Questions? Call For Help Now

(888) 897-1978

Pet Friendly Rehab In California: Bring Your Pet to Addiction Treatment

Pet Friendly Rehab

There’s no doubting the therapeutic effect that pets can have on people. For this reason, many bring their animals with them wherever they travel. Sometimes, they even bring them to rehab when circumstances allow. Having your pet by your side can often mitigate the side effects of going through withdrawal and provide the comfort that you’re used to. After all, animals are very intuitive. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly rehab in California, here’s some information you should know. 

Can I Bring My Pet to Rehab With Me?

The answer to this question largely depends on the facility. While many may only allow service animals for those who need them due to a medical condition, others may allow pets to accompany you on your rehab journey. 

While there are many reasons pets can be beneficial to the recovery process, the facilities have to look out for all patients attending. Some people may be allergic to specific animals or dander, while others may have a deeply ingrained fear of dogs, for example. Other facilities may not be equipped to deal with pets or have the room, but if you ask them, “can you refer me to pet-friendly rehab centers near me?” they should be able to help.

What Is a Pet-Friendly Rehab?

Pet-friendly rehab centers are those that allow one or more types of animals to join their human friends on their journey. Sometimes, it’s because the patient has nobody else to turn to in their time of need to watch the pet, while for others, it may be because of a reluctance to leave their animals behind for one or more reasons. 

A pet-friendly rehab in California will have the necessary facilities in place to care for the animals. These may include: 

  • An outdoor area for dogs to run
  • Common rooms where pets are allowed
  • Grooming facilities
  • Pet daycare center where animals can go while patients are in treatment sessions
  • Dedicated pet-friendly rooms or wards to protect those who have allergies
  • Air purification systems

Most facilities are happy to provide you with this type of information before you make a decision whether it’s the right one for you.

Types of Pets Allowed in Pet-Friendly Rehab

The types of pets allowed in pet-friendly rehab centers depend on the institution. Some may allow one or more of the following: 

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Hamsters
  • Gerbils
  • Reptiles
  • Fish

To determine which animals your chosen facility accepts, check on their website, or call to speak to an intake specialist.

The Benefits of Pet-Friendly Rehab

Pets bring a certain level of comfort to our lives. Therefore, it’s only natural to want them with you on what’s sure to be one of the toughest journeys of your life, such as if you’re seeking drug treatment in Huntington Beach. There are a number of reasons why there are some pet-friendly rehabs in Southern California that allow patients to bring their animals along.

  1. They promote a sense of responsibility. Anyone who has a pet has to care for them, and for some people, when it seems like they’re spiraling out of control, having responsibilities to fall back on grounds them. 
  2. They’re great for mental health. Some studies show that people who suffer from mental disorders feel a sense of stability and inner peace when they have their pets for company.
  3. They help with social interactions. Nothing is a better icebreaker than bringing your pet around others. It’s a great way to spark conversation and engagement among your peers, which is healthy for people in recovery.
  4. They keep you moving. Those who have dogs know that part of owning one is taking them on regular walks and keeping them busy so they don’t develop destructive behaviors.


How Do I Know If a Rehab Facility Is Truly Pet-Friendly?


Most of the time, rehabs that allow dogs or other pets will advertise it directly on their website. They will usually list all of the requirements for an animal to meet before it’s allowed on the property. These may include: 

  • A friendly temperament
  • Breed restrictions
  • Up-to-date on all vaccinations and physicals
  • Certification (for service animals) 
  • Vet references
  • A planned meet and greet with the staff before permission is granted

If you’re not sure the facility you’re considering is a pet-friendly rehab, it’s best to reach out to them and get all of the information. Also, be sure to ask any pertinent questions, such as what happens to your pet in an emergency.

pet friendly

Is There an Extra Cost For Bringing a Pet To Rehab?

Some pet-friendly drug rehab centers may require an additional fee to bring your pet, especially if the staff will need to tend to the animal while you undergo treatments — particularly stressful ones like detox. However, many facilities, including Laguna Beach alcohol rehab centers that take animals, will require that any pets you bring remain in your care at all times, and this means keeping your pet safe, fed, clean and supervised. To ensure this, a pet-friendly rehab in California might require a hefty refundable or partially-refundable deposit ahead of enrollment. 

a lighthouse on top of the hill during the sunset near the ocean

Start Your Journey By Getting Help Today

Our medical, clinical, and counseling staffs on site are available 24/7.

Call Now Button