What To Do If You Can’t Bring Your Pet To Rehab

he decision to seek residential treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is an essential step toward recovery, but it may present numerous challenges for pet owners. The unique bond between people and their animal companions runs deep, and the prospect of being without a pet during treatment can create anxiety and become a barrier to getting help. There are many solutions to this issue so that people with dogs or cats can attend a recovery program without the added stress of worrying about their furry friend.

According to one survey conducted in 2022, 40% of pet owners feel guilty and have separation anxiety when leaving their pets, and 60% worry that their pet may injure itself if left alone. While there’s no substitute for the companionship and emotional support of an animal, knowing that a pet will be taken care of in the owner’s absence will help people focus on their recovery while in treatment.

Options For You And Your Pet During Substance Abuse Treatment

Below are some of the ways you can ensure that your pet is safe while you get the addiction care you need.

Leave The Pet With A Friend Or Loved One

One way to make sure your pet is comfortable is to enlist a trusted family member or friend to care for them while you’re in an inpatient program. Choosing someone who already has a relationship with your pet will provide peace of mind knowing your animal is with a familiar person who understands their routines and unique needs. To make this arrangement successful, you may want to have your loved one stay at your home rather than relocating the animal to their residence. This helps the pet not get stressed about being in a new environment while also coping with your absence.

Board The Pet During Treatment

Professional pet boarding centers offer a supervised environment for your dog or cat during your stay in treatment. These facilities will feed, exercise, socialize, and sometimes even groom the pet. Staff members in pet boarding centers are trained to monitor pets’ health and treat them if any concerns arise. This option does come with financial considerations, as the national average cost for dog boarding ranges between $20 and $120 per night. This means that during a 30-day residential program, you may incur a $600 expense or much more for boarding services.

Consider Attending An Outpatient Rehab Program

Some people may not be able to arrange a boarding stay or for a friend to watch their pets. In this scenario, outpatient rehab programs offer a good alternative to residential treatment. Outpatient programs are flexible, allowing clients to return home each evening to care for their pets. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are beneficial for people who have completed medical detox or residential treatment and are transitioning back to regular life. In an IOP, clients will attend therapy sessions and classes during scheduled hours several times per week, while being able to maintain responsibilities at home.

Find A Pet-Friendly Drug And Alcohol Rehab Center

There are addiction treatment facilities that allow clients to bring their pets with them. These pet-friendly rehab programs believe that the comfort of having an animal companion can reduce stress and anxiety during treatment.

If bringing your pet with you is your preference, start by researching facilities and contacting rehab centers to inquire about their pet policies. You will likely need to provide documentation of vaccinations and health certificates. While this option will certainly limit your choice of facilities, the benefits of keeping your pet with you could make the extra expense worthwhile.

Hire A Pet Sitter To Stay At Your Home

Professional pet sitters can stay at your home and allow your pet to remain in a familiar environment during your treatment. This service usually includes daily visits or overnight stays to provide feeding, exercise, medication administration, and companionship for your dog or cat. Pet sitters charge around $25 to $30 per day for basic services, while overnight sitting may cost up to $85 or more. When hiring a pet sitter, use reputable services with high Google reviews and positive testimonials from past customers. It’s also advised to arrange a meeting between the sitter and your pet before you leave to ensure compatibility.

Common Reasons Pets Aren’t Allowed In Drug Rehab Programs

Understanding why many facilities don’t allow pets can help you accept these limitations and take the right steps to get help.

The most common reasons include:

• staff and client allergies that may be exacerbated by pets
• liability issues related to animal behavior problems
• space limitations in the residential facility
• sanitation requirements in medical settings
• the potential for pets to disrupt therapy sessions and other activities
• the inability of staff to manage both human and animal needs
• insurance regulations that may restrict animals

These restrictions exist not to discourage treatment but to make sure the environment is conducive to sobriety for all clients.

Why Finding Pet Care Is Important For Your Recovery Journey

Getting appropriate care for your pet isn’t just about fulfilling a responsibility. When you know your pet is safe, you can fully engage in treatment without feeling worried or guilty for leaving them. Without adequate pet care, you may be incapable of focusing on your treatment, which will undermine progress or even compel you to leave the program early.

By acknowledging that a temporary separation may be necessary for your long-term health, you’re demonstrating commitment to getting and staying sober. It’s important to keep in mind that treatment will benefit you and your pet and will ultimately result in your return as a healthier and more present person.

Your desire to eventually reunite with your animal companion can be a powerful motivator to get through treatment. By making the effort to prioritize your health and making arrangements for your pet’s care, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success and a joyous reunion when you return home.

Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment Today

Take a look at our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more helpful information on substance abuse treatment options.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff