Individuals seeking in-patient treatment for substance use disorder have had limited options regarding the care of their pets. In many cases, they either place them in an unhealthy environment or surrender them to a shelter. Dogs Matter offers a different choice.
Founded in 2015, we are the first nonprofit organization providing free, temporary pet foster care placement & supportive aftercare services specifically for pet owners seeking substance abuse treatment and transitioning into recovery. To date, we have served over 2400 pet families!
Dogs Matter also provides a 12-month Aftercare Program led by a licensed addiction counselor and a certified Recovery Support Peer Specialist. Our program continues to work with our clients and their pets after their successful completion of treatment and reunion with their pets. We provide regular follow-up calls, local check-ins, recovery resources in the community, assistance with vet appointments, medical expenses, rent & pet deposits, and food as necessary to ensure a safe and healthy environment while staying clean and sober.
Please reach out if you, a loved one, or someone you know is considering an addiction treatment program and requiring foster assistance with their pet.
Dogs Matter provides and promotes a safe and healthy temporary foster environment for pets of recovering addicts and alcoholics. Our primary purpose is ensuring the welfare of the pet and their owner — reuniting them once our client has successfully completed treatment and is ready to be a healthy and responsible pet owner again.
We are currently seeking support for our ongoing operational expenses, including funding and resources for our three programs: Temporary Foster Care, Aftercare, and Companion Recovery. Since 2025, our innovative Companion Recovery program directly addresses the unique needs of individuals facing homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health conditions. By enabling individuals to enter a year-long sober living environment with their pets, the program effectively removes barriers to recovery, such as the inability to care for their beloved animals during treatment.
Key highlights of this program:
Holistic Approach: Combines inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient programming, and sober living, providing clients with comprehensive support for sustained recovery over 12 months, far surpassing traditional 30-day programs.
Pet Inclusion: Recognizes the therapeutic value of pets in the recovery process, offering clients emotional stability and companionship, which can improve treatment outcomes.
Direct Entry to Long-Term Care: Eliminates the 3-6 month fostering period, allowing clients to transition seamlessly into treatment and sober living with their pets, accelerating recovery timelines.
Uninsured and Unhoused Support: Targets a vulnerable population by addressing their immediate needs with resources and financial support, reducing barriers to entry into life-saving treatment.
Comprehensive Recovery Services: Includes recovery counseling, job training, and housing assistance, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives in a stable and supportive environment.
This program addresses the interconnected challenges of homelessness, addiction, and pet ownership, creating a pathway for sustained recovery and reintegration into the community.
We are always in need of support in the following areas:
- Veterinary Care
- Temporary Boarding & Training
- Dog Food & Supplies
- Volunteer Foster Families
- Fundraising Support
- Corporate Sponsors
We at Dogs Matter strive to foster belonging and empowerment within our organization and to those we serve. Everyone deserves the best care, regardless of their race, color, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical abilities, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or criminal history.
Organization name
Dogs Matter
Causes
Animals
Operating Budget
$250,000 - $499,999
Counties Served
Wise, Tarrant, Somervell, Rockwall, Parker, Palo Pinto, Navarro, Montague, Kaufman, Johnson, Hunt, Hood, Grayson, Fannin, Erath, Ellis, Denton, Dallas, Cooke, Collin
Address
4347 W. Northwest Hwy. Suite 130 #118