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Starting the journey to recovery from alcohol or drug addiction is challenging, and leaving behind a beloved pet can make it even more difficult. Pets provide comfort, companionship, and unconditional love—essential qualities during times of change and healing. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 86% of pet owners report their pets have positively impacted their mental health, and 88% consider their pets family.
At Healthy Life Recovery in San Diego, we recognize the powerful bond between pet owners and their animals. That’s why we’re proud to offer pet-friendly and evidence-based treatment, allowing clients and their loved ones to bring their pets to rehab as they work toward a healthier, substance-free life. Our approach creates a supportive environment where you and your companion can be together, making it easier to focus on recovery.
Why Pets Are Beneficial in Addiction Recovery
Having a pet by your side during addiction recovery offers many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Pets provide comfort, reduce stress, and bring structure to each day, helping to make the journey to recovery smoother and more positive, especially for those with a dual diagnosis. Here’s how pets can enhance addiction treatment programs:
Emotional Support and Companionship
Pets offer unconditional love and companionship, which can alleviate stress, reduce feelings of anxiety, and combat loneliness during difficult moments in recovery. A 2023 study published by Addiction Science & Clinical Practice shows that dog ownership enhances social support and reduces isolation for individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), helping to foster stability and improve recovery outcomes. Having a pet nearby provides a sense of security and stability, offering comfort in times of vulnerability and helping clients feel less isolated.
Accountability and Motivation
Caring for a pet provides a daily sense of responsibility and adds structure to each day—essential elements in early recovery. Clients are motivated to stay grounded and maintain a healthy lifestyle because a pet relies on them for care and well-being. Pets can also remind their owners to prioritize self-care, as their furry friends depend on them to be healthy and present.
Mental Health Benefits
Numerous studies highlight the mental health benefits of having a pet, showing that pets can increase serotonin and dopamine levels, which naturally enhance mood and combat symptoms of depression and anxiety. Pets are especially beneficial for people managing long-term mental health disorders, making them invaluable companions in a holistic recovery approach.
Social Benefits and Community Building
Pets are natural social facilitators, providing clients with opportunities for social interactions. Bringing a pet into communal spaces can help initiate conversations and encourage social engagement, making connecting with others in recovery more accessible. For many clients, pets serve as “social icebreakers,” fostering connections and a sense of community that can be vital to their recovery process.
Routine and Physical Activity
Pets, especially dogs, encourage daily routines that include exercise and outdoor activity. These routines benefit clients and their pets by promoting physical health, stress relief, and a healthy daily rhythm. For clients at inpatient drug rehab centers, engaging in regular physical activity with their pets helps establish a balanced lifestyle, supports overall well-being, and contributes to long-term recovery success.
What to Expect from a Pet-Friendly Treatment Center in California
Healthy Life Recovery believes pets are essential to healing from substance abuse, so we go beyond simply allowing pets on-site. Our outpatient treatment facility and detox center are designed to support you and your pet, creating a welcoming, supportive space to focus on recovery without leaving your furry friend behind. Here’s what you can expect from our pet-friendly rehab in San Diego and the sober living homes we partner with:
Welcoming Spaces for You and Your Pet
Our San Diego outpatient treatment center provides pet-friendly areas where you and your pet can relax during sessions and breaks. Pets are welcome in our designated common areas, ensuring that they are close by as you work on your recovery goals. We understand the comfort pets bring, and our spaces are designed to accommodate you and your pet’s needs.
Outdoor Spaces and Pet-Friendly Areas
Healthy Life Recovery has access to outdoor areas with walking paths where pets can exercise, explore, and enjoy the fresh Southern California air. Spending time outdoors with your pet encourages physical activity, relaxation, and quality bonding time, all of which benefit the recovery process. We are here to support your well-being.
Pet Support During Detox
For clients undergoing detox treatment in San Diego, having a pet nearby can provide emotional stability during this challenging phase. While you receive medical and therapeutic support to detox safely, our team can assist with pet care needs, including feeding and walking, to ensure your pet remains happy and comfortable. This additional support lets you focus entirely on your recovery while knowing your pet is in caring hands.
After you leave our recovery center, we will help you find a sober living home and aftercare program that accepts pets.
Emotional Support in Therapy
Taking your pet to rehab can enhance the therapeutic experience by providing additional emotional support. Pets can help ease anxiety in therapy sessions, offering comfort and a calming presence. The bond you share with your pet can encourage emotional openness, helping you progress in therapy and improving your recovery experience.
What Pets Are Allowed at Healthy Life Recovery?
Healthy Life Recovery welcomes many pets and emotional support animals. We know that each person’s needs and preferences vary, so we consider several types of animals as potential companions during the recovery process. Our recovery center has general guidelines and requirements to ensure a safe and harmonious environment for all clients and pets.
While dogs and cats are the most common pets brought into our facility, we also accept smaller animals, such as birds, rabbits, and other pets, on a case-by-case basis. We encourage clients interested in bringing pets other than dogs or cats to contact our admissions team early to confirm their pets can join them in our treatment programs.
Health and Safety Requirements
For the safety and well-being of everyone at Healthy Life Recovery, all pets must meet specific health and behavior standards. Required documentation includes up-to-date vaccinations, a recent health check, and relevant behavioral records. Pets should be well-behaved and comfortable around other people and animals to maintain a peaceful environment. Our staff can assist you with any questions about these requirements, so feel free to reach out.
