Guides & downloads
Resources
Helpful guides for bringing home a rescue dog, fostering, and more.
Before You Adopt
Fostering
Bringing Your Dog Home
Training
Health & Wellness
Volunteering
Planning Ahead
Before You Adopt
Adoption & Lifetime Care Agreement
A sample of the Adoption and Lifetime Care Agreement every adopter signs, covering the rights and responsibilities of both The Comeback Pack and the adopter.
What the agreement covers
- •Lifetime care commitment (food, shelter, exercise, grooming, veterinary care)
- •Ongoing veterinary care and legal compliance, including vaccination and licensing
- •Medical and behavior disclosure between the rescue and adopter
This is a sample copy for reference — final terms are reviewed and signed at the time of adoption.
Thank You for Applying! What Happens Next
A step-by-step look at the adoption process once you submit an application.
The 5 steps
- •Application review — may take a few days
- •Phone call to get to know you and check the dog is a good fit
- •Meet & greet with the foster family and an adoption counselor, usually in Menifee or Murrieta
- •Adoption finalized — sign the agreement and pay the adoption fee
What the adoption fee includes
- •Spay/neuter (arranged after adoption if your dog isn't old enough yet)
- •Current vaccines, including rabies
- •Microchip
- •Martingale collar and leash
Adoption fees are non-refundable.
Littermate Syndrome — Why We Adopt Puppies One at a Time
Littermate Syndrome can affect any puppies close in age, even if they're not from the same litter. Here's what it is, what to watch for, and why we don't adopt more than one puppy to the same home.
What littermate syndrome is
- •It happens when puppies close in age — from the same litter or different ones — form an intense bond with each other instead of with their people
- •They rely on each other for comfort and confidence, which makes it hard to thrive and form healthy bonds with humans
- •It can lead to anxiety, frustration, and difficulty bonding with people, learning independence, and reaching their full potential
Signs may include
- •Separation anxiety
- •Fearfulness or insecurity
- •Difficulty learning or focusing
- •Increased reactivity or stress
- •Challenges with socialization
- •A stronger bond with the other puppy and less interest in people
What can happen
- •They rely on each other instead of you
- •More anxiety when separated — even briefly
- •Harder to train and build confidence
- •Higher risk of behavior issues as they grow
- •More behavior challenges and higher return rates once they hit adolescence
Our policy: we adopt puppies one at a time so they can bond with you, build confidence, and grow into their best selves. Adopting one puppy at a time gives them the best chance to become the amazing companion you've been looking for.
Fostering
The Comeback Pack Foster Manual
Everything you need to know as a Comeback Pack foster — what's provided, what's expected, and how to help your foster dog get adopted.
What we provide
- •A crate, leash, and martingale collar
- •Dog food, and toys and treats when available
- •Blankets or a bed, plus any other supplies you need
- •Ongoing veterinary care and guidance for the length of the placement
What we ask of you
- •Keep the martingale collar on at all times — it prevents slipping out when spooked
- •Leash your foster, even in the yard, for the first 1–3 weeks
- •Skip public spaces and outings for unvaccinated puppies
- •Get prior approval before any non-emergency vet visit
- •Give us at least 2 weeks' notice if you need a break or are going on vacation
Foster commitments typically last until the dog is adopted — we're with you every step of the way with supplies, medical care, and guidance.
Foster Care Agreement
The agreement every Comeback Pack foster signs, covering ownership, care expectations, safety rules, and what happens if you'd like to adopt your foster dog.
What the agreement covers
- •The dog remains the sole property of The Comeback Pack throughout the foster placement
- •Decompression, handling, and safety expectations, including leash and collar rules
- •Approval required before any non-emergency veterinary care
- •Notification requirements for illness, injury, escape, or other incidents
If you fall in love with your foster
- •Let us know before any adoption applications are received from the public
- •You'll still need to complete the standard application and approval process
- •Ownership transfers only once the application is approved, the agreement is signed, and the adoption fee is paid in full
This is a reference copy — final terms are reviewed and signed when a dog is placed in your care.
Bringing Your Dog Home
The First 3 Days — Decompression & the 3-3-3 Rule
Your dog isn't being "bad" — they're decompressing. What to expect in the first few days, and the 3-3-3 Rule for settling in.
