Rehab Centers That Offer Pet-Friendly Programs

For many people, one of the major barriers to seeking treatment for substance use is having to leave a pet behind. The good news is that rehab programs are starting to acknowledge the benefits of having an animal with you during treatment, and some are now accepting pets. Whether you have an emotional support animal (ESA), a service animal or a regular pet, finding a pet-friendly rehab center can make treatment more accessible and support long-term recovery.

Pet-friendly drug rehab centers are still less common and may not be available everywhere. Most pet-friendly rehab programs are luxury treatment centers that offer private rooms and have more space than standard treatment facilities. 

Many rehab centers don’t have the means to house animals alongside patients, or the program may not be suited to animal companions, such as in detox programs. Rehab programs that accept animals usually have requirements for pets, including specific animal types or vaccination requirements. These rules may differ for service animals, which have greater legal protections.

Many rehabs that accept pets will list this benefit on their websites. If you’re not sure whether a treatment center is animal-friendly, you can ask about this during the initial phone consultation.

What pets are allowed in a rehab center depends on which facility you choose, as they all have different rules. Dogs and cats are the most commonly allowed pets in rehab centers. Having the comfort and familiarity of a pet can help relieve some of the stress surrounding the transition into treatment. 

Some facilities may allow other small pets, such as hamsters, gerbils, fish and reptiles on a case-by-case basis with certain requirements. Some pet-friendly facilities may only allow service animals or emotional support animals.

Service animals are working animals instead of pets. They help their owners perform tasks and navigate day-to-day activities that may be affected by their disability. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals are allowed to enter any public space with their owners.

Businesses are only legally allowed to deny service animal access if it will fundamentally alter the nature of the services, which could be possible in a medical treatment center like a rehab.

Emotional support animals also aren’t considered pets but have a different designation than service animals. ESAs provide their owners with emotional support and comfort, which can be helpful for those with mental health disorders. You may need a written letter from a mental health provider stating how the animal helps you, and they’re not allowed into as many spaces as service animals.

According to Mental Health America, almost 70% of American households include a pet, and these people may be getting a mental health boost as a result. Approximately two-thirds of pet owners believe their animals help reduce stress, and more than half report reduced anxiety and depression around their pets. These benefits may extend to the rehab setting. 

Some people find that having their pet with them through treatment gives them a sense of purpose. They may feel like they have something else to work for in their recovery journey. 

Bringing a pet with you and having something familiar around may also ease the transition into a recovery program. Having your pet to take care of may make it easier to build a routine in sobriety.

While ESAs are specifically designated to provide emotional support, even regular pets can offer comfort and unconditional love during treatment. If you find yourself struggling during treatment, having your pet by your side can provide a healthy distraction or coping mechanism that takes the place of substances.

Some types of rehab programs may be more likely to allow pets than others. Factors like level of care, space availability and types of treatment offered can factor into this decision.

Inpatient and residential rehabs are programs where you stay in a designated facility for treatment. These programs are usually the most intensive and provide a heavily structured rehab schedule.

Inpatient and residential rehabs may be the most likely programs to allow pets to stay with you on-site because they may offer private rooms or have grounds where you can let a pet out for exercise. Some programs may only allow service animals or ESAs. Be sure to check with the facility you’re considering to confirm their pet policies.

Outpatient programs are a step down in treatment intensity from inpatient treatment. They don’t require individuals to stay overnight during treatment. Instead, clients travel to the center for treatment, usually several days a week for multiple hours at a time.

Because outpatient programs don’t include living accommodations, some are pet-friendly. Others may have restrictions if space is limited or a pet could disrupt other services.

Sober living homes and transitional housing are living environments designed for people who have completed addiction treatment but don’t feel quite ready to live independently. They provide a sober environment to help you get back into a routine while offering a sense of accountability and community.

The rules for pets in sober housing are often similar to those in apartments. Some programs may allow animals on-site, but there may be certain requirements, such as breed or size restrictions.

Addiction treatment centers that allow pets will likely have some requirements for the animal to be accepted. These may include:

• Being leash trained
• Keeping the pet with you at all times
• Signing  an agreement that you will take care of the animal
• Cleaning up after its messes
• Providing up-to-date vaccination records
• Paying for all animal-related expenses

Rehab programs only accept pets that are trained and well-behaved in public spaces. Some centers may have additional restrictions on the type, breed and size of animal or may require you to provide the service the animal is trained to provide.

