Shelters and adopters of animals rescued from puppy mills and hoarding situations were surveyed to inquire about the methods used to help rehabilitate those animals. Specifically, the aim was to determine which practices were most effective, and what, if anything, caused a set back in the animals' progress toward recovery. Regarding psychological conditions, it was found that specific traditional therapeutic methods, as described in current clinical behavior texts, were beneficial for some individuals but were unhelpful and even harmful to others with the same apparent disorder. This presentation, which was given at the 2012 Maddie's^® Shelter Medicine Conference at the University of Florida by Franklin D. McMillan, DVM, DACVIM, Director of Well-Being Studies at Best Friend's Animal Society, outlines a wealth of clinically useful information for helping these animals overcome their physical and emotional difficulties.