Pet-Friendly Rehab FAQ
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about bringing your pet to treatment at Sober Partners. Our goal is to give you clarity, comfort, and confidence as you explore whether pet-friendly rehab is the right fit for you and your companion. If you don’t see your question here, our admissions team is always available to help.
General Questions About Pet-Friendly Rehab
Many people considering treatment feel unsure about how their pet fits into the picture. It’s normal to wonder whether pets are allowed, how they participate in daily life, and what the expectations are. This section answers the foundational questions clients ask before committing to our pet-friendly program. These insights will help you understand how welcoming and supportive a pet-friendly rehab environment can be.
Yes. Our pet-friendly rehab program welcomes dogs and—on a case-by-case basis—cats and small companion animals. Eligibility is based on temperament, health, and safety considerations.
No. Your pet does not need to be a service animal or emotional support animal. Most pets in our program are beloved family companions.
The benefits of pet friendly rehab are significant. Pets help reduce stress, provide comfort, regulate emotions, and make clients feel more at home—especially during early recovery.
Yes. To ensure safety and a calm environment, we limit the number of pet-friendly spaces. We encourage you to call admissions as early as possible to reserve a spot.
Eligibility, Behavior & Safety
Before bringing your pet to treatment, it’s helpful to understand what makes a safe and supportive environment for everyone at our rehab center. This section covers behavior expectations, temperament guidelines, and important health requirements. Our goal is not to exclude pets—but to ensure that each animal can thrive safely within a group setting. These answers will help you determine whether your pet is a good fit for the program.
We primarily accommodate dogs. Some cats and small animals may be approved after a pre-admission conversation assessing temperament and needs.
No. Pets with a history of severe aggression or unsafe behavior cannot be accommodated for client and staff safety.
Yes. Dogs must have Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella. Cats must follow standard vaccination guidelines. Records from your veterinarian are required before admission.
Please bring all medications labeled with dosage and administration instructions. Our team will help maintain schedules and communicate with your veterinarian if needed.
Living With Your Pet During Treatment
Many clients want to know what daily life looks like when pets are included in treatment. This section explains how pets fit into your room, your routine, and your therapeutic schedule. It also covers common questions about walks, playtime, interactions with other animals, and how staff support your pet’s needs. These details help you picture what life will feel like once you arrive.
Yes. Pets stay with their owner in private or shared rooms and are part of your daily routine during treatment.
Absolutely. Our property includes private access to a fully fenced, three-acre dog-walk area, plus outdoor spaces and supervised exercise times.
Yes. While you’re in sessions, our team can assist with walks, supervised outdoor time, and basic care. You’ll still be your pet’s primary caregiver.
Pets often share outdoor spaces and may interact during supervised times, depending on temperament and safety considerations.
Travel & Arrival Questions
Traveling with a pet can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also preparing for treatment. This section explains how we support the travel process, what options are available, and how to plan for your arrival. With the right guidance, bringing your pet with you can be smooth, safe, and much easier than you may expect.
Our admissions team helps coordinate travel by air, ground transport, or private options. We’ll guide you based on your location and your pet’s needs.
Yes, though they may not be able to fly commercially. We help arrange safe alternatives like ground transport or private travel.
We provide a Pet Intake Checklist, but essentials include food, medications, comfort items, leash/harness, ID tag, vaccination records, and your vet’s contact info.
You and your pet will be welcomed by our team, shown to your room, oriented to pet-friendly spaces, and guided through feeding, medication schedules, and safety guidelines.
Veterinary Care & Emergencies
Your pet’s health matters just as much as yours while you’re in treatment. This section covers how veterinary care is handled—routine, urgent, and emergency situations. With strong local partnerships and clear communication procedures, you can feel confident that your pet is supported at every step.
We partner with Beach Garfield Veterinary Hospital and Huntington Pet Vet for routine visits and urgent care. We coordinate appointments and transportation.
Yes. You’ll be contacted as soon as safely possible and included in decisions every step of the way.
Our team will secure your pet, contact emergency veterinary partners, and communicate with you. Your emergency authorization allows timely care if you’re temporarily unavailable.
Policy & Program Questions
Understanding the rules and expectations helps you feel more prepared and confident. This section explains safety measures, AirTag use, temporary adjustments, and guidelines that keep our program peaceful and therapeutic for everyone. These policies are designed to support—not restrict—your experience.
It’s a simple safety measure to ensure your pet stays accounted for on campus. The AirTag is removed at discharge.
We work with you to find solutions. This may include adjusting routines, using local boarding temporarily, or exploring alternative programs only if needed.
Yes. Pet accommodations include enhanced cleaning, supplies, and dedicated support. Fees are transparent and disclosed upfront during admission.
Often yes, depending on the level of care and your pet’s needs. Admissions can help clarify what is appropriate for detox, inpatient, or outpatient.
Client Experience Questions
Clients often wonder how having their pet present will affect their emotional experience, detox process, and social interactions. This section highlights the therapeutic benefits, comfort factors, and realities of living with your pet in treatment. Understanding these elements can help you feel more confident in your decision.
They reduce stress, support emotional regulation, help rebuild routine, encourage responsibility, and ease social interaction—making treatment more approachable and grounded.
Quite the opposite. Pets often help clients engage more deeply by reducing anxiety and promoting stability. Our team helps balance pet care with clinical needs.
Many clients report that detox feels easier with their pet nearby. Staff can help during sessions and rest periods so you feel supported throughout.
Ongoing Support & Aftercare
Recovery continues long after treatment ends. This section explains how your relationship with your pet can continue to support your long-term healing, and how our team helps with work leave, FMLA, and aftercare planning.
Many clients continue living with their pets after treatment, and we encourage using that bond as part of long-term recovery.
Yes. Our staff can help with paperwork, planning, and support letters for both treatment and pet accommodation needs.
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.