São João Hospital in Portugal has recently initiated a program allowing patient visits from their pets. The “Pets and Company” project aims to alleviate the emotional strain of lengthy hospital stays by incorporating animals into patients’ care. This effort is backed by various professional teams focused on humanizing healthcare.
Protocol Overview
- Eligibility: Visits are initiated by healthcare professionals, requiring individual assessments of risks.
- Veterinary Verification: Families must present veterinary certificates confirming the pets’ vaccinations and behavior.
- Duration: Each patient can have a 30-minute visit with their pets, once a week.
- Pet Types: Dogs, cats, and even exotic animals are allowed under specific conditions.
Observed Benefits
Studies have shown that pet therapy can lead to significant improvements in patients’ health, including reduced blood pressure and decreased stress. Many patients find a boost in morale and engagement with their treatment through these visits.
This initiative reflects a significant advancement in integrating animal-assisted therapy into hospital settings, aiming to provide comfort to patients while maintaining safety and hygiene standards.
