Riverside County Hosting Free Midnight Pet Adoption Event

Shelters aim to find homes for over 1,000 animals during 'Midnight March Muttness'

Mar. 11, 2026 at 1:04am

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Riverside County Department of Animal Services is hosting a special free pet adoption event called 'Midnight March Muttness' on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to midnight at participating county shelters, including the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms. The event aims to help reduce overcrowding in local shelters by connecting over 1,000 dogs and cats with loving families, with all adoptions including spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, and ID tag.

Why it matters

Pet overpopulation is an ongoing challenge for animal shelters, leading to high euthanasia rates. Free adoption events like 'Midnight March Muttness' help find permanent homes for many animals in need and reduce the burden on local shelters.

The details

The 'Midnight March Muttness' event will take place on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to midnight at participating Riverside County animal shelters. All pet adoptions during the event will be completely free and include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, a microchip, and an ID tag for the new pet.

  • The 'Midnight March Muttness' event will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10 a.m. to midnight.

The players

Riverside County Department of Animal Services

The county agency responsible for operating animal shelters and adoption services in Riverside County, California.

Coachella Valley Animal Campus

A participating animal shelter located in Thousand Palms, California that will be hosting the 'Midnight March Muttness' free adoption event.

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The takeaway

Free adoption events like 'Midnight March Muttness' play a vital role in helping reduce pet overpopulation and find loving homes for animals in need across Riverside County.