Healing Happens Here

Is the fee for your program tax-deductible? 

Yes. Paws Fur Recovery Dog Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Fees paid for experiential group facilitation are treated as charitable contributions that support our rescue mission. The invoice issued for services rendered serves as the donation receipt for tax purposes. Deductibility is subject to applicable tax regulations, and organizations should consult their accounting or tax professionals as needed.

Who is this program designed for?

This program is designed for mental health and addiction-focused treatment settings, including:

• Mental health–focused addiction prevention
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Residential treatment programs
• Dual diagnosis programs

While many clients may have co-occurring conditions, the program emphasizes mental health, emotional regulation, behavioral awareness, and experiential learning, rather than diagnosis-specific treatment.

Can sessions be held on-site at our treatment center?

Yes. Sessions can be facilitated on-site at YOUR facility or at our private rescue ranch in Indiantown, Florida (Martin County).

Facilitation at OUR facility:

• Maximum of 15 participants per group

Facilitation at YOUR facility:

• Available within approximately one hour driving distance of Indiantown, FL
• On-site services require additional logistics and therefore cost more than ranch-based sessions

Location and group size are discussed during the consultation to ensure safety, effectiveness, and alignment with your program.

Where is your facility located?

Our rescue ranch is in Indiantown, Florida, in Martin County, and spans over 20 acres in a peaceful, rural setting.

The property features open pasture, shaded oak hammocks, and a quiet, state-park-like environment that allows participants to disconnect from distractions and fully engage in the experience. Many of our existing clients find the natural setting itself to be a powerful contributor to emotional regulation and group engagement.

How long are sessions?

Although sessions are typically around two hours, there is no fixed session length.

Sessions can be adapted based on:

• Group size
• Population needs
• Desired depth of engagement
• Scheduling considerations

This flexibility allows the experience to integrate smoothly into existing programming.

What qualifications do your facilitators have?

Facilitation is led by experienced professionals with formal certifications and extensive field experience, including Certified Addiction Professionals (CAP).

The program is intentionally structured as facilitated experiential group work, designed to complement existing clinical treatment while offering a different modality of engagement.

What types of groups do you facilitate?

Groups are experiential in nature and are custom-tailored to your population and treatment goals. Examples include:

• Letting go of resentments and past trauma (e.g., “burning bowl”–style exercises)
• Forgiveness towards yourself and others
• Finding purpose and meaning
• Internal vs. external motivation
• Neuroplasticity, self-awareness and changing behaviors
• Many more…
• Each group integrates guided interaction with dogs, using the learning process of the animals as a mirror for the work participants are doing themselves. Dogs are always present—not only as part of the experiential framework, but also as a source of emotional support.

Research consistently shows that the presence of animals increases openness, participation, and emotional safety. In practice, facilities often report significantly higher engagement levels compared to traditional in-house groups.

How many dogs are used per group?

The number of dogs involved in the facilitated experiential portion of the group is determined by group size, population needs, and setting.

When groups attend sessions at our ranch, participants will naturally be exposed to the broader rescue environment and will have the opportunity to see additional adoptable dogs in the kennels. To maintain safety, comfort, and a calm group dynamic, the structured experiential portion of the group typically includes one to two carefully selected dogs.

Are the dogs safe and evaluated?

Yes. All dogs involved in sessions:

• Are temperament tested
• Are cleared as adoptable
• Are closely monitored during sessions
• Are accustomed to structured human interaction
• Safety—for participants and animals—is our core requirement.

Do you carry liability insurance?

Yes. We maintain our own liability insurance specific to this type of program.

Can you provide group notes or documentation?

Yes. Group notes can be provided as a documentation service for an additional fee, if requested.

Important clarifications:

• We do not participate in insurance billing, authorization, or reimbursement
• If a facility requires clinical sign-off for insurance purposes, that process remains entirely internal to the facility

We are familiar with common systems such as Kipu and Sunwave, and documentation workflows are discussed in advance.

Do you accept insurance?

No. We do not accept insurance and are not involved in insurance-related processes in any capacity.

Our services are offered as a stand-alone, flat-fee program. Any decisions regarding reimbursement or billing integration are solely the responsibility of the facility.

Can this integrate with our existing clinical programming?

Yes. This program is designed to enhance existing treatment models, not replace them.

In addition to therapeutic benefits, the experience:

• Encourages connection among clients
• Supports team building and relationship development
• Reinforces emotional awareness and regulation in a non-traditional setting

Many facilities use it as a structured experiential alternative to traditional group formats.

How is this different from typical off-site activities?

Many treatment programs offer outside activities such as bowling, movies, or equine therapy.

This program provides a therapeutic experiential group that:

• Aligns with treatment goals
• Encourages meaningful participation
• Allows for documentation
• Feels engaging, novel, and enjoyable for clients

It functions as both a therapeutic experience and a leisure activity, offering a break from routine while still supporting the treatment model.

What happens after participants complete a session?

For individuals who have completed their treatment program or are in an outpatient level of care, separate volunteer opportunities at the dog rescue may be available.

These opportunities are:

• Completely independent of the group facilitation program
• The same standard volunteer roles offered to the general public
• Not part of treatment or documentation

Many facilities have found that post-treatment volunteering:

• Provides a strong sense of purpose
• Encourages ongoing commitment and responsibility
• Supports relapse prevention and reduces recidivism risk
• Helps maintain healthy follow-through after program completion