The Mission & The Plan

Mission Statement

Our Mission

Sidekick Sanctuary removes a critical barrier to substance use and mental health treatment by providing safe, compassionate, temporary care for the pets of people pursuing recovery in Western North Carolina. Through boarding, veterinary support, ongoing connection, and coordinated aftercare for both client and pet, we protect the human-animal bond while helping people access treatment, transition into stable living, and build a healthier future together.

Our Vision

We envision a community where no person delays or declines lifesaving treatment because they have nowhere safe for their pet to go, and where recovery can begin without the fear of losing a beloved companion.

Project Outline

How Sidekick Sanctuary Will Work

Sidekick Sanctuary is being developed as a specialized temporary pet-care program for people entering substance use disorder treatment, mental health treatment, sober living, or another structured recovery setting. Our goal is to give clients peace of mind that their pets are safe and loved while they focus on their own healing. Our facility will be located in Madison County (Marshall, NC) or McDowell County (Marion, NC) to be in close enough proximity to serve surrounding counties including Buncombe, Henderson, and Haywood as well.

Projected opening date: March 2027

Services We Plan to Offer

Safe Temporary Boarding

Pets will receive secure, compassionate boarding for the duration of a client's treatment and early recovery transition, for up to six months based on individual need, eligibility, available space, and the pet's ability to be safely accommodated.

Daily Care and Enrichment

Each pet will receive food, clean and comfortable living space, exercise, affection, enrichment, and individualized attention. Care plans will take into account the pet's routine, temperament, health needs, and relationship with their person.

Veterinary Care

Sidekick Sanctuary will help coordinate and provide necessary veterinary care during a pet's stay. Depending on the animal's needs and available program resources, this may include wellness examinations, vaccinations, medications, preventive care, treatment of routine medical concerns, and referrals for more specialized services.

Connection During Treatment

When appropriate and permitted by the client's treatment program, we will help maintain the bond between client and pet through photos, updates, video visits, letters, or scheduled in-person contact. Clients will be able to focus on treatment while remaining reassured that their companion is safe.

Recovery and Transition Coordination

We will work with clients, treatment providers, case managers, and recovery-housing programs to support a safe reunification plan. This may include helping clients identify pet-friendly sober living or housing, preparing for the costs and responsibilities of reunification, and coordinating a gradual transition when needed.

Aftercare for Clients and Pets

Our support will continue after reunification. Aftercare may include check-ins, pet-care planning, connections to affordable veterinary services and pet supplies, assistance locating pet-friendly recovery resources or housing, and referrals to community supports. The goal is not simply to board a pet—it is to help the client and pet remain healthy, stable, and together.

Anticipated Service Process

  1. Referral or inquiry: A client, loved one, treatment provider, case manager, or community partner contacts Sidekick Sanctuary.

  2. Eligibility and pet assessment: We review the client's treatment plan, anticipated length of stay, the pet's health and behavior, and our ability to provide safe care.

  3. Individualized care plan: We develop a written plan covering boarding, routine care, veterinary needs, client contact, emergency decisions, and the expected path toward reunification.

  4. Boarding during treatment: The pet receives safe care for the approved period, up to six months, while the client participates in treatment and works toward stability.

  5. Reunification planning: We coordinate with the client and relevant providers to prepare for a safe, sustainable return.

  6. Ongoing aftercare: We remain connected after reunification and help address barriers that could threaten the health, stability, or continued unity of the client and pet.

Development Timeline

Sidekick Sanctuary is currently in the development and fundraising phase. Between now and our projected opening in March 2027, our priorities include securing an appropriate facility, completing program and safety protocols, building veterinary and treatment-provider partnerships, raising startup and operating funds, and preparing the space to welcome our first clients and their pets.