Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) partnered with Wings of Rescue on Wednesday to transport 22 dogs and 17 cats to Seattle Humane, part of an effort to ease overcrowding at local shelters.
The move comes as RCDAS operates at critical overcapacity for dogs, officials said. To help more pets find homes locally, the department has extended fee-waived adoptions through October 31, including spay/neuter surgery, microchips, vaccinations, and engraved ID tags.
“We can all play a part in helping RivCo pets find their way out of the shelter and into loving homes,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “If we can give 39 pets a new chance in Seattle, we can work together to give even more a new beginning here at home.”
The adoption drive is part of the BISSELL Pet Foundation Empty the Shelters initiative, which partners with over 815 animal welfare organizations across 49 states and Canada. The program, launched in 2016, has helped more than 360,000 pets find homes nationwide, making it the largest funded adoption event in the country, according to the foundation.
RCDAS Assistant Director Dr. Kimberly Youngberg emphasized the importance of both the transport flights and community involvement. “These lifesaving flights are important and help make space in overcrowded kennels, but we also need help from the community to find homes for the pets waiting behind,” she said. Volunteers and temporary fosters are also needed to support the shelter’s animals.
To make adoption more accessible, RCDAS has extended weekday hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering hundreds of dogs and cats in a variety of breeds, ages, and sizes for families to choose from. Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez added, “Behind every number is a story to be told and a journey to help continue — it takes one moment to make a lasting connection.”
Families interested in adopting or donating to Empty the Shelters can visit BISSELL Pet Foundation and RCDAS for more information.
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