About Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center
Giving Riverside’s Cats & Dogs a Second Chance Since 1897
Every tail wag, purr, and second chance starts here.
At Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center (MSRPAC), we believe every cat and dog deserves a loving home. Since 1897, we’ve been Riverside’s trusted safe haven for homeless pets—providing shelter, veterinary care, and adoption services for thousands of animals each year.
We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal shelter in Riverside, CA, funded entirely by private donations and community support. Our mission is to eliminate the suffering of homeless cats and dogs by providing compassionate care, facilitating adoptions, and addressing pet overpopulation through education and spay/neuter programs.
What We Do
As a limited-entry companion animal shelter, we:
- Accept healthy, adoptable cats and dogs from owners who can no longer care for them
- Partner with local shelters to rescue pets at risk of euthanasia in Riverside County
- Provide full veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter services
- Offer temporary foster care for underage or recovering animals
- Match pets with families through an adoption process focused on personality, lifestyle, and long-term compatibility
No healthy, adoptable animal is euthanized for space or length of stay. Every animal in our care is given a second chance through adoption, foster placement, or another appropriate live outcome that supports their welfare and gives them the best opportunity to succeed.
Our Commitment to Care
While in our care, pets receive:
- A safe, clean, and comfortable living environment
- Daily monitoring of their physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being
- Enrichment and stress-reduction programs designed to support their quality of life
- Love, socialization, and individualized attention from dedicated staff and volunteers
- Ongoing assessment to determine the most appropriate path toward a successful outcome
Adoption with Purpose
Our Adoption Counselors work closely with adopters to ensure a great match, offering guidance on the medical, emotional, and physical needs of each pet. Even after adoption, our team is here to answer questions and offer support.
More Than Adoptions
MSRPAC is a leader in animal welfare in Riverside County—offering humane education, pet behavior counseling, and advocacy for pet overpopulation prevention.
Our History
- 1897 – Founded as Riverside Humane Society to prevent cruelty to children and animals.
- 1917 – First shelter built, caring for dogs, cats, horses, cows, birds, and more.
- 1929 – Incorporated and expanded animal welfare work.
- 1956 – Moved to 5791 Fremont Street, offering full animal control services.
- 1995 – Transitioned to focus solely on adoptions; animal control transferred to Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
- 2008 – Relocated to our modern 17,000 sq. ft. facility at 6165 Industrial Avenue.
- 2010 – Officially renamed Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in honor of a longtime advocate.
For over 100 years, our legacy has been one of compassion, community, and commitment to Riverside’s animals.
How You Can Help
