As Inland Empire animal shelters experience severe overcrowding, counties are offering incentives to encourage adoptions and expanding foster programs.
Fee waivers are continuing with no end date to encourage adoptions of dogs and cats at Riverside County animal shelters, where short- and long-term foster programs have expanded to remove impounded pets from cramped conditions for a little bit of freedom, officials said Wednesday.
“Pets deserve our best efforts, and we are moving to meet every opportunity to save more lives,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Manuel Perez said in a statement.
Most Department of Animal Services fees will continue to be waived without a specific end date, allowing prospective adopters to choose a pet without having to consider the cost of vaccination, microchipping, spay/neuter and impoundment.
Only dog licensing fees, which for altered canines are usually not more than $25, are required based on the location of an adopter’s residence.
The county started waiving fees waiver in April, and while the county has partnered with Progressive Animal Welfare Society and other nonprofits to move nearly 500 impounded pets out of local shelters to rescue centers nationwide since June, severe overcrowding persists.
As of Tuesday, roughly 1,100 cats and mostly dogs were caged, according to Animal Services.
“Shelter overcrowding means three to five dogs may share a space designed for only two,” the agency reported.
Fostering programs, which enable residents to take a dog or cat home for temporary periods without being obligated to formally adopt, have been adjusted and broadened. Among the newest programs is Ticket to Ride, through which shelter-dwelling dogs and cats only need a temporary home for two to four weeks while Animal Services arranges their transfer to rescue groups or permanent homes.
The Dog Day Out program enables volunteers to give a furry friend out a morning or afternoon out of shelter confines to walk, play and take a much-needed break from institutional life.
“Studies show that just one day out of the shelter makes a dog five times more likely to be adopted,” according to the department.
The county provides all foster pets with free veterinary services.
Photos of animals facing imminent euthanasia are available at rcdas.org/list-animals-need-rescue.
Addresses and operating hours for the Blythe Animal Shelter, Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus and Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley are on Animal Services’ website.
SB County’s Clear the Shelters
San Bernardino County’s 10th annual Clear the Shelters event that takes place through August at the Big Bear and Devore animal shelters offers free pet adoptions, with all animals spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.
The Animals aRe First Fund, or ARFF is sponsoring the pet adoption fees for dogs and cats adopted during the monthlong drive to free up shelter space.
Throughout August, NBC and Telemundo stations throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico will partner with local animal shelters and rescue organizations to find caring people with homes for animals who need them.
“Last year, this heartwarming campaign helped 185 animals within San Bernardino County animal shelters find their furever homes,” according to a county statement.
Officials urge the public to “give these precious pets a second chance at happiness and a loving home. Clear the Shelters is spreading love and joy, one adoption at a time.”
ClearTheShelters.com has more information on how to participate in the adoption event.
San Bernardino County Animal Care’s website animalcare.sbcounty.gov/pets or 800-472-5609 have information about pets available for adoption. To make donations or to inquire about assisting animals at the shelter, visit arffund.org.
