The City of Palm Desert is making it easier than ever for residents to welcome a new four-legged family member through the launch of Homeward Paws, a new partnership with Riverside County Animal Services designed to help Palm Desert shelter pets find loving homes.

Through the program, Palm Desert residents who adopt a qualifying Palm Desert dog or cat from the Coachella Valley Animal Campus will receive a free $125 gift card to either Petco or PetSmart to help purchase essential supplies for their newly adopted pet.

The Homeward Paws program is funded through savings identified by City departments throughout the year. Rather than allowing those dollars to go unused, the City is reinvesting a portion of the savings into innovative community programs that directly benefit Palm Desert residents and improve quality of life.

Beyond helping families offset the cost of pet ownership, Homeward Paws creates a lasting benefit for the entire community.

When a stray or lost animal from Palm Desert enters the shelter system, the City covers the cost of its care. By adopting a Palm Desert animal, residents help reduce shelter overcrowding while also lowering the number of animals requiring ongoing shelter services. Those savings can then be redirected toward helping additional Palm Desert pets receive care and find permanent homes.

In other words, every adoption helps keep the program moving forward. Each pet that finds a forever home creates opportunities to assist another animal in need.

Residents interested in participating can visit the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, located at 72050 Pet Land Place in Thousand Palms. Shelter staff can help identify adoptable dogs and cats that qualify as Palm Desert animals and are eligible for the Homeward Paws program.

Homeward Paws gives residents the chance to make a meaningful difference for a pet while supporting the broader Palm Desert community.

To learn more about the Homeward Paws program, visit the Palm Desert Visitor Center, or call (760) 568-1441.