Riverside County Launches “Project Get Out” to Boost Dog Adoptions from Shelters

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services is launching a new initiative aimed at helping more dogs find homes and reducing the number of long-stay shelter animals.

The program, called Project Get Out, is designed to encourage rescue organizations to take in dogs that have been in county shelters for more than 21 days. Through partnerships with the Jason Heigl Foundation and the Two Pups Wellness Fund, participating rescues will receive $500 for each eligible dog they take into their care.

Officials say the goal is to increase live release rates and create more opportunities for shelter dogs to find safe, permanent homes.

The first dog transferred under the program is Buckaroo, a one-year-old Doberman who spent more than a month at the Western Riverside Animal Shelter before being moved to the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center.

County officials say the program is part of a broader effort to support rescue partners and improve outcomes for animals across the shelter system.