Frequently Asked Questions

The Comeback Pack is a dog rescue and foster network based in Murrieta, CA, dedicated to giving overlooked, discarded, and special-needs dogs the second chances they deserve.

We're based in Murrieta, CA. Meet & greets for adoption usually take place in Murrieta, with the foster family.

No — we're a dog rescue and foster network, not a shelter facility. Dogs stay with volunteer foster families until they're adopted.

Not usually — our foster homes are reserved for dogs who truly have no one else, so we don't accept owner surrenders just because someone no longer wants or has time for their dog. We do make exceptions for genuine hardship, like a sudden medical emergency, the death of an owner, or other extraordinary circumstances. If you're struggling with your dog, reach out first — we may be able to connect you with training resources or behavior support that helps keep your family together.

Visit our Adoptable Pets page, which shows live listings from our Petfinder profile — every dog listed is up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. You may also see us listed on Adopt-a-Pet, RescueMe, or Rocky Kanaka — that's genuinely us.

The Comeback Pack was founded by Jen and Marc, who bring more than twenty years of hands-on dog rescue experience. Read our full story on the About page, and meet the rest of the team on our Team page.

Yes — our Blog has guides and rescue stories, our Stories page shares adopter and foster testimonials, and our News page has organization updates and events.

Reach out through our Contact page and we'll get back to you.

Adoption fees are based on age: $100 for seniors (7 years and up), $200 for adults (1 to 6 years), and $400 for puppies (under 1 year). Adoption fees are non-refundable and subject to change.

Adults age 65+ can adopt a senior dog (age 7+) from us completely free, through our new Seniors for Seniors program. You'll still need to submit an application and be approved through our normal adoption process.

Every adoption fee includes spay/neuter, current vaccines, a microchip, and a martingale collar and leash — see our vaccination & spay/neuter details for the full breakdown.

Yes. Every dog we adopt out is microchipped, but a chip only works once it's registered with your current contact information. Most of our dogs are chipped with Fi, and you'll receive a Fi QR code card in your adoption packet — scan it, or register directly at nano.fitracking.com/register. If your dog has a different brand, we'll give you instructions for that brand. Keep in mind that a microchip isn't a GPS tracker: it has to be scanned to work, so a current ID tag on the collar is still your first line of defense. The Comeback Pack stays listed as the backup contact, which we require, so we can still be reached if your information ever changes. Our microchip registration guide walks through the whole process step by step.

Yes — every adoption currently includes a starter kit with a travel harness and seat belt clip, a leash and collar, treats, a grooming kit, a puzzle toy, and a Comeback Pack tote bag, while supplies last.

We review your application, which may take a few days. If approved, we'll schedule a phone call to get to know you and may ask for a short video walkthrough of your home. Next is a meet & greet, usually in Murrieta with the foster family — your current dogs don't need to come along. If it's a good fit, you'll sign the adoption agreement, pay the adoption fee, and take your dog home that day.

No — we don't adopt more than one puppy to the same home. Puppies close in age, even from different litters, can develop littermate syndrome: they bond intensely with each other instead of with their people, which often means separation anxiety, more difficulty training, and more behavior challenges once they hit adolescence. Adopting one puppy at a time gives them the best chance to bond with you and grow into the companion you're looking for — our littermate syndrome guide has the full explanation.

Yes — every adopter signs an Adoption & Lifetime Care Agreement covering lifetime care, ongoing veterinary care, and medical/behavior disclosure. You can preview a sample copy before you apply.

We carefully match you with a dog that fits your home and lifestyle, and provide the food, supplies, crate, and veterinary care — you provide the love, safety, and a soft place to land.

Every dog is different. Some are adopted in a few days, while others stay for several months. We actively promote every foster dog and work to find the right forever home as quickly as possible.

Keep the martingale collar on at all times, leash your foster (even in the yard) for the first 1–3 weeks, skip public spaces for unvaccinated puppies, get prior approval before any non-emergency vet visit, and give us at least 2 weeks' notice if you need a break or are going on vacation.

Probably — and that's okay. Getting attached means you've given a dog exactly what they needed: love, safety, and a place to belong. Saying goodbye isn't easy, but every goodbye opens your home to another dog who desperately needs a second chance. We'll be there to support you every step of the way, and our young foster heroes also receive a Foster Hero Certificate and a small plush dog to celebrate the life they helped save.

Yes — just let us know before any adoption applications are received from the public. You'll still need to complete the standard application and approval process, and ownership transfers once the application is approved, the agreement is signed, and the adoption fee is paid in full.

We ask fosters to bring their dog to veterinary appointments and adoption events when needed. We respect your time and schedule everything as conveniently as possible.

No problem! Let us know in advance and we'll arrange temporary care for your foster.

Yes! While our greatest need is foster families who can keep a dog until adoption, respite fosters — who provide short-term or temporary care — are also incredibly valuable.

Yes — every foster signs a Foster Care Agreement covering ownership, care expectations, and safety rules. Read the full Foster Manual and Care Agreement.

The Comeback Pack is entirely volunteer-run — fill out our volunteer application and we'll be in touch!

There's a role for every schedule: fostering, dog walking, transporting dogs, helping at special events, fundraising, being a Neighborhood Ambassador, record-keeping, and vetting new applicants. You'll tell us which ones interest you on the volunteer application — pick as many as you like.

It's a volunteer role for people who can't foster or adopt but still want to help. Ambassadors share our adoptable dogs in the Nextdoor and Facebook community groups they already belong to, anywhere in Riverside County and the surrounding counties. We provide the photos and the information, you post when and where you can — just a few minutes on your own time — and we handle all applications, screening, and adoptions. To sign up, check “Neighborhood Ambassador (Networking dogs)” on the volunteer application, or read the full announcement first.

Yes — volunteers are responsible for maintaining their own health insurance, and automobile insurance if transporting rescue dogs. The Comeback Pack does not provide insurance coverage for volunteers, as noted on our volunteer application.

You can shop our Amazon Wish List for supplies shipped straight to our fosters, or give directly via QR code on our Donate page.

Yes! The Comeback Pack is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 42-3794800). Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. See our Donate page for ways to give.

Yes — we're always looking for local businesses to partner with, whether that's donating a product or service, offering our adopters a discount, supporting our foster families, or something else entirely. Visit our Partner With Us page to learn more.