ADVERTISEMENT
Program to Provide Temporary Pet Foster Care While Owners are in Treatment
A new program has launched this week in New York to provide a unique support service for individuals in recovery: foster care for pets while their owners receive inpatient treatment.
Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY will use a network of vetted volunteers who will provide temporary foster care for pets. The program is designed for low-income individuals who are otherwise unable to establish care for their pets during treatment.
“For individuals seeking inpatient treatment for a substance use disorder, not having a reliable and safe option to care for their pets can present a significant barrier,” Carrie Nydick Finch, LCSW, deputy director of programs and strategy for PAWS NY, said in a news release.
“No one should be faced with the choice of giving up their family member or taking care of their health. PAWS NY wants to eliminate this barrier, so individuals are more inclined to seek out, enter, and complete a treatment program.”
PAWS NY was founded in 2008 by Rachel Herman with a mission to provide support and assistance to vulnerable populations of people with animals. The not-for-profit organization primarily serves older adults, individuals living with illness or disability, and those who are under-resourced.
“The bond a person shares with their pet and the unconditional love they receive can be a source of strength and inspiration, and this is especially true for those seeking treatment for substance use,” Herman said in the release. “By providing a loving and safe environment for pets, we hope to achieve better outcomes for both the people and animals we support.”
The PAWS NY Substance Use Recovery Program was provided with seed funding by Dr Emily Weiss, who has also committed to ongoing support for the program.
Reference
