Frequently Asked Questions

Start by browsing our available dogs on the Adopt page. When you find a dog you are interested in, submit the adoption application and include the dog's name.

Adoption fees are $450 for puppies up to 1 year old, $350 for dogs 1-3 years, $280 for dogs 3-7 years, and negotiable for seniors over 7 years.

No. We do not operate on a waitlist. Our priority is matching each dog with the most suitable home based on the dog's needs, temperament, and history. You can read more about this on our adoption process page.

You must be pre-approved before adopting at an event, including a completed application and home check. We do not approve adoptions on the spot. Upcoming rescue updates and events are posted on our News page.

We review your application, complete a home check, coordinate a meet and greet, and may ask additional screening questions depending on the dog's breed, behavior, or specific needs. If approved, you sign an adoption contract and submit the non-refundable adoption fee. The full step-by-step overview is on the Adopt page.

Yes. Our Adopter Resources include welcome-home, crate training, potty training, puppy vaccine, chewing, and shy-dog guides. These are especially helpful during the first days and weeks at home.

As a foster, you provide temporary care, structure, patience, and a safe home while a dog gets ready for adoption. We provide supplies, medical support, and guidance. Learn more on the Foster page.

Foster periods vary depending on each dog and placement timeline. We share expectations before placement and keep communication active.

We provide veterinary care, food if needed, equipment such as crates, collars, and leashes, and full support throughout the foster period.

Foster homes provide a safe home, patience, routine, basic training and structure, and transportation to vet appointments when possible.

Often, yes. We work with you to find a dog who may be compatible with your existing pets, and the home visit helps us understand the safest match. The Foster page explains the process and expectations.

Yes. If you fall in love with your foster dog, you have first right of refusal to adopt.

Yes. Rovers Return Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 93-4980596).

We need volunteers for feeding routes, field support and humane trapping, transport, adoption events, fundraising, outreach, and operations support. Visit the Volunteer page and contact us with your interests.

You can donate through PayPal, GoFundMe, Amazon Wish List, Chewy Wish List, Zelle, Venmo, vehicle donation, or sponsorship opportunities. The current options are listed on the Donate page.

Yes. Sponsorships can support rescue vehicle needs, team shirts, and field operations through structured partnerships. See our Sponsorship Opportunities page for details.

If it is safe, try to contain the dog, check for identification, have the dog scanned for a microchip, and notify the shelter because that is often where the owner will look first. Do not give the dog away unless it is to the owner. Our step-by-step guidance is on the Found a Stray Dog page.

Do not call out, chase, corner, or approach a scared loose dog. Note the time, area, direction of travel, color, breed, collar or leash, and whether the dog appears sick or injured. If safe, take a photo or video and contact Animal Control or us with details. Our Lost Dog Recovery page explains why patience and consistency matter.

Use our Found Dog Notices page to share details so owners can connect and reclaim their dog safely.

We use humane recovery methods such as feeding stations, familiar scent items, trail cameras, patient monitoring, and safe live traps. We do not chase or corner dogs. Learn more on the Lost Dog Recovery page.

Do not chase the dog. Leave food and water out, put out familiar scent items such as bedding or worn clothes, post on local lost pet pages, and write down the time and location of any sightings.

These are courtesy placement listings shared after rescue evaluation for dogs needing urgent safe placement. Case-specific details are added as they are verified by our team. View current listings on the Dogs Needing Placement page.

Placement listings may include whether temperament has been evaluated, whether the dog is fully vaccinated, whether the dog is spayed or neutered, and owner or guardian contact information provided with the inquiry.

Rovers Return Dog Rescue serves Riverside County, California, including field rescue, lost dog recovery, fostering, adoption, and community support.