Riverside County has committed to making all of its animal shelters no-kill, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors this week.
The resolution, co-authored by Supervisors V. Manuel Perez and Yxstian Gutierrez, pledges that the Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) will work to save at least 90 percent of the animals in its care. The vote marks a significant shift toward a more humane approach to animal welfare in one of the nation’s largest shelter systems.
“There is a lot of work to be done, and that requires resources,” Perez said during the Board of Supervisors’ Tuesday’s meeting.
County officials say the plan will include hiring 35 to 40 new staff members to boost adoption efforts, foster programs, and community pet support. The county is also exploring long-term strategies like expanding shelter space and increasing access to low-cost spay and neuter services, especially in the county’s unincorporated areas and the Coachella Valley.
The no-kill pledge comes after years of public criticism over high euthanasia rates, poor shelter conditions, and alleged financial mismanagement. County leaders say this new direction is a direct response to those concerns.
“Saving more cats and dogs and providing them with a real chance at life is a goal we all share,” Gutierrez said during the public meeting.
In the short term, the county continues to promote adoption through events like “Spring Bark,” a campaign with PetSmart Charities that waives adoption fees at all county shelters. The campaign aims to clear overcrowded kennels and connect pets with families.
Supervisors will consider increased funding for the Animal Services Department during upcoming budget discussions. Meanwhile, the county has formed a community ad-hoc committee to help guide the implementation of the no-kill plan and keep local governments and residents informed.
“This is a start in the right direction,” Peabody said.
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