The 3-3-3 Rule
- •3 days: feeling scared, overwhelmed, and unsure — learning they're safe
- •3 weeks: starting to settle in, learning your routine, showing their true personality
- •3 months: feeling like part of the family — comfortable, confident, and bonded with you
Tips for the first few days
- •Keep things low-key — no dog parks, breweries, or family gatherings yet
- •Lower your expectations — focus on eating, sleeping, and going potty outside
- •Expect potty accidents, even from house-trained dogs
- •Don't judge your dog by day 3 — give them time and grace
Adoption Is a Journey: Don't Make a Permanent Decision During a Temporary Transition
One in six adopted dogs is returned, and when returns happen, a majority happen within the first three weeks. We don't believe one in six dogs simply turned out to be the "wrong dog." We believe too many adopters are making a forever decision during what can be the absolute hardest part of adoption.
What the numbers say
- •About 1 in 6 adopted dogs (roughly 16%) is returned, according to a large U.S. study
- •When returns happen, a majority occur within the first three weeks
- •We don't believe 1 in 6 isn't a good fit; we believe many adopters get overwhelmed when their new dog is acting their worst during the early adjustment period, while they're still decompressing, figuring things out, and learning a whole new life with you
The first few weeks can be really hard
- •Sleepless nights, accidents in the house, chewed or ruined furniture, baby gates and dog crates, crate protests, stressful walks, puppy teething
- •A dog who hides in the corner, or one who suddenly seems to have lost every manner they ever had
- •Somewhere in the middle of all that, it's really easy to wonder, "Did we make a mistake?" We've fostered hundreds of animals over the years, and even we have had moments in those first few weeks when there were tears
- •Experience doesn't make those first weeks easy; it just means we've been through them enough times to know that this, too, shall pass
The real 3-3-3 rule
- •3 days, decompressing: your dog may be shut down, overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, or unusually quiet; you probably aren't seeing their full personality yet
- •3 weeks, figuring it out: they're starting to feel safer but are still confused about the rules, routines, and what's expected of them; their behavior may actually seem worse as they become more comfortable
- •3 months, testing boundaries: your dog may test boundaries as they learn what works in their new home; with consistency, patience, and training, this is when things often begin to feel more predictable and comfortable
- •It isn't a countdown to a perfect dog; three days, three weeks, and three months aren't magical deadlines, they're reminders that adjustment takes months, not days
Give them a chance to become your dog
- •Before you decide it isn't working, give them time
- •Give them consistency
- •Give them a chance to become your dog
- •There's no such thing as the perfect dog, but with patience, consistency, and training, for both ends of the leash, the dog in front of you just might become the perfect dog for you
We know that's not what anyone wants to hear. We wish there were an easy button. There isn't. But we've lived through those difficult first weeks over and over again, and we know what can be waiting on the other side: the dog settles, you learn each other, the chaos becomes a routine, and the dog who felt completely overwhelming starts becoming part of the family. See our First 3 Days guide for what to expect while your dog decompresses.
New Adoption Safety Guide — Preventing Escapes in the First Days
The first week home is when newly adopted dogs are most likely to go missing. Here are the biggest escape risks — and how every Comeback Pack adoption helps prevent them.
Top escape risks in the first days
- •Bolting from the car — the first time your dog steps out of the vehicle can be the highest-risk moment of the adoption
- •Slipping out of a regular collar — a frightened dog can back out of one in seconds
- •Losing control indoors — a brand-new dog doesn't know your routine yet
- •Unfamiliar yard escapes — a new environment can be overwhelming, and they may test every boundary
- •Opening the front door — many newly adopted dogs who go missing escape through an open front door before they've learned they're safe
What's included with every adoption
- •A travel harness with a seat belt clip, so your dog stays secured until you're holding their leash firmly
- •A properly fitted martingale collar for every walk during the adjustment period
- •A leash — keep it clipped on for supervised freedom during the first several days
- •Microchipping, with The Comeback Pack listed as the backup contact so shelters and vets can help reunite you
Go slow and stay consistent — every small step builds a stronger bond. See our First 3 Days guide for the full 3-3-3 Rule timeline.
A Microchip Is the Way Home — Registering Your Dog's Chip
Every dog we adopt out is microchipped, but a chip only works if it's registered to your current contact information. Here's how to register it, and how to keep it working.