A pet-friendly rehab isn’t the same as one that lists animal therapy among its modalities.  Pet-friendly addiction treatment centers allow you to bring your pet with you throughout your treatment. Alternatively, animal therapy uses animal interactions to help clients with their emotional, social and behavioral functioning.

Some benefits of animal therapy may include:

• Increase in beneficial hormones like oxytocin
• Decreased loneliness
• Decreased anxiety or depression
• Providing a sense of comfort
• Decreased physical pain
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Treatment of dual diagnoses or co-occurring disorders

Animal-assisted therapy is an evidence-based treatment that can be helpful for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders. This type of therapy can involve a range of animals and varies depending on the rehab and what facilities they have.

Equine-assisted therapy is an alternative therapy that uses interactions and activities with horses. This can include a wide range of activities, such as horseback riding, cleaning, feeding and grooming.

Equine-assisted therapy can provide a sense of responsibility for people in addiction rehab. Many people also find that the process of building trust with a horse can be healing and helps them reframe their mindset and behavioral patterns.

In canine-assisted therapy, clients work with dogs. Unlike equine-assisted therapy, canine-assisted therapy tends to focus more on spending time with the animal instead of providing care.

Petting and playing with dogs can have many positive effects, including reducing cortisol and lowering blood pressure. Spending time with dogs can also help distract people from their current situation and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Dolphin-assisted therapy is typically offered in locations near the ocean, such as rehabs in California or treatment centers in Florida. It’s rarer than other types of animal-assisted therapy and involves swimming with dolphins in the ocean or interacting with them in a tank. Dolphin-assisted therapy can provide a stress outlet for people in addiction treatment. Additionally, swimming in the ocean can be relaxing and increase happy hormones.

Many pet-friendly centers are luxury treatment facilities, which often cost more.

Factors that may affect the cost of pet-friendly rehab include:

• The type of treatment you are seeking (inpatient, outpatient, sober living)
• Where you live
• The facility you choose
• The kind of animal you have
• Your insurance provider and plan

The level of care also influences the cost of treatment. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, the average costs are:

• Inpatient treatment: $12,500
• Partial hospitalization programs: $12,000 per month
• Outpatient treatment: $5,700 per month
• Medically supervised detox: $525 per day

If your insurance covers the program you choose and they’re pet-friendly, your treatment should be covered as normal. However, insurance providers often have specific requirements for addiction treatment to be covered, such as providing evidence-based care and having licensed providers. 

You usually need a substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis, and there may be limits on how long you can stay in treatment. Verifying your benefits with your insurance provider and the prospective rehab can help you determine coverage in advance and obtain any required preauthorization.

If you’re considering bringing your pet with you to rehab, knowing what to look for when choosing an addiction treatment facility can streamline the process.

Pet-Friendly Staff

A facility may accept pets, but it must also provide a safe environment for them. This starts with having pet-friendly staff.  The best way to determine this is by asking questions about having your pet with you, such as “Will having my animal with me affect the staff?” or “Is the staff comfortable with patients bringing their pets?”

Outdoor Areas for Exercise

Rehab centers with large outdoor areas are ideal for pets. Having the opportunity to take your animal out for exercise, whether it’s a long walk around the grounds or a game of fetch, can benefit you both. Ask whether there are any pet-restricted areas and what times are available in the daily schedule for caretaking duties.

Positive Reviews and Facility Accreditation

Positive reviews and accreditations are important when choosing any treatment center, including a pet-friendly rehab facility. Reviews from previous participants can help you know what to expect from addiction treatment and give you more insight into what it’s like to actually have a pet on-site. 

Look for centers with high star ratings and positive testimonials. Accreditation from the Joint Commission and/or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities (CARF) can be strong indicators of reliable, reputable treatment.

Pet-friendly recovery centers may be a bit harder to come by, but the benefits of having an animal with you during treatment can make the search worth it. 

If you or your loved one is interested in finding a pet-friendly treatment center nearby, give our helpline a call today.