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Shelter Operations During COVID-19 Appointment System Continues to Save Lives

July 16, 2020

Animal Services is reverting to an appointment-only system as Riverside County continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

As many know, Riverside County Animal Services continued adoptions and pet reunions during the local and state stay-at-home health orders with an appointment process. The shelters reopened a couple weeks ago, but considering a spike in coronavirus cases locally and regionally, the appointment-only process is back in effect.

“We believed it to be a great system and we’re going to continue that plan as we stay vigilant in protecting our employees and the public,” Animal Services Director Julie Bank said.

With that in mind, Bank said it’s important that the public knows what activities are being performed at the shelter and what Animal Services is offering online. Walk-ups have been discouraged during the pandemic period. Here are the key activities and how Animal Services is assisting the public – and asking the public for help:

  • Animal control officers remain in the field serving the public. In the event of an emergency, call 911. If it’s a routine situation, please call 951-358-7387.

  • ADOPTIONS: Would-be adopters should first view pets online, then call 951-358-7387 to schedule an adoption appointment. Adopters should keep handy the animal ID number. Prior to adopting, a staff member will provide the patron a virtual meet-and-greet with the pet or, in some cases, an in-person appointment. Face coverings are required during the pet-adoption handoff.

  • LICENSING: All licensing is being processed with the online form. Here is a link for the web-licensing form:Dog Licensing

  • Those without internet access can also call 951-358-7387 for assistance with their dog license.

  • SURRENDERING ONE’S OWN PET: Call 951-358-7387 to schedule an owner-surrender appointment.

  • IS YOUR PET MISSING? Go here to check if it is in a county shelter. Call 951-358-7387 to schedule a reunion appointment.

  • FOUND A LOST PET? Animal Services is asking Good Samaritans to do all they can to limit pets into the shelters during the coronavirus period. Please use social media platforms (i.e. Facebook, Nextdoor, Instagram) to help locate the rightful owner. Striking out? Call 951-358-7387 to schedule a found-pet appointment.

  • IS YOUR PET NEARING ITS FINAL DAYS? Animal Services can still assist with humane euthanasia. “End-of-life” services are also handled by appointment. Call 951-358-7387.

 
“We know these have been very stressful times for all families, not just our pet-loving families,” Bank said. “We appreciate how our adopters and visitors have adjusted with our new operations.”