Riverside County Animal Shelters Overwhelmed by Fire Evacuations, Urgently Need Foster and Adoption Help

Wildfires burning across Riverside County are filling local animal shelters to a breaking point, and officials say the community's help is needed right now.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services says its shelters are currently at 240% capacity, with the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus already taking in animals displaced by the Verona Fire and bracing for more. "Every person who walks through our doors today and takes home a pet is making room for another pet that may desperately need it before the day is over," said Assistant Director Dr. Kimberly Youngberg.

Anyone who can help is encouraged to walk in and foster or adopt, no appointment needed. Adoption fees for dogs and cats are completely waived, and all adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, a microchip and an engraved name tag. Fostering requires no prior experience, and a commitment can be as short as a few days.

Open shelters include the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus in Jurupa Valley and the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms. Both are open today through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Western Riverside County shelter remains closed while first responders manage access on Van Buren Boulevard, though officials say they will announce when it reopens through social media.

To view available pets, visit rcdas.org/adopt.