What a microchip is
- •A tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted just under your dog's skin
- •It holds a unique ID number that shelters, vets, and rescues can scan to reunite you with your dog
- •Here's the key: it only works if it's registered with your current contact information
Which chip your dog has
- •Most of our dogs are microchipped with Fi
- •You'll receive a Fi QR code card in your adoption packet
- •If your adopted dog has a different brand of microchip, we'll give you instructions for your brand
How to register your Fi microchip
- •Scan the QR code on the yellow Fi card we provided, using your phone's camera
- •Create an account or log in — you'll be taken to the Fi Nano registration page
- •Enter your dog's info — name, breed, date of birth, and any other requested details
- •Confirm the chip number — the 15-digit number should auto-populate; if it doesn't, enter it manually from your card
- •Complete the registration by adding your contact information — and you're all set
- •No QR code handy? You can also register directly at nano.fitracking.com/register
Important reminders
- •Keep your phone number and email up to date in your Fi account
- •If you move or change numbers, log in and update your info
- •A microchip is not a GPS tracker — it has to be scanned to work
- •Always keep a current ID tag on your dog's collar as the first line of defense
When you register your Fi microchip, The Comeback Pack is listed as the backup contact, and we require that it stays that way. You are the primary contact — we're the backup, so if your contact information ever changes or something happens, we can still be reached to help get your dog home.
8 Signs Your Foster Dog Is Finally Feeling Safe
Decompression takes time. Here are some of the little signs that your foster or newly adopted dog is beginning to settle in.
The 8 signs
- •They finally sleep deeply — longer, deeper naps mean they're starting to feel safe
- •They start playing with toys — curiosity returning is a sign they're beginning to heal
- •They begin eating with confidence — calmer, more predictable mealtimes
- •Their true personality starts to shine — confidence grows and their silly side comes out
- •They choose to be close to you — sitting by you or following you from room to room
- •They invite you to play — joy is a huge step on the road to healing
- •They settle into a routine — a favorite nap spot or go-to toy says "I belong here"
- •They start testing boundaries — often the biggest sign yet that they feel safe enough to push them
If it feels like your foster is "getting worse" once they start testing boundaries, it's often the opposite — stay calm, stay consistent, and keep routines predictable.
Introducing Your New Dog to Other Dogs in the Home
A slow, safe, step-by-step plan for introducing your new dog to the dogs already in your home.
A slow, safe introduction plan
- •Keep them separate at first, in their own room
- •Barrier introductions — let them sniff through a door or gate
- •Controlled, leashed meet & greets in a neutral space
- •Use a long line in the home for supervised freedom
- •Gradually increase freedom as they show relaxed body language
- •Build positive associations with treats, praise, and affection
Read their body language
- •Good signs: soft eyes, loose wagging tail, play bows, taking breaks
- •Signs of stress: stiff body, hard stare, growling, lunging, tucked tail
Rushing introductions is the #1 reason dogs don't get along — go at their pace.
Training
Potty Training Success Guide
Every dog can learn with consistency, supervision, and positive reinforcement — for puppies and adult rescue dogs alike.
Puppies
- •Take them outside every 1–2 hours, and after waking, eating, or playing
- •Use the same potty spot every time
- •Celebrate with praise and a treat within 2–3 seconds of success
- •Most puppies can only "hold it" about one hour per month of age
Adult rescue dogs
- •Even previously house-trained dogs may have accidents during the first few weeks
- •Take them out on a consistent schedule — morning, after meals, after naps, before bed
- •Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner
- •Remember the 3-3-3 Rule — many rescue dogs need time to decompress first
Health & Wellness
Vaccination & Spay/Neuter Information
What's included in your adoption fee, and how our spay/neuter policy works.
Vaccinations (included)
- •Puppies under 4 months receive 4 DA2PP vaccinations, given every 2–3 weeks
- •Every dog receives one Bordetella vaccine
- •Rabies vaccine given before adoption, or at time of spay/neuter for puppies
- •Every dog is microchipped prior to adoption
Spay & neuter policy
- •All adult dogs are spayed/neutered prior to adoption
- •Puppies must be spayed or neutered between 4 and 6 months of age, unless a licensed vet recommends waiting until 1 year old (documentation required)
- •Included with our approved veterinary partners in Wildomar
- •Or use your own licensed vet — we reimburse up to $200 with a valid certificate
Help Your Dog Through Fireworks
Fireworks can be scary for dogs, but a little preparation can make a big difference — tips for keeping your dog calm and safe.
