Pet adoptions are free on 'Black Saturday' event

While many people are flocking to the stores for Black Friday, Riverside County Animal Services is offering an alternative that doesn't cost customers a dime.

"Black Saturday" on Nov. 25 will give people the opportunity to adopt a pet for free at participating shelters, including the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus. The theme of this year's event is to promote what consumers can't get on Amazon or at the local mall -- a homeless pet.

"We’ve been pleasantly surprised at the turnouts during the years we’ve been doing this specific event," Director Robert Miller said. "It has historically become one of our biggest one-day adoption events each year, thanks to all the families who opened up their homes for a new friend.

"Nowadays, you can pretty much get anything you want online. But we know you cannot get a live dog or cat on Amazon or when you shop at Wal-Mart. And so we’re encouraging people to consider giving a homeless pet a new chance at life at this special time of year."

Miller reminds potential adopters that dogs 4 months or older still require a license if the adopter lives within the county's jurisdiction. For more information, visit www.rcdas.org