Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center

A Legacy of Love and Second Chances

At the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, we believe every cat and dog deserves a loving home. Since 1897, our mission has been to eliminate the suffering of homeless pets by providing compassionate care, facilitating thoughtful adoptions, and addressing pet overpopulation through education and spay/neuter programs.

Our History and Commitment to Riverside

For over 125 years, we have served as a trusted safe haven for homeless animals in our community. What began in 1897 as a society to prevent cruelty to both children and animals has evolved into a modern, 17,000-square-foot facility dedicated to ensuring every pet receives the support they need to thrive.

Providing a Caring Shelter Environment

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and a limited-entry shelter, we operate with a deep commitment to the physical and emotional well-being of our animals. We provide daily enrichment, stress-reduction programs, and full veterinary care to every resident. No healthy, adoptable animal is ever euthanized; instead, every pet remains safely in our care until they find their perfect family match.

Adoption with Purpose

We believe that adopting a pet is a joyful partnership built on compatibility. Our dedicated Adoption Counselors work closely with you to understand your lifestyle and personality, ensuring that each match is set up for long-term success. Even after you take your new friend home, our team remains here to offer support, answer questions, and celebrate your journey together.

Start Your New Journey Today

When you open your home to a pet who needs help, they show their appreciation for the rest of their life. We invite you to explore our current list of adoptable cats and dogs or visit our center in Riverside to meet your new family member today. Together, we can provide the second chances that our pets truly deserve.

Trust Assessment

GOLDRated Jul 26, 2026

NonprofitVerifiedPhysical FacilityOperating 50+ years

Finances

Online Review Highlights

Compassionate staff
Affordable veterinary/spay/neuter services
Managed intake appointment requirements

Vetted by

How we assess

Coverage We Reviewed

Press Enterprise

8/5 - Make catnip mice for cats at Riverside’s Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center at August events

Riverside’s DragonMarsh is hosting the events and collecting pet food for the shelter.

The Raincross Gazette

7/24 - 🗞️ Riverside News- July 24, 2026

$1.265M in unspent grants for parks, shelter contract extended, The Wiz at Fox Theater...

Improves Trust

7/18 - In Focus: Giving homeless animals a chance

Teri Austin, president of the Amanda Foundation, and State Senator Sabrina Cervantes join "In Focus"

The Raincross Gazette

7/17 - 🗞️ Riverside News- July 17, 2026

Smoke shop distance rules, 79 fireworks citations issued, local artists win state fellowships...

The Raincross Gazette

6/14 - 🗞️ Riverside News- June 14, 2026

June in the garden, meet Jill Johnson-Young, and a bookmark prompt...

The Raincross Gazette

6/12 - 🗞️ Riverside News- June 12, 2026

Hernandez poised for Ward 6, Notebook Cafe debuts downtown...

The Raincross Gazette

6/5 - 🗞️ Riverside News- June 5, 2026

Permit case delayed again, traffic fatalities fall 75%, lower speed limits coming...

Banning Record Gazette

Improves Trust

6/3 - Morongo gives nearly $450,000 to nonprofits

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians awarded nearly $450,000 in grants to dozens of nonprofit organizations serving local communities across Riverside and San Bernardino counties as part of the fifth

The Raincross Gazette

6/2 - Raincross Rundown: The Best of Riverside in June 2026

Sailboats on the lake, salsa on the courtyard, the World Cup on the big screen, and a Juneteenth weekend to remember. June in Riverside has a lot going on — here's what's worth your time.

Riverside, CA Patch

5/26 - Local Event: Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center Launches First-Ever “One Big Day for Little Lives” Day of Giving

Check out the latest community post from one of your neighbors. (The views expressed in this post are the author’s own.)

The Raincross Gazette

Improves Trust

5/20 - Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center Monitors Bain Fire Through the Night

Staff monitored the approaching Bain Fire through the night and are encouraging Riversiders to foster or volunteer ahead of future emergencies.

The Raincross Gazette

5/20 - 🗞️ Riverside News- May 20, 2026

Honoring Chief Buffalo Heart, a call to suspend utility charges, Mustafa named Public Works director...

NBC Palm Springs

5/18 - Riverside County Launches “Project Get Out” to Boost Dog Adoptions from Shelters

Riverside County Animal Services has launched “Project Get Out,” a new initiative offering financial incentives to rescue groups that take in long-stay shelter

CDC Gaming

Improves Trust

5/14 - California: Morongo Band of Mission Indians donates $450,000 to non-profit groups – CDC Gaming

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians in Cabazon, California, announced on Thursday that it has awarded nearly $450,000 in grants to non-profit organizations serv

The Raincross Gazette

Improves Trust