Most of us agree that pets are awesome. Whether you’re a cat person or a dog lover—cute, furry, domesticated creatures seem to do wonders for our mental health. Calming us, comforting us, and giving us an excuse to walk or run errands for our animals, pets seem to put a little pep in our step. But did you know that they can help prevent relapse, assist in reintegrating into society after treatment, and provide structure and support throughout newfound sobriety?
Keep reading to learn what types of animals lend a helping hand to those who struggle with addiction and mental health issues.
The History and Scope of Support Pets
Generally, support pets fall into three categories: service animals, emotional support/mental health support animals, and therapy animals.
In the case of service animals (typically dogs—and even mini horses in rare cases!), their role is to assist people with psychological or physical disabilities. These animals are trained to aid in normal day-to-day activities. Legally, they’re often allowed to accompany their owner just about anywhere (within reason).
When it comes to emotional support pets, any animal species that the owner finds comfort and companionship in can play the role. Unlike service animals, they’re not specifically trained for any one activity but they can accompany their owners anywhere without a license or certification.
Dogs are the most common type of support pet—their loyal, obedient, and loving nature helps them win first place. Their ability to respond to training and act as a protective presence also makes them popular for a support role. Support animals became a legislative reality in the 90’s, with the creation of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Lastly, therapy animals can be any animal as well, and they are usually trained by and registered with an animal-assisted intervention organization. Your therapist, for example, may use an animal in your therapy sessions to help you open up. Some therapy animals may enter hospitals with a therapist/handler to help comfort patients.
How Do Support Pets Support Sobriety and Mental Health?
Sometimes we hear incredible stories about rescue dogs saving people from decades of addiction. We know animals to be empowering, understanding, and nonjudgmental. That’s the emotional side. But science also supports the logical side of opting for a pet in sobriety.
Studies show that the clearest perk of having a pet is its ability to get people back into communal situations. Dog owners recovering from an SUD have reported that the stigma levels they regularly face seemed to lessen with pets around. They also said that the pets acted as a healing and redemptive link between them and their family members and partners. Because dogs often require communal care and love, people found they were working more closely and joyously with others who shared a home with them. Sometimes, pets even assist the children in your home with building up healthy emotional and social skills.
Lastly, support animals can prevent addiction relapse by helping owners manage stress, decrease feelings of anxiety, lower blood pressure, optimize heart health, and increase happiness levels overall—especially for people who have a mental health disorder. Pets can provide motivation to build routines, feel needed, engage in care, build confidence, and deepen our capacity for empathy.
How To Know When It’s Time For a Support Pet in Recovery
Support pets—and pets in general—aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Here are a few parameters you should consider before opting to become a pet owner, as the stress of pet ownership can sometimes outweigh the potential benefits:
- You have adequate space for the pet, and you can meet its physical needs if it requires regular access to the outdoors.
- You have the financial means to care for your pet’s nutritional, grooming, and medical needs.
- You have the necessary time, patience, and understanding to be a loving and attentive pet owner.
- You feel you have the energy and health to care for a pet.
- The people you live with or the establishment where you reside allow pets, and all parties feel comfortable around them.
If you still have questions about what support pets can do for you or how you should approach pet ownership in sobriety, contact us today. We love pets, and we love supporting your sobriety journey even more.
