Submitted by Riverside County
BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, is bringing back its signature Empty the Shelters adoption event from July 5–26, 2026.
Riverside County Department of Animal Services is proud to participate in this nationwide effort, joining animal welfare organizations across the country to help more pets find loving homes. During the event, BISSELL Pet Foundation will sponsor reduced adoption fees of $70 or less for cats and dogs, making it more affordable to welcome a new pet into the family. All RCDAS adoptions are free and all adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations and a microchip.
Summer is one of the most challenging times of year for animal shelters, as kitten and puppy season brings an influx of litters while adoptions struggle to keep pace. At the same time, shelters often see increased owner surrenders and fewer available volunteer hours, creating significant capacity and resource challenges. Empty the Shelters helps provide critical relief by encouraging adoption and creating much-needed space for pets awaiting homes.
On Sunday, July 5, Shepherd mix Clara was one of the first Empty the Shelters adoptions for the day. She finally found her forever home after spending nearly 100 days at the shelter.
“We are giving more pets greater opportunities and more time to be seen, and there are many dogs like Clara who arrive at the shelter through no fault of their own waiting for their big day,” said RCDAS Director Mary Martin. “With so many amazing pets, I challenge anyone to walk into our shelters and not fall in love immediately.”
Fee-waived adoptions available from July 5-26 at the following times and RivCo Animal Services locations:
Saturday – Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday – Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Coachella Valley Animal Campus: 72-050 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276
- San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus: 581 S. Grand Ave. San Jacinto, CA 92582
- Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter: 6851 Van Buren Blvd Jurupa Valley, CA 92509
- *Blythe Animal Shelter: 245 S Carlton Ave, Blythe, CA 92276 (Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
“Every summer, shelters face the greatest pressure of pet overpopulation,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “We are deeply committed to addressing the root causes of overcrowding through spay and neuter — but until prevention can meet the scale of the crisis, our adoption events are a lifeline for shelters and the pets in their care. We hope you’ll open your heart and your home to a shelter pet this summer.”
With over 1,000 pets available for adoption across the shelter system, there are many breeds, ages and sizes to choose from. RCDAS shelters are currently operating at 238% overcapacity for dogs and 174% overcapacity for cats.
“We need the community’s help emptying the shelters. Fee-waived adoptions make it easy and more accessible for families to rescue a shelter pet,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “Saving more lives is our commitment, and we are going to need the community to step up as part of the solution.”
“The summer is a great time to bring more joy to your life by adopting a RivCo pet,” said Fifth District Supervisor Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez. “This is your chance to change a life and support a great cause.”
To view adoptable pets, visit the Riverside County Department of Animal Services website.
