple campuses. A pet found in one service area may not be at the shelter nearest your home.
Waiting too long on a lost pet
Search official listings, Petco Love Lost, shelters and your neighborhood immediately. Repeat checks every couple of days.
Assuming free means no cost
Even if adoption is free after 48 hours, you still need supplies, licensing, food, vet follow-up and first-week transition planning.
Riverside County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is the main Riverside County Animal Shelter?
The main western shelter is the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter at 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509.
What is the phone number for Riverside County Animal Services?
The main phone number is 951-358-7387, and the toll-free number is 1-888-636-7387. RCDAS says shelter numbers go to a centralized call center.
How many Riverside County animal shelters are there?
RCDAS lists four shelters: Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, Coachella Valley Animal Campus and Blythe Animal Shelter.
What are Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter hours?
The official shelter page lists 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.
How do I adopt a pet from Riverside County Animal Services?
Browse available pets on the official adoption page, visit the correct shelter during open hours, bring valid photo ID, bring a leash or carrier if adopting, and complete the adoption process during the visit if the pet is ready.
Are Riverside County animal shelter adoptions free?
RCDAS lists first-48-hour adoption fees, then says after the first 48 hours a pet is available for adoption, all adoptions are free. Fee promotions can change, so verify before visiting.
What is included with a Riverside County animal shelter adoption?
RCDAS says every adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip and an engraved ID tag.
What should I do if I lost my pet in Riverside County?
Search and register on Petco Love Lost, check RCDAS found-pet listings, visit nearby shelters every couple of days, make lost-pet signs, search near where the pet disappeared and update the microchip or license record.
What should I do if I found a pet in Riverside County?
Search lost listings, register the found pet on Petco Love Lost, get a free microchip scan at a vet or shelter, post found-pet signs and social posts, and bring the pet to the proper shelter if you cannot safely hold it.
Can I surrender my pet to Riverside County Animal Services?
RCDAS says it is mandated to accept lost and stray animals, but owned pets are accepted case by case based on capacity and urgency. Try self-rehoming, friends and family, rescue groups and pet-support options first.
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.
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.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
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.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
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.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.