Riverside County Waives Fees and Offers Free Microchipping to Reunite Lost Pets

Riverside County Animal Services is taking new steps to reunite more lost pets with their owners by waiving reclaim fees for lost dogs and cats. In addition to fee waivers, the county will also provide free microchipping and engraved ID tags for pets reclaimed at any shelter location.

The initiative comes amid troubling statistics: of the 25,000 pets taken in by county shelters last year, only 12% were successfully reunited with their families. Officials hope this new approach will help increase that number while relieving pressure on overcrowded shelters.

In a further effort to manage the overwhelming number of animals in their care, Riverside County is also offering free pet adoptions now through May 15. Animal Services is encouraging residents to either reclaim or adopt animals to help ease the burden on local shelters.

This new policy is in effect at all Riverside County Animal Services shelter locations. Residents are urged to act quickly if their pet is missing or if they’re considering adoption.

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