Pet-Friendly Drug Rehab
Medically reviewed by
Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BCApril 22, 2020
You may turn to your pets for emotional support in times of personal crisis. If you’re struggling with addiction, an animal companion can be beneficial for healing. Some rehab centers may allow you to bring pets to treatment as a way to reduce stress and promote a healthy recovery.
Although beneficial for your health, entering a drug rehab center can be emotionally challenging. There are also many barriers when it comes to overcoming addiction and freeing yourself from this disease to start a fresh, sober life.
One barrier that may keep you from entering rehab is having to leave your emotional supports at home. As rehab centers continue to expand their programs and services to meet the needs of different people, you may have the option to bring your pet to treatment.
Benefits Of Pet Therapy
Maybe you’re a cat-lover and you’d rather spend your days getting love and affection from a purring feline. Or maybe you prefer the attention and affection given by man’s best friend. Either way, the connection and love we feel for our pets is an emotional benefit.
Animal therapy has taken off as its own sub-genre of psychological techniques that provide a basic, non-threatening system of advocacy and confidence.
If you’re connected to your pet and you bring it with you to rehab, you’ll likely experience moments when your pet’s silent love will give you a much-needed boost to continue with treatment. Addiction treatment is comprehensive and requires a full commitment.
If you have an attachment to your pet that you feel could help you through this difficult time, a pet-friendly rehab program could benefit you in many ways.
Introducing
virtual care
Get treatment when
and how you need it.
A Familiar Face For Reassurance
Instead of going into a long-term program and feeling completely disconnected from the good parts of your former life, having your pet accompany you can help you feel more comfortable in rehab and reassure you for doing the right thing.
The loved ones in your life who were hurt by your addiction also need their own time of healing. While you give your loved ones space as you attend rehab and focus on recovery, your pet can be a reassuring reminder of home that reinforces your commitment to the program.
Added Emotional Support
You give your pet family, home, and the love it needs. If you bring them to rehab, it’s your turn to receive love and emotional support.
Your rehab program will be challenging and have its ups and downs. You may feel the need to take some time for yourself, but having your pet with you can make it feel as though you have family there to watch over you during difficult times.
Research suggests that many animals sense stress and negative emotion. Taking your pet to rehab can foster added emotional support that can work in-tandem with the support and guidance you receive from peers and professionals caring for you during treatment.
The Strength, Courage, And Optimism To Change
More than anything, having your pet with you during drug rehab can give you the push that you need to continue to get better. Many dogs are energetic and convey a spirit that can motivate your journey to recovery.
The exercise they force upon you and the laughs they so often provide may brighten your days in rehab and reinforce the idea that recovery is possible.
Pet-Assisted Drug Rehab
Some rehab centers allow your pets to stay with you in your room throughout your entire stay. It’s important to note that not all drug rehab centers allow pets to stay long-term, nor do all allow pets to participate in every aspect of a treatment program.
However, here are some ways your pet could assist you in rehab:
- lower your stress levels
- reduce feelings of loneliness
- increase feelings of social support
- boost your mood
- improve your chances of finishing treatment
- other positive health effects
Finding A Pet-Friendly Drug Rehab Center
Getting into a rehab facility that is pet-friendly can be difficult. If this type of treatment is something you’re interested in, you may want to contact treatment centers directly to find out if this is an option.
To learn more about addiction treatment or how an animal can improve your recovery experience, please contact us today.
Article SourcesNews in Health - The Power of Pets
Hope Netterville
September 16th, 2014
I would like more information. I have a alcohol addiction that I have been battling. Thanks
Hope Netterville
September 16th, 2014
I would like more information please. I have an alcohol addiction.
Thanks
Rehab Center
October 21st, 2014
Hey Hope,
Were you able to find help? There are many facilities that are pet friendly and take animals, dogs being one of them. Many treatment centers do not. If you give us a call we can help locate the ones that do.
“Me” Im sorry to hear a drug rehab did not take your dog. Which one was it?
christina
December 2nd, 2014
looking for long term duel treatment facility pet friendly. state insurance oregon with option to transit into society
Rehab Center
January 6th, 2015
Hey Christina, is the type of treatment for yourself or a loved one? Have you tried calling our toll free number?