Before the fireworks start
- •Keep them indoors — close windows, curtains, and blinds
- •Create background noise with the TV, calming music, or a white noise machine
- •Keep them busy with a stuffed Kong, lick mat, chew, or puzzle toy
- •Create a safe space — let them hide in a crate or quiet room if they want to
- •Exercise early — a long walk or play session before dark helps burn off nervous energy
During the fireworks
- •Double-check ID tags and microchip information
- •Secure your home — keep doors and gates locked, especially with guests coming and going
- •Stay calm — dogs take cues from us, so speak softly and act as though everything is normal
- •Talk to your vet ahead of time if your dog has severe anxiety — prescription medication can be very effective
Never force your dog to "face their fears." Giving them a safe place to retreat is one of the kindest things you can do.
Volunteering
Neighborhood Ambassador Guide
Everything a Neighborhood Ambassador needs: what the role is, the rules for posting our dogs in community groups, and exactly what we ask you to do.
The ambassador rules
- •Only use approved photos and information — post the materials we provide, and don't change any details about the dog
- •Direct interested people to The Comeback Pack — send them to thecomebackpack.org to learn more and apply
- •Direct questions to us — please don't guess or give advice
- •Never promise a dog to anyone — all adoption decisions are made by The Comeback Pack
- •Follow community rules — only post where rescue or adoption posts are allowed
- •Be kind and courteous — represent The Comeback Pack professionally and don't argue with commenters
- •Protect privacy — never share addresses, phone numbers, or private information about our dogs, volunteers, fosters, or adopters
- •Share what works — let us know which groups and communities are great for our dogs
What we want you to do
- •We send you approved photos and a ready-to-post message
- •Share it on Nextdoor and/or appropriate Facebook and community groups
- •Choose communities where the dog might reach potential adopters
- •Direct interested people to thecomebackpack.org
- •That's it!
We handle all applications, screening, and adoptions — your part is getting our dogs seen. Ready to start? Apply on our Volunteer page and check “Neighborhood Ambassador (Networking dogs)”.
Planning Ahead
Who Will Care for Your Pets If You Can't?
In rescue, we've seen it time and again: someone dies, and the pets they loved are suddenly left with nowhere to go. In California, pets are generally treated as personal property for estate-planning purposes, which means your estate plan can, and should, address what happens to them.
Step 1: Will or living trust?
- •Your overall estate plan may involve a Will, a Living Trust, or both, depending on your circumstances; the first step is determining which tool you need
- •If you own real estate, a Living Trust is often an important tool for transferring your assets while avoiding probate
- •If you don't own real estate and have a relatively simple estate, a Will may be sufficient for your needs
- •Either way, don't forget to plan for your pets
Option 1: Name a pet caregiver
- •Choose someone you trust to take your pets if you die, and name a backup, too; circumstances change, and your first choice may eventually be unable to help
- •Talk to them now; don't surprise someone with a dog in your estate plan
- •Your caregiver could even be a rescue or other organization, but only if you've made arrangements with that organization in advance
- •Some rescues may agree to accept and rehome pets after an owner's death, sometimes in connection with a charitable gift
Option 2: Caregiver plus a cash gift
- •Your estate plan can provide that your designated caregiver receives a specified amount if they accept responsibility for your pets
- •Once an outright cash gift belongs to the caregiver, you generally lose control over exactly how that money is spent
- •For a modest amount, that may be perfectly acceptable
- •If you want to leave a significant amount for your pets, with greater assurance that it will actually be used for them, look at a Pet Trust
Option 3: Create a pet trust
- •A Pet Trust allows money to be set aside specifically for the care of your animals; California law expressly recognizes trusts for the care of animals
- •Rather than handing a large sum directly to the caregiver, your Living Trust can provide that, after your death, a specified amount is held separately for your pets
- •You name a Pet Caregiver, the person who physically cares for your pets, and a Trustee, a different person who manages the money and makes distributions for their care
- •Your caregiver can request funds for veterinary care, food, medications, grooming, boarding, and other appropriate expenses
- •This creates checks and balances: one person loves and cares for your pets, while another oversees the money you've set aside for them
- •When the last covered pet dies, your estate plan can specify who or what organization receives any money remaining in the Pet Trust
Don't leave their future to chance. Whether your plan is as simple as naming a trusted friend or as comprehensive as a funded Pet Trust, make the decision while you're here to make it: choose your people, talk to them, name backups, put your wishes in writing, and make sure someone knows what to do if you don't come home. This material is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Estate-planning laws and individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified estate-planning attorney about the right plan for you and your pets.