About Rovers Return Dog Rescue
A grassroots, boots-on-the-ground 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Riverside County, California.
Our work focuses on supporting stray, abandoned, and unwanted dogs living in areas where resources are limited and animal services are overwhelmed.
We feed, rescue, medically support, and advocate for dogs who would otherwise be overlooked. Many of the dogs we help live in remote areas, homeless encampments, or the outskirts of rural communities. We step in where no one else does, ensuring these dogs receive food, safety, veterinary care, and a chance at a better life.
How We Got Started
In memory of Iris đŸ
Iris was a stray dog who had been living in a field in Homeland for many months. When she was finally found, she was with her two puppies, who were approximately six months old. We don't know how she got there or how long she had been on her own. Mike Noon was the trapper who rescued Iris and her pups and brought them to a place of safety.
Three months later, Kathy Haley, the founder of Hope Ranch Animal Sanctuary, learned about Iris and immediately took her under the Hope Ranch wing. That's when I became involved. As a rescue partner with Kathy, Iris came into our home as a foster. She was a very sweet girl who got along well with my dogs and family. She stayed with us for several months, and during that time we helped her socialize and learn how to be a dog again.
After many months, we felt Iris was finally ready for her forever home. She attended several adoption events, and eventually we believed we had found the perfect match. Sadly, Iris was only with her adopters for a few days before she escaped. We received multiple sightings, but we were unable to catch her. At the time, we didn't truly understand trapping, and despite our efforts, we lost track of her. Her last sighting was on December 13, 2018, and we never heard of her again.
Our entire family was heartbroken. We still think of Iris often and hope that she found a safe place and is living a long, peaceful life.
Since then, I have learned a great deal about humane trappingâprimarily from Mike Noonâand have become a trapper myself in order to help save other dogs like Iris. If I had known then what I know now, Iris would still be part of our lives.
Our Mission: Feed. Fix. Network.
Feed
Stray dogs cannot survive without consistent access to food and fresh water. We maintain multiple feeding routes across Riverside County, building trust with dogs who have learned to survive by avoiding people. Feeding stabilizes them, keeps them from roaming, and allows us to bring them into rescue safely.
Fix
Spay and neuter is at the heart of our work. We organize, coordinate, and fund sterilization for unowned dogs and for community members who cannot afford veterinary care. Preventing future litters is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of overpopulation.
Network
We work with reputable rescues, fosters, community groups, and veterinary partners to place dogs into safe homes or specialized rescue programs. Many of the dogs we help would not survive in a shelter environment. Our networking efforts ensure they get the placement they deserve.
Who We Are
Rovers Return was founded by Sandra and Norrie Murray, long-time rescuers with deep roots in Riverside County's underserved areas. Over the years, we have built strong relationships with residents, field rescuers, volunteers, and allied grassroots groups. Our work has grown from picking up one stray dog at a time to running coordinated field operations, trapping fearful dogs, arranging medical care, and managing long-term support for dogs who have nowhere else to go.
Our Values
- Compassion without judgement
- Safety above speed
- Honesty and transparency
- Collaboration with community members
- Commitment to dogs who have been forgotten or ignored
What Makes Us Different
We meet dogs where they are.
Some dogs will walk right up to us. Others need days or weeks of patient feeding and quiet support. Some are friendly. Some are fearful. All are deserving.
We specialize in dogs who fall through the cracks â the ones too shy, too injured, too overlooked, or too misunderstood for most systems to accommodate.
Rovers Return exists for them.
Organization Information
Status
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
EIN
93-4980596
Founded
June 2024
Location
Riverside County, California
Phone
(760) 585-5973
info@roversreturndogrescue.org
Organizations We Work With
We collaborate with amazing organizations to help more dogs in need.
View Our PartnersJoin Us in Making a Difference
Whether you foster, donate, or volunteer, every action helps us save more dogs.