kera dougherty
January 27th, 2015
Please help me I have a warrent I was suppose to get in a program but I have my dog and I’m homeless but I cant get anywhere to better my self if my dog is not with me and if I go to jail she will go to a pound cuz I have no one to help please take us in and I Will not let you down please get me in today so I don’t lose my life cuz of jail
Rehab Center
February 18th, 2015
Hey Kera, have you tried contacting our hotline? Our rehab advisors can help locate facility and begin your journey to a healthy recovery
Lori A. Hester
March 1st, 2015
I am desperately seeking help for PTSD and drug and alcohol issues. I am trapped by memories alone in darkness except for my companion Scottie a small Shetland sheepdog. He travels everywhere with me. He is very empathetic and knows when I am becing stressed, anxious or afraid. I am desperately looking for a facility that allows my best friend. He is the only thing that is a calm constant in the chaos of my mind. I have Tricare insurance. I hope you can help Scottie and I stay together
Rehab Center
March 2nd, 2015
Hey Lori,
We certainly understand the comfort a pet brings to a person, especially during a crisis. Many facilities don’t allow pets but we have come into contact with smaller rehabilitation facilities that will make an exception from time to time. Give us a call and one of our rehab advisors can guide you through this process and start on your journey to a healthy, happy recovery.
Lisa
March 23rd, 2015
I must find a treatment center in Florida for dual-diagnosis in-patient (hopefully long term 60-90days) that will allow my small dog to come too. I have Florida Blue insurance. Thank you
Mary
July 25th, 2015
I live in Florida but I don’t have a job or insurance. I have a 7 lb well behaved dog and I would like to find a rehab that she can come with me. Please write back if you have a list of locations that accept both of us I would greatly appreciate. Thank you, Mary
blaine marvel
August 6th, 2015
Where are dog friendly rehabs
jessy
January 10th, 2016
I’m looking for a pet friendly facility for me and my dog. I have PTSD (I assume), and am court ordered with CPS taking my only child from me. I have no family or friends to leave my pet with. Please help me help myself. I don’t want to lose my parental rights for my 8 month old daughter. I’m desperate and in a dier emergency. I need to go asap. In Pasadena, California. Thank you.
admin
January 11th, 2016
A pet is like family. It is important to take care of them. We will be able to find a facility that will take your dog. Please call us on the number above and we will guide you.
jennifer hevey
March 2nd, 2016
Just interested
admin
March 11th, 2016
Hi Jennifer, what exactly are you interested in?
Nikkie
April 7th, 2016
Is this service based in England please? I’m desperate for help and the rehab that offered me a bed which I’m currently on the waiting list for won’t take my princess my dog until I’m in aftercare house. But that’s 4 & 1/2 months away from my girl and I have no idea who can look after in as iv no family or friends. Can anyone help or advice please I’d b so grateful thank you.
RehabCenterNet
April 12th, 2016
Hello, Nikkie. Unfortunately, our services are currently on in the US. We will be sure to let you know should this ever change and we find more treatment centers in England. Good luck!
Amy Thompson
April 19th, 2016
I have my emotional support service dog with me I need to find a treatment center that allows dogs, however I do have a dogsitter on call now, I suffer from strokes and seizures, he helps me through my seizures believe it or not. I need to check myself into a detox center tonight or tomorrow but I do have my dog with me now I need to find one in Washington state
RehabCenterNet
April 21st, 2016
Amy, a representative should have contacted you on Tuesday or Wednesday! If not, please let us know ASAP.
Jonna Harlan
May 10th, 2016
Our daughter is 36 and addicted to opiates and has been in treatment twice. She is getting worse and won’t go back in to treatment because of her dog. We are looking for a treatment center that she can bring her dog with her. We feel like she goes into treatment and wants out as soon as she can to be with her dog and not focusing on her addiction.
RehabCenterNet
May 10th, 2016
Jonna, thank you for reaching out to us! We will have someone contact you via the email address you’ve provided ASAP. In the mean time, if you would like to speak to someone immediately, please reach out to us at 1-800-570-3670
T. Trout
August 8th, 2016
I REALLY DONT KNOW ABOUT ANYTHING ANYMORE. I AM A 42 YEAR OLD FEMALE MARRIED AND MY HUSBAND IS ALSO AN ADDICT, THAT DOESNT THINK HE HAS A PROBLEM. I HAVE MY FATHER WITH DEMITIA/ALZHEIMERS! MY SON AND HIS GIRLFRIEND R HERE ALSO. I NEED AN INPATIENT REHAB THAT WILL EXCEPT ME AND MY 40 POUND PIT BULL!?!? WE HAVE A VERY STRONG EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT! I HAD A MASSIVE HEART ATTACK LAST AUGUST. AND MY BABY WAS JUST A PUPPY AND SHE ALMOST GRIEVED HERSELF TO DEATH. AS WELL AS MYSELF. THE FIRST DAY I WOKE UP ON LIFE SUPPORT SHE WAS THE FIRST “PERSON” I ASKED ABOUT WEN I WOKE UP WAS MY BABY! SHES NOT MEAN OR AGGRESSIVE! SHE JUST LOVES HER MOMMAS!!! AND BOTH OF US NEED A PLACE TO HEAL! IM INA TREATMENT PROGRAM AND I THINK I REALLY NEED INPATIENT TO REALLY REALLY GET BETTER. I HAVE STATE INSURANCE IN WV! SUMONE PLEASE HELP US????!!!
