Animals Visiting in Healthcare Facilities

Author(s):
Kathleen (Kit) Darling, MS President

Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Texas A & M University
College Station, TX

Pamela Douglas, MSN, RN, CIC Infection Prevention Coordinator

Texas A&M University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
College Station, TX

Revised Publication:
February 14, 2024
Original Publication:
October 2, 2014
Declarations of Conflicts of Interest:
  • Kathleen (Kit) Darling currently serves on the board of directors for Aggieland Pets With A Purpose (President) and Aggieland Humane Society. No financial compensation was received.
  • Pamela Douglas is a Clinical Editor of the APIC Text. She did not handle the chapter in an editor capacity and reports no other conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgments:

Special thanks to Kathleen (Kit) Darling for writing the original 2014 chapter in addition to revising the 2024 section.

Abstract

People benefit from human-animal interaction socially, psychologically, and physiologically. In healthcare-related situations, programs for animal visitation, animal-assisted activities, animal-assisted therapy, and service animals are intended to assist in returning patients to wellness and independence. Healthcare facilities must establish animal and handler guidelines and program-specific infection prevention policies to provide a safe environment for animals, handlers, and patients. Healthcare providers need to understand and abide by the laws for service animals and persons with disabilities.