Pre-adoption program hopes to get animals out of Riverside County shelters quicker
Athena Jreij
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – County officials are hoping to get more unclaimed pets out of shelters thanks to a new pre-adoption incentive, “DIBS for Dogs.”
Just this week, Riverside County animal shelters have taken in more than 150 animals, officials say a large part of those animals are unclaimed, lost pets.
The new program would allow prospective owners to place “dibs” on dogs that are still in their legally required stray hold period, if they have no microchip or ID tag. That period can vary from 6-10 days depending on the information an animal is surrendered with.
If no family has reclaimed them by the time that period ends, the dog is automatically paired with a family and can go into a new home that same day.
Gisela Dalton was one of the first to sign up for the program at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. Now, she’s hoping to take home ‘Vanilla’ when her stray holding period ends this weekend.
“She looks kind of shy and right now I just need some emotional support going through some emotional things with health with someone I love. So I thought that would be a really good pick me up for me,” Dalton said.
Marlo Clingman, manager at CVAC, says the key is getting animals out quicker.
“The goal with sheltering is to reduce length of stay. The longer a pet spends in the shelter environment, the more chances they have to, contract a disease, get injured, develop behavioral problems. Because, as you know, being in a kennel all day is no fun,” Clingman said.
All in all, shelter officials hope owners are proactive in reclaiming their pets. Technology like Petco’s Love Lost has made it easier. The app uses AI and facial recognition technology to match lost dogs with animals in their database and in local shelters.
“We’ve seen a 12% increase in return-to-owner reunifications that we make. So that’s 12% more pets that are getting back home with Petco Love Lost,” Clingman said.
“DIBS for Dogs” kicks off this week at all four shelter locations in Riverside County.
If you’re interested in putting “DIBS” on a dog, all you have to do is:
Visit a Shelter – This program is currently in-person only.
Fall in Love – Spot a dog on stray hold you want to call DIBS on.
Call DIBS – Staff will verify eligibility, help you complete the process, and let you know when you can pick up your pet.
Pick Up Your Dog – Return on the available date and head home with your new family member.