RehabCenterNet
August 8th, 2016
T.Trout – We will have a treatment specialist contact you via email as soon as possible!
PETA jones
August 13th, 2016
HELP PLEASE,I would like to find a free Longfellow rehab that allows my 17 mini foxy(very small not a problem at all )he is in retirement and I want the same but with the abuse with drugs I do and adapter cause I wil just end my life if I can’t get help please help,waiting for ur reply thanku peta
RehabCenterNet
August 15th, 2016
Peta – We are here to help you! A treatment specialist will contact you via the email address you provided us with as soon as possible. Thank you for wanting help!
Adam Mezulic
August 21st, 2016
Have not been wanting to call for help because I love my dog like it was my child. Can’t think of leaving her . Not her fault I’m like this. I’m in texas an can really use your help. I’ll jump into treatment if I can have my dog
RehabCenterNet
August 22nd, 2016
Hi Adam! Thank you for taking the first step to getting help. We will have a treatment specialist reach out to you ASAP via the email address you provided us with.
Trisha
August 23rd, 2016
Im 31 years old and me, my soon to be husband have a drug problem that doesn’t get any better even thou we try it hardest to get clean. We have to have it to go on our a daily lives………. I keep doing the drugs to stop me from reliving my past I have depression, bypoliar, and ptsd. I got a small breed puppies on mother’s day cause my baby that I have had since he was a little puppy was stolen so my fiancé got me this puppie to help me from looseing my baby boy that was stolen . We are looking for a tee gab that allows us two ans my puppies she is is only 14 weeks I’ve had her since she was 3weeks she is very smart, calm and very intentive to my emontional needs. She has to be worth me at all times or she will wine and cry. We are asking for help and to get help very soon. We live in falcon head which is in Oklahoma ten miles east of meritta. We have no kinds of insurance to help us out at all. He can’t work due to him having diabetic ulcers on the bottoms of his feet. Please help us we really really need this very badly. Wet both are wanting the help
RehabCenterNet
August 24th, 2016
Trisha, we will have a treatment specialist contact you via the email address you’ve provided to us.
Trisha Lantrip
August 24th, 2016
Needing help for me and. My fiance to. Get clean. Im 31 and have been struggling with this addiction for 11 years . I do. It to keep me from dealing with my past of being a child and being in a abusive relationship for 10 years. Looseing my kids and all the in between. I have a 15 week old puppy that is my only reason for getting up to do anything at all. I can’t. Leave her. She depends on me for everything like I do her. My fiance and km myself can’t seem to get clean no matter how hard we try. We have to have it to Just to do everything on a day to day basis. We live in Oklahoma 10 miles east of meritta we have no Insurance at all he can’t work due to diabetic ulcers on the bottom of his feet. We are asking for help . Looking for ba place that we can get state funded as well as bringing my. Puppie along to . Please please please help us
RehabCenterNet
August 24th, 2016
Trisha, we are here to help! A treatment specialist will contact you via email to discuss a plan for you and your fiancé.
Jinny
August 25th, 2016
Hello. I have a registered emotional companion dog. I am in a detox facility almost done with my alcohol detox. They said that as long as I furnished my doctors letter and Buddy’s registration, he would be allowed to stay with me throughout the rehab part of my stay. I am in Las Vegas and would prefer to stay in this area. I am looking for a different treatment center to finish out my treatment where I am able to have my service dog with me. I do have really good insurance. Unfortunately, the detox center has my phone…so email is the only way to communicate. Any help would be great!!
Thank You,
[email protected]
RehabCenterNet
August 31st, 2016
Jinny, we will have a treatment specialist contact you via email ASAP! Thank you for reaching out.
Ian
September 6th, 2016
Please forward me information re. pet friendly rehabs accepting NC-BCBS. I am specifically looking for a 28-day addiction program.
RehabCenterNet
September 13th, 2016
Ian, we will have a treatment specialist contact you via the email address you have provided to us. Thank you!
Juliann
September 17th, 2016
I am currently looking for a rehab center that will allow me to bring both of my dogs or at the very least one of them. I am located in Washington state but am willing to travel out of state if necessary. Can you help me find pet friendly centers?
