Keeping Families Whole: Partnership Between The Bond Between and Hazelden Betty Ford

At The Bond Between, keeping pets with the people who love them isn’t just a part of our mission. It is the very heartbeat of everything we do. We know that life can change in an instant. A sudden medical emergency, a housing crisis, or escaping a dangerous situation at home can completely upend someone's world. Historically, when these temporary crises hit, pet owners were often left with a heartbreaking choice: surrender their beloved family member to a shelter, or face the crisis alone without the care they need.

We refuse to accept that those should be the only choices. That is exactly why we created our Respite Foster Care Program.

Our goal is beautifully simple: keep animals with their families and out of shelters.

When a pet owner reaches out to us for help, they are met with absolute empathy, open arms, and zero judgment. Asking for help is an act of profound love, not a failure. We do not judge anyone who asks for assistance. We know that these families love their pets fiercely, and we are just here to bridge the gap during a difficult chapter. Whether it's a dedicated owner navigating intensive cancer treatments, a family impacted by sudden housing displacement, or a survivor escaping domestic violence, we step in to provide a safe, loving temporary foster home.

To expand this safety net, we are incredibly proud to announce our new partnership with Hazelden Betty Ford. Through this collaboration, we can provide immediate, compassionate respite care for individuals entering addiction treatment. No one should ever have to delay their own recovery or healing because they have nowhere for their pet to go.

Without this program, the reality is devastating. Animals enter an already overcrowded shelter system, or worse, face euthanasia simply because there was no safe place for them while their human was seeking necessary care.

Every single pet belongs in a home where they are loved, and every owner deserves the peace of mind that their companion is safe while they get back on their feet. Through the incredible generosity of our respite fosters, we can assure these families. Your pet is safe. They are loved. And they will be waiting for you.

If you or someone you know is facing an unforeseen life circumstance and needs temporary help caring for a pet, please reach out to our team to request

. We are here for you, because we are all in this together.