Animal evacuation center set up at Perris Fairgrounds

An officer assists an Akita in the Fairview Fire area earlier this week. 

Press release from Riverside County Animal Services:

Riverside County Animal Services established an agreement Thursday with the Perris Fairgrounds to set up an emergency shelter site for Fairview Fire evacuees’ large animals.

“We have a lot of work to do to get it all completed, so we do ask for some patience,” Commander Josh Sisler said. “But those without a place to go can wait in the staging area and we’ll assist them as soon as possible.”

The address to the Perris Fairgrounds is 18700 Lake Perris Drive, Perris 92571, but livestock owners are asked to use the Avalon Parkway entrance. Any livestock that arrives must come from someone under mandatory evacuation areas of the Fairview Fire, or the person is under evacuation warning notices. Care for the animals is at no charge for evacuees.

“We’ll take care of anyone in the fire’s path and the animals will be properly fed and provided water,” Sisler said. “Animal care technicians and registered veterinary technicians will be on site to assist.”

The San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus (581 S. Grand Ave., San Jacinto) remains open for any dogs and cats and other small animals. More than 100 animals are receiving care there now and staff are ready to accept more.

The fast-moving and fatal Fairview Fire forced many from their properties after it started Monday and it has already consumed more than 27,000 acres and is 5 percent contained. A mandatory evacuation was ordered for additional communities by CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department.

For evacuation notices and areas under mandatory evacuation orders and to get all the updates and details, please visit: https://www.rvcfire.org/incidents/fact-sheets/FairviewFIRE.

Working in conjunction and with the direction from fire authorities, Animal Services officers make daily checks of properties looking for any injured animals. They have traveled throughout the evacuation zone searching for stray animals and providing food and water for animals left behind.