RehabCenterNet
September 19th, 2016
Juliann, we will have a treatment specialist contact you via the email address you’ve provide ASAP!
Susan Maxwell
September 20th, 2016
I’m looking for a rehab center out of state and wish to continue on into sober living .I want to relocate to southern Florida as close to ocean as possible. I be heard of facilities in Boynton Beach, lake Worth and west palm Beach Florida. Looking for pet friendly facilities. I’m desperate to leave asap. Please help.im also looking for Suboxone treatment as I’m a 15 year heroin addict am afraid I don’t have much longer to live
RehabCenterNet
September 20th, 2016
Susan – We are here to get you the help that you need! A treatment specialist will be in contact with you via the email address you’ve provided ASAP.
Ashley
December 6th, 2016
I have a registered service dog, and I think it’s time I look for help for my pain pill addiction!!! I need some guidance on what to do, I’m scared and nervous but I’ve decided this is what I NEED to do for myself!!!!
RehabCenterNet
December 7th, 2016
You are doing the right thing, Ashley! We understand that you’re scared and nervous but we’re here to help you! A treatment specialist will contact you via the email address you provided us ASAP. If you would like to speak to someone over the phone immediately, please give us a call at 888-757-5052.
Arcelia
December 13th, 2016
I am looking for a rehab center that would tame and my pets 2 little dogs . they are my only companions for years and one big reazon to better my life. I have no family or friends to care for them and I am currently homeless. Please help me , I have anthem Insurance or willing to pay a small fee. Thank you
RehabCenterNet
December 13th, 2016
Arcelia,
We are here to help! A treatment specialist will contact you via the email address you provided as soon as possible!
Thank you!
Jessy
December 18th, 2016
I have multiple problems. I’m 36, pregnant, homeless and care for my four year old spudsmackenzie dog. I have no family or friends that I would be able to leave him with. He’s not aggressive at all. He just looks very intimidating. Regarding my pregnancy, why do I always read pregnant women have first priority ? Because I’ve been looking for treatment and only get turned away. No where seems to take me in because I’m first priority. Please help me, I don’t want to lose my baby and my other baby.!
RehabCenterNet
December 19th, 2016
Jessy,
We are here to help! A treatment specialist will contact you via email as soon as possible!
Amanda
February 28th, 2017
I have a 4 lb dog and a cat; both have special needs and are elderly. I have lost nearly everyone I love to Cancer over the last few years and have found myself jumping from abusive relationship to abusive relationship to avoid homelessness. I was diagnosed with PTSD and can’t get clean constantly living with drug addicts. I don’t even have my car to sleep in anymore! I am currently on Medicaid in NY. Is there anywhere that can help me? I used to be very successful and just want help to get my life back.
RehabCenterNet
February 28th, 2017
Amanda – we are here to help you get your life back! One of our treatment specialists will contact you via email as soon as possible.
Amanda
March 1st, 2017
I’m so sorry. I just posted yesterday and realized I provided an old email address that I no longer have access to. I updated with a current email address on this post. My apologies. I truly do appreciate any help or guidance you are able to offer and value your time. Thank you!
RehabCenterNet
March 1st, 2017
Thank you for the updated email address! We have notified our treatment specialists of our email change and will contact you ASAP.
Kim
March 25th, 2017
Could someone please email me a list of pet friendly (specifically dog, I have an 11 year old pug) inpatient/residential treatment center along the Pacific coast(I.e. Washington state, Oregon, & California).
Thanks in advance
-K
Kyle Meade
March 27th, 2017
We would be more than happy to help. Please give us a call and we can provide you with further details! Thank you for reaching out!
Mitzi Dixon
May 2nd, 2017
Im needing a detox & rehab that is dual treatment and that will allow me to have my cat with me. Im in Oklahoma.
Kyle Meade
May 3rd, 2017
Mitzi,
Thank you for reaching out! We want to help you in any way we possible can. We have facilities and treatment programs across the country as well as a vast number of resources available. The best way to get you into detox and treatment would be to have you give us a call as soon as possible. We can then discuss details and taking the first steps. Thank you again.
Tonya
May 8th, 2017
Looking for rehab that will allow my Pomeranian. I’m willing to go wherever I need to. I have insurance and get paid monthly. Please help
Kyle Meade
May 9th, 2017
Thank you for reaching out. We are here to help in any way we can! We have multiple options available for you. The best thing to have you do would be to give us a call as soon as you can. We can discuss details and get everything set up then. Thank you and we look forward to helping you take the first steps on your journey to recovery!