Riverside County West Animal Shelter & Adoption 2026
The official facility behind this search is Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter, operated by the Riverside County Department of Animal Services at 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509.
Whether you are hoping to take a dog home, looking for a missing cat, reporting an injured animal, or trying to avoid driving to the wrong shelter, the details below are organized around the decision you actually need to make.
Checked September 19, 2026
Shelter hours, adoption fees, clinic pricing, current promotion, emergency routing, service-area information and public-health contacts were checked against current county sources.
Jurisdiction matters
A found dog in Jurupa Valley, a pet in Moreno Valley and an animal across the San Bernardino County line may belong to different agencies. Call before transporting a stray when the location is uncertain.
Independent resource
Animal-Shelter.org is not Riverside County Department of Animal Services, the Sheriff’s Office, RUHS Public Health or an emergency dispatcher.
What Do You Need From Western Riverside Animal Shelter?
Start with your actual task. The shelter lobby, Animal Control field team and vaccine clinic do not all operate on the same schedule.
Western Riverside Shelter Hours vs. Phone and Field-Service Hours
One of the easiest ways to waste a trip is to treat the shelter, phone center and field officers as if they keep the same hours. They do not.
| Service | Official timing | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter / Adoption |
Tue–Fri 11 a.m.–6 p.m. |
Adoptions, public shelter visits and applicable walk-in services. |
| Weekend Shelter |
Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m. |
Weekend adoption and public shelter visits. |
| Closed | Mondays & holidays | Do not plan ordinary lobby or adoption services on closure days. |
| Phone Service |
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Routine phone assistance through the centralized call center. |
| Animal Control Field Services |
Mon–Sat 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Field response in RCDAS jurisdictions. A standby officer is listed for off hours. |
| Vaccine / Shot Clinic | Appointment only | Vaccine and microchip services during normal shelter business hours. |
Riverside County West Adoption Fees & Process
RCDAS uses a fee structure tied to how long the animal has already been available. Special events can temporarily reduce those amounts, so check the live adoption page before assuming an older screenshot is still correct.
| Pet | Standard first 48 hours | After first 48 hours available |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | $105 | Free under the current standard RCDAS adoption rule. |
| Cat — 8 weeks to 4 months | $65 | Free under the current standard rule. |
| Cat — 5 months to 1 year | $45 | Free under the current standard rule. |
| Cat — over 1 year | $25 | Free under the current standard rule. |
| Other species | Case-by-case | Ask staff about the specific animal. |
What should you bring?
- Valid photo identification such as a driver’s license or state/country ID.
- A leash if you may adopt a dog.
- A secure carrier if you may adopt a cat or another small animal.
- Immediate family members when practical; RCDAS recommends having the household meet the prospective pet.
- Landlord or housing approval if your lease, HOA or property rules limit pets.
DIBS Pre-Adoption: When a Pet Is Still on Stray Hold
Seeing a dog you love but learning that it cannot leave yet can be frustrating. Riverside County has a pre-adoption process called DIBS for eligible animals completing a mandatory stray-hold period.
Stray hold first
RCDAS says mandatory stray-hold periods may run approximately 3–10 days depending on the animal and circumstances.
Paperwork can start early
An eligible animal may be pre-adopted while the lawful owner still has the required reclaim opportunity.
Go home when legally available
If the original owner does not reclaim the animal, the pre-adopter can take the pet home on its first available day.
Emergency & Important Contacts — Jurupa Valley / Western Riverside
Each number below has a different purpose. A Sheriff’s non-emergency line is not an Animal Control line, and the normal shelter number should not be described as 911.
| Contact | Number | Verified use |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside County Animal Services | 951-358-7387 | Shelter and Animal Control routing. During evening/weekend closed hours, the call is routed to an emergency answering service for qualifying animal emergencies. |
| Toll-Free Animal Services | 1-888-636-7387 | Official Riverside County Animal Services toll-free PETS number. |
| Immediate Human Emergency | 911 | Police, fire, medical or other incident requiring immediate emergency response. |
| Riverside County Sheriff — West-End Non-Emergency Dispatch | 951-776-1099 | Sheriff’s non-emergency dispatch for the western Riverside County area. Do not use it as a routine Animal Control substitute. |
| Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station | 951-955-2600 | Jurupa Valley Station general contact; the station provides contract police service to Jurupa Valley, Eastvale and nearby western county areas. |
| Animal Bite Report — County Animal Control | 951-358-7327 or 951-358-7387 | RUHS reporting guidance says animal-bite reports may be filed with the local Animal Control agency and lists these Riverside County contacts for assistance. |
| RUHS Public Health — Disease Control | 951-358-5107 | Riverside County public-health contact for rabies exposure, disease-control questions and local resources. |
Western Riverside Animal Control & Service Area
The Western Riverside shelter is not automatically the correct destination for every animal found anywhere in Riverside County. Location determines jurisdiction.
