Riverside County Animal Services Faces Leadership Struggles, New Pilot Programs Aim for Improvement

Riverside County Animal Services is currently grappling with leadership challenges, as the department has yet to hire a permanent director. While a consultant has been brought in, concerns have emerged about the lack of clarity in leadership roles, as the new director will report to the consultant. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of the department's future operations.

To address ongoing concerns, the department is testing three pilot programs aimed at improving services. These include extended weekend shelter hours from noon to 5 p.m., virtual pet training, discounted adoption events, and support resources for new pet owners. However, questions remain about the shelter’s limited communication, as it is closed on Sundays and the phones go unanswered on Saturdays.

Experts on the program, such as Stephanie Miner and Brad Ward, have stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the county's decision-making. While some progress has been made, including Supervisor Perez's recent visit to the shelter, many feel the lack of urgency is contributing to ongoing challenges, including Riverside County’s high kill rate at local shelters.