PETITION TO AMEND THE RECOVERY HOUSING PET POLICY

To: Program Leadership and Administration

Subject: Proposal to Revise Pet Ownership Eligibility Requirements

We, the undersigned residents and supporters of this recovery housing community, respectfully request that the current pet policy be amended to allow residents to become eligible to apply for pet ownership after six (6) months in the program, provided they meet established readiness criteria and continue to comply with all program expectations.

Purpose of This Petition

The purpose of this petition is not to eliminate the pet approval process or reduce program standards. Rather, we are requesting that residents who have demonstrated stability, responsibility, and commitment to their recovery be given the opportunity to apply for pet ownership after six months of successful participation in the program.

We believe this change would maintain accountability while recognizing the progress many residents achieve well before reaching the one-year mark.

Rationale for the Proposed Change

Recovery is a highly individual journey, and progress is not measured solely by the passage of time. While time in the program is an important factor, demonstrated responsibility, compliance, accountability, and stability are often stronger indicators of a resident's readiness to take on additional responsibilities.

We believe that residents who have successfully maintained program expectations for six months and demonstrated consistent progress should have the opportunity to be considered for pet ownership through the existing application process.

Many residents establish healthy routines, maintain sobriety, comply with housing requirements, and demonstrate personal responsibility well before reaching one year in the program. For these individuals, responsible pet ownership can provide meaningful benefits, including:

• Increased accountability and daily structure

• Emotional support and companionship

• Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation

• Improved mental and emotional well-being

• Opportunities to practice responsibility and commitment

This proposal does not seek to reduce program standards or eliminate safeguards. Instead, it recognizes that readiness should be evaluated through a combination of time, behavior, compliance, and demonstrated stability. By allowing qualified residents to apply after six months, the program can continue to uphold its standards while providing a pathway for residents who have earned consideration through their actions and commitment to recovery.

Proposed Policy Revision

Current Policy

Residents must complete one year in the program before becoming eligible to apply for pet ownership.

Proposed Policy

Residents may become eligible to apply for pet ownership after six months in the program if they meet established readiness criteria, including:

• Remaining in good standing within the program

• Consistent compliance with program rules and expectations

• Demonstrated responsibility and accountability

• Current financial obligations being met

• No significant behavioral or disciplinary concerns

• Approval through the existing pet application and review process

This proposal does not guarantee pet approval. Rather, it allows residents who have demonstrated stability and commitment to recovery to be considered for pet ownership after six months instead of waiting a full year.

Benefits of the Proposed Change

This policy would continue to protect the integrity and safety of the recovery housing environment while recognizing that many residents achieve meaningful stability and responsibility well before the one-year mark.

By allowing qualified residents to apply after six months, the program can maintain its standards while providing an opportunity for residents to experience the benefits of responsible pet ownership, including companionship, emotional support, accountability, and daily structure.

Staff would retain full authority to approve or deny applications based on individual circumstances and the resident's demonstrated readiness.

Resident Statements

As residents participating in this recovery housing program, we appreciate the support, structure, and opportunities for growth that the program provides. We believe this proposed change aligns with the program's goals of encouraging responsibility, accountability, and long-term recovery.

Our request is based on the belief that residents who have demonstrated consistent progress and stability for six months should have the opportunity to be considered for pet ownership through the existing approval process.

Personal Statements

Robert Stokes:

"I wholeheartedly support this petition and recognize the benefits of service and support animals." 

GeroGye Coffey:

"My dog keeps me accountable, keeps me from laying in bed all day, reminds me that not only she has to eat but so do I. So with that I get a sense of responsibility and also self care. Also my dog is a very important part of our children's lives, and during the process of waiting to get custody of the kids back, my dog has been there for me during times of loneliness and depression from not having my babies."

Conclusion

We respectfully ask program leadership to review this proposal and consider revising the pet policy to allow residents to become eligible to apply for pet ownership after six months, provided they have demonstrated responsibility, stability, compliance with program expectations, and continued commitment to their recovery.

This proposal is not intended to reduce accountability or guarantee approval. All existing application requirements, behavioral expectations, and staff review procedures would remain in place. The proposed change simply provides an opportunity for qualified residents to be evaluated based on their demonstrated progress rather than solely on the amount of time completed in the program.

We believe this approach better reflects the principles of recovery by recognizing that meaningful progress is measured not only by time but also by responsibility, consistency, and personal growth.

If leadership has concerns regarding immediate implementation, we respectfully request consideration of a six- to twelve-month pilot program. Such a pilot would allow the program to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed policy, monitor outcomes, and make any necessary adjustments before considering permanent adoption.

We submit this petition with respect for the program, its staff, and its mission. Our goal is not to reduce accountability, but to create a policy that recognizes and rewards demonstrated responsibility while continuing to support successful recovery outcomes.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and dedication to helping residents build stable, healthy, and successful lives.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Stokes

GeroGye Coffey

On behalf of the undersigned residents and supporters.