How to Bring Your Pet to Rehab
Bringing your pet into treatment with you might sound complicated—but it doesn’t have to be. This simple guide walks you through each step so you know exactly what to expect, what to bring, and how we’ll support you throughout the process. Whether you’re preparing to bring your dog or cat to our pet-friendly rehab center in Huntington Beach, this guide helps make the transition smooth, predictable, and stress-free.
Step 1: The Pre-Admission Conversation
When you first speak with our admissions team, let us know you want to bring your pet to rehab. We’ll walk through a few details to ensure a safe and supportive experience for you, your pet, and our community. During the pre-admission call, we will:
- Ask about your pet’s age, breed, health, and temperament
- Review our pet policy and answer questions about eligibility
- Explain vaccination and documentation requirements
- Discuss how your pet typically behaves around other animals and people
Our goal is to give you clear, honest guidance from the start—so you feel confident bringing your pet to treatment and know exactly how they’ll be cared for at our pet-friendly addiction treatment program.
Step 2: What to Pack for Your Pet
Bringing familiar items makes it much easier for your pet to settle in. Once enrolled, you’ll receive our full Pet Intake Checklist (including a downloadable PDF), but here’s the core list you’ll want to prepare:
Food & Medications
- 1–2 weeks of your pet’s regular food, clearly labeled
- Treats (if allowed by your vet and our policy)
- All medications labeled with name, dosage, and schedule
- Any supplements recommended by your veterinarian
Comfort Items
- Favorite bed or blanket
- 1–2 familiar toys
- A crate (optional but helpful if they use one at home)
Essentials
- Collar with ID tag (we will add a temporary AirTag during the stay)
- A secure leash and harness
- Waste bags
- Any special handling or care instructions
Paperwork
- Vaccination records (Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella for dogs)
- Contact information for your primary veterinarian
- Recent medical records if your pet has ongoing conditions
Pro Tip: Label everything with your pet’s name. It helps our team keep items organized and makes daily care much smoother.
Step 3: Travel Made Simple
Travel can feel stressful—especially when you’re not feeling your best and your pet is coming with you. Our admissions team helps coordinate a travel plan that fits your needs and keeps your pet safe. Depending on your location and preferences, options may include:
- Commercial flights for you and your pet when airlines allow it
- Ground transportation, including pet-friendly transport services
- Private air travel for clients who prefer or require additional privacy or flexibility
For short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds—like bulldogs, pugs, or Shih Tzus—airlines often have strict safety restrictions. If your pet cannot fly safely, we’ll help explore ground or private travel solutions that prioritize comfort and safety.
We’ll talk through timing, logistics, and expectations so you’re not coordinating everything alone at the last minute.
Step 4: Arrival Day – A Calm Welcome for You and Your Pet
When you arrive at Sober Partners, we make your first day simple and supportive:
- Our team will greet you, assist with luggage, and help carry pet supplies
- We’ll show you to your room so your pet can explore and settle in
- You’ll receive an orientation to our pet-friendly spaces, including the 3-acre fenced dog run and designated outdoor areas
- We’ll review feeding schedules, medication routines, and any special care notes for your pet
Our priority on day one is comfort, safety, and helping both you and your companion feel at home inside our pet-friendly rehab center in Huntington Beach.
Step 5: During Treatment – A Balanced Routine for Both of You
Once you’re settled, we work with you to create a routine that balances your treatment needs with your pet’s day-to-day care.
A typical day may include:
- Morning walks or playtime in the fenced dog run
- Scheduled meals for you and your pet
- Group and individual sessions while your pet rests safely in your room or enjoys supervised outdoor time
- Quiet evenings together to reconnect and unwind
Our staff—and your dedicated Pet Program Coordinator—help make sure your pet is cared for while you fully participate in therapy, recovery groups, and medical appointments. You never have to choose between focusing on your treatment and ensuring your pet feels safe and supported.
Bring Your Pet to Treatment
You don’t have to choose between getting help and staying with the companion who’s been by your side through everything. Our pet-friendly rehab program in Huntington Beach allows you to recover with your dog or cat safely by your side.
Reviewed and approved by Sanjai Thankachen, MD — Supervising Physician
Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 from Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in New York, where fifty percent of his rotations were at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. After his residency he worked at Ventura County Medical Centers in an adult out-patient setting and now lives in Orange County, California.