Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Riverside Pet Adoption & Wellness Center
Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center has been dedicated to giving Riverside's cats and dogs a second chance since its founding. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we focus on pet adoption, low-cost spay/neuter services, vaccination clinics, and community outreach programs. Our team of experienced professionals, including Executive Director Carrie Ridgway and Spay/Neuter Clinic Surgeon Dr. Yikcia Pope, works tirelessly to reduce pet homelessness through innovative programs like Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) and our Pet Food Assistance Program. We maintain rigorous standards through partnerships with veterinary professionals and adherence to humane treatment principles, serving as a trusted resource for pet owners and the community. 
Services
Pet Adoption
Spay/Neuter Services
Vaccination Clinics
Pet Food Assistance
Community Cat Program
Volunteer Training
Pet Loss Support
Thrift Store
Nail Trim Clinic
Behavior Resources
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer low-cost spay/neuter services starting at $55 for cats
- Our Pet Food Assistance Program helps over 1,500 pets annually
- We maintain a 74.85% adoption success rate in 2025
- Our volunteer program includes specialized canine enrichment training
- We provide free virtual dog training resources through GoodPup partnership
What people say
Clean facilities
Caring staff
Successful adoptions
Helpful volunteers
Educational programs
Services
Pet Adoption
We provide pet adoption services for cats and dogs in Riverside. Our adoption process includes behavior assessments, health checks, and matching pets with suitable families. The program helps reduce pet homelessness while ensuring animals find loving homes. Adopters receive post-adoption support and resources for successful pet integration.
Spay/Neuter Services
Our low-cost spay/neuter clinic offers surgical services for cats and dogs. The program includes pre-op evaluations, pain management, and post-operative care instructions. Services are available by appointment with pricing based on animal size and specific needs, helping control pet population responsibly.
Vaccination Clinics
We operate weekly low-cost vaccination clinics for pets. Services include rabies, distemper, and other core vaccines administered by licensed professionals. The program ensures pets receive essential immunizations to maintain community health while preventing disease transmission among animals.
Pet Food Assistance
Our assistance program provides free pet food to qualifying individuals facing financial hardship. Available for Riverside County residents through scheduled pickups, the service helps maintain pet-owner bonds by preventing surrender due to economic challenges while ensuring proper animal nutrition.
Community Cat Program
We implement Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) for community cats. The program includes humane trapping, vaccination, spaying/neutering, and ear-tipping before returning cats to their habitats. This approach humanely manages feral populations while improving community cat welfare and reducing shelter intake.
People
Carrie Ridgway
Executive Director
Carrie Ridgway leads the organization with over 15 years of animal welfare experience, focusing on strategic growth and community engagement initiatives.
Dr. Yikcia Pope
Spay/Neuter Clinic Surgeon
Dr. Yikcia Pope oversees surgical operations with specialized expertise in high-volume spay/neuter procedures and veterinary care standards.
Katie S.
Director of Operations
Katie S. manages daily operations with a focus on process optimization and maintaining high animal care standards across all programs.
Lisa Smilowitz
Programs & Services Manager
Lisa Smilowitz develops community outreach initiatives and educational programs to promote responsible pet ownership and humane treatment.
Moises Martinez
Volunteer Services Supervisor
Moises Martinez coordinates volunteer programs and training initiatives, ensuring effective community engagement and program implementation.
Questions
What adoption services do you offer?
We provide cat and dog adoptions with behavior assessments, health checks, and post-adoption support to ensure successful pet-owner matches.
Do you offer low-cost veterinary services?
Yes, we operate a low-cost spay/neuter clinic and weekly vaccination services for pets in need.
How can I help community cats?
We offer Trap/Neuter/Return services and provide resources for managing feral cat populations humanely.
Do you have volunteer opportunities?
Yes, we offer volunteer programs including canine enrichment training and special event support with required orientation.
What pet assistance programs are available?
We provide free pet food assistance, behavior resources, and educational programs to support pet owners in financial need.
How can I donate to the center?
Donations can be made through our website, thrift store purchases, or by contributing supplies to support our life-saving programs.
