Portuguese hospital lets pets visit owners in wards: a paradigm shift?

Since July 9th, patients at São João, one of Portugal's leading public university hospitals, have been allowed to bring their pets into their hospital wards. The Pets and Company project, a collaboration between professionals from the One Health São João program, the Infection Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Resistance Unit, and the hospital's Humanisation service, aims to alleviate the isolation and exhaustion experienced by patients during lengthy hospital stays.

This approach is not new; countries like the United Kingdom and Germany have utilized animal-assisted therapy in psychiatric treatment and for physical ailments since the 19th century. The term "pet therapy" was coined in the 1960s by an American psychologist who discovered its therapeutic benefits by accident.

Portugal has employed trained and certified dogs for emotional support in hospitals for years, including at São João through partnerships with animal associations. On May 30th, 2023, a 77-year-old patient recovering from a hemorrhagic stroke was visited by her own dog in the outdoors area of the facility, marking the beginning of expanded pet visits at São João. A new protocol was created, recognizing pets as part of the patient's family circle and ensuring safe public-health conditions for these interactions.

Under the protocol, pet visits are requested by healthcare professionals and not granted to everyone in the hospital. The team evaluates risks and benefits, conducts individual assessments, and considers infection control measures. Other patients are consulted about their comfort with animal presence. Once approved, families provide vet certificates confirming vaccinations, deworming, and appropriate behavior in a hospital setting. Any professional who notices a problem can halt the visit.

The protocol permits dogs, cats, and even exotic species, provided all conditions are met. Adult companions must accompany the animals in hospital areas. Each patient can have a half-hour meeting once every seven days, with priority given to those in terminal phases or undergoing prolonged hospitalization. Men have requested pet presence more frequently, possibly due to a greater sense of fragility and desire for companionship during their illness.

Studies on animal-assisted therapy interventions have shown significant improvements in patients' clinical conditions, including reduced blood pressure and decreased stress and anxiety hormone production. The presence of a familiar pet, such as the one Antonio received five years ago after rescuing it from the street, provides emotional comfort and motivation for patients.

While the long-term benefits for both patients and animals remain to be confirmed, the experience brings joy and smiles, and may even encourage patients to leave the hospital. No recorded infections have been linked to the initiative so far, and the team intends to review the protocol to ensure its effectiveness.