Riverside County Nears No-Kill Goal: Dog and Cat Live Release Rates Reach New Highs

Riverside County is reporting significant progress in its ongoing mission to establish a "no-kill" animal shelter system across the region. According to the Department of Animal Services, the county saw a marked increase in successful outcomes for sheltered pets throughout 2025, moving closer to the national "life preservation" standard.

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Data released by the agency shows that the live release rate for dogs reached 82% last year, while the rate for cats climbed to 73%. Both figures represent a notable improvement over previous years, despite a heavy workload for county staff. In total, Riverside County took in more than 29,000 dogs and cats over the course of 2025.

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The agency attributes much of this success to a series of aggressive policy changes designed to get pets into homes faster. Officials eliminated most adoption fees and significantly expanded shelter accessibility, extending hours until 6:00 p.m. and adding Sundays to their regular operating schedule. These changes helped drive a 13% increase in total adoptions.

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In addition to finding new homes for pets, the county has focused heavily on population control to reduce shelter intake. Last year, the Department of Animal Services performed over 17,000 spay and neuter surgeries, a critical component of their long-term strategy to manage the stray animal population.

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While the current numbers show clear momentum, the county’s ultimate objective is to reach a 90% life preservation rate—the threshold generally used to define a "no-kill" system. With the implementation of more accessible hours and lower financial barriers for families, officials are optimistic that they can bridge the remaining gap in the coming year.

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