Indio, CA – Riverside County’s annual fair begins today and homeless pets from county shelters will be available for immediate adoption.
A partnership between Riverside County Animal Services and the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival started in 2014.
At first, it was uncertain if taking adoptable pets to the county fair would be a good location. It turned out to be a great fit. The large crowds of families has proven to be a fantastic venue for adoptions. On average, more than 250 pets have been adopted each year during the 10-day run.
Riverside County Animal Services will have pets available for adoption starting on Friday (Feb. 16) at 10 a.m. All adoptions are just $40 and the adoption fee includes vaccinations, a microchip and all the dogs are already spayed or neutered – so they’re ready to go home right away.
The adoption team members stay at the fair until all of that day’s pets are adopted, or by about 3 p.m. – whichever happens first. Only dogs are available for adoption because it is too stressful to bring cats to such outreach events.
The adoption process is similar to how it works at the county’s shelters. Identification is required and all adopters are responsible for a $17 dog license if the person lives within Riverside County Animal Services’ coverage area.
“We have loved being a part of the fair and National Date Festival,” Animal Services Director Robert Miller said. “Adoptions at the county fair far exceeded our adoption expectations. This event is now one of our most successful each year.”
The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival runs Feb. 16 to Feb. 25 and is located at 82-503 Hwy. 111 in Indio.
Entry for the first day of the fair is just $5 and includes the concert that night, featuring the band War.