Eastvale
Riverside County lists Eastvale Animal Control service through 951-358-7387, with stray and impounded animals routed to the Western Riverside shelter.
Jurupa Valley
Jurupa Valley is part of the Western Riverside shelter’s listed county Animal Control route.
City of Riverside
RCDAS directs City of Riverside Animal Control calls to 951-358-7387 and houses relevant stray/impounded animals at the Western Riverside shelter.
Lost or Found Pet Near Jurupa Valley, Eastvale or Riverside
A missing pet can make every hour feel urgent. Do not rely on one social-media post or one shelter check. Animals can appear in the system later or cross a city boundary.
If your pet is missing
- Check Western Riverside found-pet listings frequently.
- Search close to home, including garages, yards, bushes and quiet hiding places.
- Alert the microchip company and confirm that your phone number is current.
- Prepare clear recent photos, license information and veterinary records.
- Check nearby shelters too if your pet could have crossed jurisdiction lines.
If you found a pet
- Safely check tags and arrange a microchip scan when possible.
- Try reasonable local owner-reunification steps if the animal is friendly and safe to hold.
- If you cannot safely hold the animal, contact the appropriate Animal Control agency.
- During shelter business hours, RCDAS says a found animal can be brought to the shelter when other reunification attempts have not worked.
- After hours, call 951-358-7387 when the animal is sick, injured or posing a public-safety threat.
Owner Surrender: Read This Before Joining the Waitlist
RCDAS is required to accept lost and stray animals but says owned pets are taken on a case-by-case basis depending on capacity and urgency. The department reports operating at or above capacity frequently, so a surrender is not always an immediate walk-in solution.
Try safe self-rehoming first
RCDAS directs owners toward rehoming resources before surrender when the animal can safely remain with the owner temporarily.
Check current shelter capacity
When capacity is above 100%, RCDAS asks owners who can safely wait to delay relinquishment.
Be ready for an evaluation
Acceptance can depend on medical and behavioral evaluation, shelter capacity and the circumstances of the case. An exact current surrender fee was not clearly verified here, so no fee is quoted.
Riverside Clinic: Vaccines & Microchips at 6851 Van Buren Blvd
The Western Riverside campus also hosts the Riverside Clinic. Vaccination and microchip services are by appointment only.
Dog clinic prices
| Service | Current listed price |
|---|---|
| Rabies | $10 |
| DA2PP | $18 |
| Bordetella | $18 |
| Microchip | $21 |
Cat clinic prices
| Service | Current listed price |
|---|---|
| Rabies | $10 |
| FVRCP | $18 |
| FeLV | $18 |
| Microchip | $21 |
Veterinary Leadership at Riverside County Animal Services
Itzel Vizcarra, DVM
Riverside County’s current Animal Services commission information identifies Itzel Vizcarra, DVM as the department’s Chief Veterinarian.
Leadership is not an appointment guarantee
The published leadership title does not mean Dr. Vizcarra personally handles every vaccine appointment, surgery or shelter-animal examination. RCDAS does not publish a public doctor-by-doctor clinic appointment schedule on the pages checked for this guide.
Public Spay / Neuter Appointments: Current Limitation
Do not rely on an older Riverside County surgery-price page and assume you can book a fixed-site surgery today.
How mobile appointments are released
RCDAS says mobile appointments are booked through a QR code on the event flyer distributed by the participating County Supervisor district or contract city.
No routine phone/email booking
The current county page says mobile spay/neuter appointments are not made by ordinary phone or email and that dates can change with staffing availability.
A More Local Look: Foster & Dog Day Out
Adoption is not the only way to help a Western Riverside shelter pet. Riverside County also runs programs that let residents spend meaningful time with animals before a permanent adoption decision.
