Pet-Friendly Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Near Me
Anyone who has ever loved a pet knows how strong that bond can be. Pets provide companionship and emotional support and can offer physical and psychological benefits for people with disabilities and mental health disorders. For people considering rehab for addiction, the thought of leaving their pet behind for 30 days or more can seem unfathomable. The good news is that many treatment facilities welcome emotional support and service animals on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about pet-friendly treatment centers below.
Can I Bring My Cat or Dog to Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
Are there rehabs that accept dogs or cats? In short, it depends. There are many reasons why people may wish to bring their cat, dog, or other pet to rehab. Some people may not have the means to board their pet, while some people may rely on an emotional support animal (ESA) or service animal to support them with day-to-day activities. The good news is that there are programs that are pet-friendly, and there are rehabs that accept dogs and cats.
While some treatment centers that allow pets may permit you to bring your cat, dog, or other pet, we recommend calling ahead to confirm if the treatment facility is pet-friendly and any policies they have regarding animals. For example, some treatment facilities may allow ESAs and service dogs but not other pets.
Can I Bring an Emotional Support Animal to Rehab?
It may be possible to bring an emotional support animal (ESA) to treatment, depending on the facility. Deciding to enter rehab can be a stressful time for those suffering from addiction and other mental health disorders. That’s why many facilities allow emotional support dogs to accompany their owners through treatment on a case-by-case basis.
ESAs provide support for owners who need companionship and emotional support due to a mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression.1 To legally be considered an ESA, the animal must be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional.1 ESAs are not service dogs, and as a result, there are certain restrictions as to where they can accompany their owners.1 For example, ESAs generally can’t accompany people into restaurants or shopping malls.1
There are, however, some accommodations for ESAs that are mandated by federal law. The Fair Housing Act includes emotional support animals under the umbrella of assistance animals, and therefore, pet bans, pet deposits, and other pet-related restrictions are waived.1
Can I Bring a Service Animal to Rehab?
Like ESAs, service dogs are welcome on a case-by-case basis at many treatment facilities.
Similarly, deciding to enter rehab can be stressful for those with disabilities. Service dogs are trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, which include tasks such as alerting a deaf person, guiding a visually impaired person, or pulling a wheelchair.2 Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are generally permitted to go everywhere their owner goes.2
Animal-Assisted Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) involves counselors, social workers, or therapists who use animals in treatment therapies. AAT is designed to help achieve certain objectives in treatment through interaction with an animal.3
AAT can be effective when used in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions for people who have co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.3 AAT has been shown to help improve a patient’s overall health and well-being by enhancing emotional regulation, increasing empathy and self-control, and decreasing anxiety and stress.2
For people with a dual diagnosis (experiencing a co-occurring mental health disorder and addiction), studies show that AAT, carried out in an inpatient addiction treatment facility along with traditional therapeutic interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can improve life skills and reduce impulsiveness.3 Another benefit of AAT is sustained patient engagement. Keeping a patient committed and engaged during treatment can be one of the more challenging obstacles that therapists face.3 However, animals can help keep a patient feeling confident and safe during treatment and help build a strong therapeutic alliance.3
How to Find Pet-Friendly Rehab Centers Near Me
Don’t want to choose between getting help and staying with your pet? Pet-friendly rehab centers allow you to recover with your furry companion by your side, offering comfort and emotional support throughout treatment. Find rehabs near you that welcome pets. Search by insurance provider, level of addiction treatment, location, and more.