Riverside County Department of Animal Services has introduced a new way for dog lovers to find their future furry companions through its innovative “Dibs for Dogs” program. The initiative allows visitors to place a “dibs” hold on dogs still in their legally required stray hold period, ensuring that once the hold ends—if the original family does not reclaim the pet—the dog goes directly home with the adopter the very same day.
The program comes at a critical time. Riverside County shelters are operating well beyond capacity, with more dogs arriving daily than are leaving through adoption, lost-pet reunification, foster placements, or transfers. More than 1,000 dogs are currently in the county shelter system. By allowing adopters to secure pets in advance, the “Dibs for Dogs” program aims to reduce the time dogs spend in the shelter, improve the adoption experience, and free up valuable resources so staff can better care for the many animals awaiting homes.
The program is designed to be simple and adopter-friendly. To participate in the program, visit the county’s shelters and meet dogs currently on stray hold. Call “dibs” on a dog by working with staff to verify eligibility and complete the paperwork. Return on the available pick-up date to officially welcome the dog into your family.
“Dibs for Dogs” officially launches September 2 at all four Riverside County shelter locations. Animal Services hopes the program will not only ease crowding but also encourage more families to step forward and adopt, giving deserving dogs a faster path to loving homes.