Dog Day Out — Western Riverside
The official program lists Riverside pickup from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and return from 4–5:30 p.m.. Participants receive basic outing supplies and complete a report card that can help staff and adopters learn more about the dog outside the kennel.
Foster before adoption
Foster homes give animals a break from the shelter while helping staff learn how they behave in a home. RCDAS also notes that someone fostering a puppy or kitten litter may receive priority adoption and a waived fee for the first pet they adopt from that litter.
Dog Licensing: Jurupa Valley & Riverside County Basics
Riverside County partners with DocuPet for licensing. All dogs in the county are required to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies beginning at four months of age.
Current rabies proof
A current valid rabies vaccination is required for the license.
Microchip information
RCDAS lists a microchip and microchip number among licensing requirements.
Altered discount
Proof of spay/neuter is required when claiming the lower altered-dog fee.
Before You Drive to the Western Riverside Shelter
Adoption visit
- Recheck the animal listing the same day.
- Bring valid photo ID.
- Bring a leash for a dog or secure carrier for a cat/small pet.
- Confirm landlord or HOA rules before adopting.
- Plan time for paperwork, questions and a pet meeting rather than arriving at closing.
Lost / reclaim / field-service visit
- Save the animal ID or screenshot if you located your pet online.
- Bring photo ID and proof of ownership when reclaiming.
- Have microchip, license and veterinary records available.
- For Animal Control, know the exact city and cross streets.
- Call before transporting a stray when jurisdiction is unclear.
Map: Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter
Official address: 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509. Use the map for directions only; live pet availability, holiday closures and appointment slots should be checked with RCDAS.
Official Riverside County Resources
Use these official sources for final same-day verification, live pets, changing promotions and appointment availability.
Riverside County West Animal Shelter FAQs
What is the official name of Riverside County West Animal Shelter?
The official facility name is Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter, operated by Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
Where is the Western Riverside animal shelter?
It is located at 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509.
What is the Western Riverside shelter phone number?
The official Riverside County Animal Services number is 951-358-7387 (PETS). The toll-free number is 1-888-636-7387.
What are Western Riverside shelter adoption hours?
The shelter is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Mondays and holidays.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
The standard RCDAS adoption page lists dogs at $105 during their first 48 hours available for adoption, then says adoptions are free after the first two days. Special events may temporarily reduce fees.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat?
During the standard first-48-hour period, RCDAS currently lists cats at $65 for 8 weeks–4 months, $45 for 5 months–1 year, and $25 for cats over one year. After two days available, the standard adoption page says adoptions are free.
What is included with a Riverside County adoption?
RCDAS says adopted pets are spayed or neutered, receive age-appropriate vaccinations and a microchip. Its current adoption page also lists preventative treatments and an engraved ID tag.
What is DIBS pre-adoption?
DIBS allows an eligible animal completing its mandatory stray hold to be pre-adopted. If the lawful owner does not reclaim the pet during the hold, the pre-adopter can take the animal home when it becomes available.
Can I walk in for vaccines at the Riverside Clinic?
No. RCDAS currently lists vaccine and microchip services at the Riverside Clinic as appointment-only.
Who is the Riverside County Animal Services Chief Veterinarian?
Current Riverside County Animal Services commission information identifies Itzel Vizcarra, DVM as Chief Veterinarian. That title does not mean she personally handles every public clinic appointment.
Does the Western Riverside shelter currently offer public spay/neuter appointments?
RCDAS currently says its shelter clinics are not offering public spay/neuter appointments. Limited services are instead offered through mobile events when available.
What number should I call for an after-hours animal emergency?
Call Riverside County Animal Services at 951-358-7387. During closed hours, RCDAS uses an emergency answering service for qualifying urgent calls such as injured or aggressive animals, immediate cruelty, or animal-related public-safety hazards.
What is the Sheriff’s non-emergency number for the Jurupa Valley area?
Riverside County Sheriff lists the West-End non-emergency dispatch number as 951-776-1099. Call 911 for an immediate police, fire or medical emergency.
Who handles rabies or animal-bite questions in Riverside County?
Riverside County Animal Control can assist with animal-bite reporting through 951-358-7327 or 951-358-7387. RUHS Public Health Disease Control lists 951-358-5107 for rabies and communicable-disease questions.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Riverside County shelter website?
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. The official shelter and Animal Services information is published by Riverside County Department of Animal Services at RCDAS.org.
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.