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Pet-Friendly Rehab in California: Bring Your Pet to Addiction Treatment

So, you’ve decided to go to rehab. You’ve figured out where you want to go. You’ve figured out how to pay for it. You’ve figured out what to do about your job. Everything is falling into place except…

…you don’t have anyone to watch your pet! Luckily, you’re thinking about attending Ocean Ridge Recovery in Orange County because we’re at the top of the list for “the most pet-friendly rehab in California.” Let’s look at some of the most commonly asked questions about pet friendly rehabs.

Can I Bring My Pet to Rehab With Me?

Service animals are always welcome, of course. But what about other dogs, cats, hamsters, lizards, and other pets?

At Ocean Ridge, we say that we’re a pet-friendly rehab. What does this mean?

What Is a Pet-Friendly Rehab?

A pet-friendly rehab in California is a rehab that will do everything in their power to help you get onto the road to recovery.

This means that if you can’t get anyone to watch your pet while you’re at rehab, a pet-friendly rehab will consider (on a case-by-case basis) allowing you to bring your pet with you.

Note: It’s important to apply as soon as possible, to see if your pet qualifies and to see if there’s a waiting list due to current pets already being here.

What to Expect at a Pet-Friendly Rehab for Drug & Alcohol Addiction

At pet-friendly rehab facilities for drug and alcohol addiction, expect an environment where pets can accompany their owners during the recovery process. If your pet must be by your side – whether no one can watch your pet or your pet must have a companion – we completely understand. Opting for a rehab that allows dogs comes with various benefits. Here are a few ways how dogs can help with sobriety: reducing anxiety, building emotional bonds, and providing a sense of normalcy.

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Types of Pets Allowed in Pet-Friendly Rehab

The types of pets allowed in pet-friendly rehab centers depend on the institution. Whether you can bring your pet with you to a pet-friendly rehab in California depends on two primary factors:

  • The type of pet
  • Whether there are already other pets currently in the facility

That is why it is important to contact us sooner rather than later if you think you may need to bring your pet with you to rehab. Our admissions team can help you with the process.

The Benefits of Pet-Friendly Rehab

Your journey to recovery is the most important thing. If there’s an obstacle, such as a pet and a lack of someone to care for the pet while you’re gone, a pet-friendly rehab will do their best to make that happen. If you’re seeking drug treatment in Huntington Beach and you don’t trust anybody to watch your pet, call us today. Let us see if we can help you!

We strive to be one of the most pet-friendly rehabs in Southern California because we know that pets provide the following benefits:

  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.

Plus, they’re just so adorable!


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. Pets are typically accepted on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re not sure whether or not the facility you’re considering is a pet-friendly rehab, it’s best to reach out to them as soon as possible. Sometimes clients will have to go on a waiting list because of other pets already at the facility. Additionally, some breeds may be restricted.

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 refundable or partially-refundable deposit ahead of enrollment. 

So if you need to bring your pet with you to rehab, please contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover pet-friendly rehab in California?

Insurance coverage for pet-friendly drug treatment can vary significantly depending on your insurance provider and specific policy details. It’s important to contact your insurer directly to inquire about coverage options and any potential additional costs associated with bringing a pet to rehab.

Are there specific rules and guidelines for pet care at rehab facilities?

Yes, pet-friendly rehab facilities have specific rules and guidelines for pet care to ensure a safe and healthy environment for both pets and residents. These guidelines often include vaccination requirements, behavioral standards, designated areas for pet activities, and responsibilities for pet owners to maintain cleanliness and care.

Are there any size of breed restrictions for pets?

Some pet-friendly rehab centers may have size or breed restrictions to ensure the safety and compatibility of all pets within the facility. These restrictions are usually in place to prevent conflicts between animals and to maintain a manageable and harmonious environment for all residents and their pets.

Can I bring multiple pets with me to rehab centers?

Policies regarding multiple pets vary by facility. Some pet-friendly rehabs allow residents to bring multiple pets, while others may limit the number to ensure a manageable and safe environment. It’s important to check with the specific rehab center about their policies on multiple pets before making arrangements. At Ocean Ridge, we determine this on a case-by-case basis given various factors, including how many (if any) other clients will be attending with their pets.

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