There are many obstacles that people struggling with addiction face when they consider entering a rehab facility. Some are technical, like responsibilities at work or dependent children. Other obstacles are emotional, like not feeling ready to part with your substance of choice or wanting to stay home with your loved ones. Another issue that many people face is what to do with their pets.
Young men and women typically don’t have children, middle-aged people often have children who are old enough to either take care of themselves or find a friend or family member to stay at, and taking off work for 28 days- the average time needed for rehab- usually isn’t a problem. However, pets can often pose an issue because most rehab facilities are not pet-friendly - preventing many people from getting the help they need. It may sound trivial to some, but pet care while in rehab is a big concern for many people struggling with addiction.
Rehabs that Allow Dogs and Other Pets:
Some pet-friendly rehab centers can accommodate dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, turtles, and other pets. Drug rehabs that allow pets are an option for some, but those facilities usually only allow dogs. Additionally, rehabs where you can take your dog most likely require proof that your pet is an ESA (Emotional Support Animal) and not just a regular pet.
Although there are some benefits of bringing your pet to rehab, like giving you a feeling of security, comfort, and support, there are many downsides, too. These include:
- Your pet can pose a distraction as it may take up much of your time and energy, preventing you from engaging properly in one-on-one and group therapies. In fact, it is for this reason that most rehabs will not allow family or friends to visit their loved one in rehab.
- Prioritizing finding mental health treatment centers that allow pets may result in other priorities falling to the wayside, like a rehab center that is closer to home or one with superior treatment options.
- In rehab centers where your pet must be kept in your own room, you may have to pay more for a private room so your pet doesn’t disturb other patients.
- There may be certain group therapies vital to the recovery process where pets aren’t welcome. Pets can also preoccupy you and monopolize your emotional energy, preventing you from socializing and interacting with other patients. This component of connecting and sharing with other people struggling with addiction is critical to the healing process.
In light of the reasons outlined above, it is not advisable to bring your pet along with you to rehab.
What To Do With Your Pet While in Rehab:
There are many options for what to do with your dog while in rehab:
- Family and friends- Ask around. You may find that a relative or friend is looking for companionship or is happy to support your decision to enter rehab by taking care of your pet. This is a great option for a pet that needs constant care, such as exercise, or a pet that enjoys human companionship, like a dog or cat. It is also a great option because, as the owner of the pet, you will feel more relaxed knowing that your pet is in good hands.
- Outpatient rehab- If you have a supportive family network, your addiction is not very severe, or you simply cannot afford an inpatient program, you may be able to consider doing outpatient rehab. In that way, you can return home every evening and take care of and receive comfort from your pet. If you enter an intensive outpatient rehab program, you may need to find care for your pet during the day as the program may entail attendance for many daytime hours.
- Pet sitter- You can hire someone to either stay at your home or visit periodically to care for your pet. This option works best for pets that do not need constant care, like fish, a turtle, a parrot, or a hamster. A pet sitter can be relatively cost-effective and is usually very reliable.
- Boarding- There are many boarding options for pets. Boarding facilities are run by professionals who can take care of all your pet’s needs 24 hours a day. This is the preferred option for pets who need a lot of care and attention, or for people who want their pet taken care of at all hours, as opposed to just having people check in periodically.
Conclusion:
Avenues Recovery Center does not allow patients to bring their pets to rehab for the reasons outlined above. This does not have to be a barrier to receiving help, though, because there are many options for temporary care for your pet! As always, we welcome anyone who wants to get sober and start living an addiction-free life. Our highly experienced and professional therapists eagerly await your attendance so we can help you find serenity, happiness, and belonging once again. Although it may seem challenging to part from your pet, beating you addiction and giving yourself a new lease on life is well worth it. Our empathetic and understanding staff are experts in the field of addiction and will do anything to help you recover. We create personalized treatment plans and use a comprehensive approach to enable you to reach sobriety. Contact us today to discover premier care and an unbelievably supportive recovery community.