We recommend contacting our admissions team as early as possible if you wish to bring your pet to rehab. Some pet spaces may be limited, and confirming eligibility ahead of time helps us ensure a smooth admission process. Our admissions team can guide you through the necessary steps, answer any questions about our pet-friendly policies, and confirm your companion is ready to join you in addiction treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet-Friendly Drug Rehabs
We understand you may have questions about bringing a pet to rehab. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our pet-friendly accommodations at Healthy Life Recovery.
Is There an Additional Cost?
Some pet-friendly rehab centers may require an additional fee to bring a pet, including a deposit or extra costs for pet care support if needed. At Healthy Life Recovery, our rehab facility works with each client individually to discuss potential fees and ensure transparency. Contact our admissions team for details on our pet policies and any associated costs.
Is Bringing a Pet to Rehab Covered by Insurance?
Policies for addiction treatment vary widely, and insurance coverage for pet-friendly services is not always included. While most insurance plans focus on covering core treatment expenses, some may not account for additional fees related to pet accommodations. We recommend contacting your insurance provider and our admissions team to discuss options and determine if your policy covers pet-related costs. Our team at Healthy Life Recovery can provide guidance on potential out-of-pocket expenses so you can plan accordingly.
What Are the Responsibilities of Pet Owners?
While we offer support to ensure pets’ needs are met, pet owners are ultimately responsible for their care. This includes feeding, grooming, and keeping your pet clean and healthy. We encourage clients to be mindful of their pet’s needs to create a safe, comfortable environment for everyone at the facility.
What Documentation Is Required?
To ensure the safety and health of all residents and pets, we require up-to-date vaccination records and a recent health certificate for each pet. If your pet has specific behavioral needs or dietary requirements, please inform our team in advance so we can best support you and your pet during your stay.
Can I Bring More Than One Pet to Your Rehab Program?
Policies regarding multiple pets vary by treatment facility. At Healthy Life Recovery, we typically accommodate one pet per client but may consider additional pets depending on space availability and the needs of other clients. Please contact admissions to discuss arrangements if you plan to bring more than one pet.
How to Get Started at Healthy Life Recovery with Your Pet
If you’re ready to begin our rehab program with your pet by your side, Healthy Life Recovery is here to help you through each step of the admissions process. Here’s how to get started:
Contact Admissions
Contact our admissions team to discuss your needs and let us know your intention to bring a pet. Our team will walk you through the specifics of our pet-friendly policies and help answer any questions about our facility, treatment plan, insurance coverage, and pet accommodations.
Prepare Pet Documentation
Please have your pet’s documentation ready to ensure a smooth admission process. This includes up-to-date vaccination records, recent health certificates, and relevant behavioral records. These documents help us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all clients and pets at our facility.
Review Pet Policies
Our admissions team will review Healthy Life Recovery’s pet policies with you, including guidelines on pet care, safety standards, and any requirements for bringing a pet. Reviewing these policies in advance helps ensure a smooth transition for you and your pet, allowing you to focus on settling into your new environment and beginning your recovery.
We strive to make your addiction treatment at Healthy Life Recovery as comfortable as possible so you and your pet feel welcome and supported from day one. If you have any questions or need assistance with the admission steps, our team is here to guide you.
Contact Our Pet-Friendly Drug Rehab in Southern California Today
Choosing a pet-friendly rehab allows you to begin your recovery journey without leaving behind a loyal companion who brings comfort and stability into your life. At Healthy Life Recovery in San Diego, our drug and alcohol rehab center is committed to providing a nurturing environment where you and your pet can heal together. With pet-friendly treatment options, supportive staff, and holistic care tailored to each individual, Healthy Life Recovery offers the unique opportunity to work toward sobriety alongside your beloved pet.
Take the first step toward a healthier, substance-free life with your pet by your side. Contact us today to learn more about our pet-friendly rehab programs in San Diego and discover how we can support you and your furry friend during addiction treatment.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Sanjai Thankachen
Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in New York. Dr. Thankachen is currently working with Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists in an outpatient practice, as well as working at multiple in-patient psychiatric and medical units bringing his patients the most advanced healthcare treatment in psychiatry. Dr. Thankachen sees patients with an array of disorders, including depression, bipolar illness, schizophrenia, anxiety, and dementia-related problems.
Edited for Clinical Accuracy By:
Sean Leonard, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sean Leonard is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his master’s degree in adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner from Walden University and a second postmaster specialty in psychiatry mental health nurse practitioner from Rocky Mountain University. Sean has experience working in various diverse settings, including an outpatient clinic, inpatient detox and rehab, psychiatric emergency, and dual diagnosis programs. His specialty areas include substance abuse, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.
1: Americans note overwhelming positive mental health impact of their pets in new poll; Dogs and cats. (2023). American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/News-room/News-Releases/Positive-Mental-Health-Impact-of-Pets
2: Kerr-Little, A., Bramness, J. G., Newberry, R. C., & Biong, S. (2023). Exploring dog ownership in the lives of people with substance use disorder: A qualitative study. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-023-00411-z
3: Marie, S. (2022, April 15). 10 mental health benefits of pets. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/pets-and-mental-health