SAN JACINTO, CA — As multiple fires burn in Riverside County this week, animal control officials are urging the public to help foster evacuated dogs, as county shelters are now housing dozens of displaced animals, officials said Wednesday.
The Rosa fire, burning near Ribbonwood, has forced evacuations of residents and their pets. The fire has burned more than 1,650 acres, according to CalFire.
Riverside County Department of Animal Services — which is contending with overcrowded shelters — has taken in at least 66 animals evacuated and impacted by the fires burning in the area.
“Our priority is making sure every displaced pet has a safe place to go,” said RCDAS Assistant Director Dr. Kimberly Youngberg. “But we can’t do this alone. If you can foster or adopt, please come directly to any of our shelters. We are relying on our community to help make space so we can keep responding to the growing needs of evacuated families.”
At the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, staff are caring for 12 dogs. Meanwhile, the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus is caring for 12 dogs, 14 horses, 7 goats and 5 turkeys, according to the county.
Another 9 pets are also under the supervision of staff at the Palm Desert Community Center, which is acting as a resource center for fire victims.
Since these shelters are operating “well over capacity,” the animal control department is urging the public to help by fostering shelter dogs to make space for more evacuees.
“This is one of those moments when a simple act like opening your home to a dog has a massive impact,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “It clears a kennel for a displaced family’s pet. It supports our first responders. And it’s a powerful reminder of what community looks like in a crisis. I’m grateful to every person who steps up.”
The shelter is also offering free cat and dog adoptions through the end of August at all shelter locations. The deal includes free spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations and an engraved ID tag. To encourage more adoptions, the shelters will stay open until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.
The news comes as Southern California endures a sweltering heat wave, with desert residents and firefighters battling poor air quality and triple-digit temperatures as wildfires burn across the county.
“We are grateful for our brave first responders who work around-the-clock to protect and help our communities,” said Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. “When you support a pet at the shelter, you are directly supporting the families impacted by circumstances outside of their control. Now is the time to show up for our fellow residents and RivCo pets.”
