If you Google “animal shelter crisis 2024,” you will find article after article detailing the increase of animal abandonment and the overcrowding of shelters across California. It really is a tremendous problem that many animal rescues are trying to overcome. Right here in the Coachella Valley, we have a number of non-profit charities and no-kill shelters working tirelessly to find homes for deserving dogs and cats. Fundraisers and pet adoption events are two ways they accomplish this. Read on to find out how you can help or maybe even find your new furry bff.
Desert Hot Springs Animal Control Holding Pet Adoption Event
DHS Animal Control holds a special place in my heart. This is where I volunteer weekly. My duties include walking, bathing and socializing the dogs. I also help out with their pet adoptions. On Saturday, March 30, 2024, we will be heading up to Grnd Sqrl in Twentynine Palms for an event from 12pm to 3pm.
Grab a rad beer, a bite to eat and mingle with some fabulous pups. Scheduled to appear are Lamar, Freckles, Julie, Cooper and Clover. Find Lamar, a black Rottweiler mix, hanging out with his favorite toy close by and ready for love. Freckles is a super smart brown and white cattle dog mix. Julie, a brown medium mixed gal, is looking for her next hiking buddy. Black and white Cooper is a large cuddly buddy. Finally, Clover is a chocolate lab mix puppy waiting to play.
Follow DHS animal control on Instagram to see more of their adoptable dogs and cats. DHS is a no-kill shelter with two campuses. One is located in Desert Hot Springs, and the other is in North Palm Springs.
Spend an Evening in Paris with Loving All Animals
The mission of Loving All Animals is to bring together local, regional, and national animal welfare organizations to maximize the programs intended to stop the killing of animals. Loving All Animals provides animal sheltering, adoption, education and training to the community. They are a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. Because of their kennel configuration, they mainly house smaller dogs and cats. If you are looking for a pint-sized pal, make sure to check out Loving All Animals.
LAA’s next fundraiser is on Monday, April 8th. An Evening in Paris features an open bar, heavy appetizers and entertainment. Have fun while donating to a wonderful cause.
Pet Adoption Events with Animal Samaritans
Animal Samaritans believes in improving the lives of animals and people. How do they accomplish this? By housing pets waiting for new families in their no-kill shelter, offering educational programs to our desert schools and providing quality, affordable veterinarian care in their two clinics. Animal Samaritans has saved over 15,000 animals through their rescue efforts.
Their next pet adoption event is on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 11am to 1pm at PetSmart in La Quinta. It’s the perfect time to meet your new companion. For cat lovers, Animal Samaritans is hosting their 3rd Annual Caturday Breakfast on April 27, 2024, form 9am to 11am. For just a $20 donation enjoy breakfast, mimosas and a chance to win prizes at the The Rowan in Palm Springs. Kittens will be available for adoption at the event.
Adopt a Bull Terrier
California Paws Rescue focuses on the Bull Terrier breed. It is their passion. They are hosting an Introduction to Bull Terriers at the Barkingham Pet Hotel in Palm Desert on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 12pm to 4pm. Learn all things Bull Terrier and find out what makes this breed so special. Attendees will have the opportunity to play one-on-one with the pups available to adopt and receive complimentary dog treats from Fido Gelato.
California Paws Rescue houses their adoptable dogs on the Ranch, a six-acre, open-air sanctuary. To date, they have saved over 2500 Bull Terriers. Follow them on Instagram.
Marvyn’s Magic Theater is Hosting a Fundraiser
The one and only Marvyn’s Magic Theater is hosting a fundraiser in benefit of The Animal Rescue Center of California. Prepare to be amazed on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 8pm. It will be a night of comedy and magic performed by Nick Paul and Jeff Hobson. Bid on items in the silent auction at a pre-show before the main event. To learn more about Marvyn’s Magic Theater, check out my blog post here.
The Animal Rescue Center of California was founded during the housing crisis in 2008. With people losing their homes, more and more pets were abandoned on the east side of the valley. ARC stepped in to find these animals loving homes. They work with other rescues to provide low cost spay and neuter services. Their ultimate goal is to open an east valley campus.
Play Bingo to Benefit the Palm Springs Animal Shelter
The Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that works to operate the city’s no-kill shelter. In addition to pet adoptions, they offer services to Palm Springs residents including dog licensing, microchipping, low-cost vaccination and spay/neuter clinics and a pet food bank.
Play bingo for a good cause at the Bow Wow Bingo fundraising event. It is happening on Saturday, May 11th at the Sonoran in Palm Springs. Win over $2,400 in cash and prizes! Mark your calendars now. The animals will thank you.
Volunteer to Get Out of the House
If you are looking to get out of the house, volunteering at your local shelter is a wonderful way to do so. Shelters and rescues are often understaffed and need volunteers to help with the care of the animals. Many times, a walk is the only time a dog will be out of his kennel for the day.
Volunteering is also beneficial to your health. I easily walk between 15,000 and 18,000 steps at the shelter. Spending time with the pups is good for my mental health. Research has shown petting a dog lowers stress and can increase the feel-good hormone oxytocin.
If you are interested in volunteering, reach out to me in the comment section below.