A Belgian hospital has built a pavilion to allow pets to visit patients who are in palliative care or with illnesses that require long-term care in a bid to boost patients' wellbeing.

Most hospitals worldwide do not allow pet visits for reasons of hygiene and contamination risks, and for years long-term patients at the Sint-Trudo hospital who wanted to see their pets had to do that in the hospital courtyard.

But in conversations between cancer patients and hospital psychologists, the idea grew for a dedicated indoor space - separate from but connected to the hospital - and the result is a pet visit pavilion that opened last month.

Funded by a cancer charity for $152,000, the new space at the Sint-Trudo in Sint-Truiden allows patients to meet with pets one hour per week. For now only dogs and cats are allowed.

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For patient Greta Donnay, 56, recovering from a listeria infection, a reunion with her dog Rambo was a boost to morale.

"Seeing a picture (of your pet) is really not the same as hugging him and getting kisses, especially when you think how enthusiastic he is," said Donnay as she cuddled Rambo. "It's way better than looking at a picture or a video. Isn't that right, sweetie? Yes it is."

For Donnay, the visit was emotionally refreshing as she comes to terms with a long-term hospital stay. 

"I'm very happy, because I've been in hospital since June 13 and that's way too long to be without your dog. It's really, really great to be able to see him again. You know, you cannot explain to a dog what's going on and why you've been absent for several days. It's impossible to explain."

'They get happier'

One of the pioneers behind the scheme, former patient Katrien Dupont, explained – with the help of her dog Lexi – why the new facility can make such a difference.

"A dog provides a lot of friendship," she said. "When you come home, he's never in a bad mood, he's always equally sweet. As you see, it's always nice to be with him. And we also consider him a little like part of the family. When you have a dog, you have to take care of it. You're never alone when you have a dog."

Medics have known for a while that being around beloved pets can increase patient well-being, as palliative care nurse Wendy Thewis confirmed. 

"We did do some research, but we mostly know out of experience that it's really nice for the patients when they can see their pets again," she said. "Even if they are in a terminal phase or have to stay in for a longer time, they get happier but certainly also feel better thanks to their pets."

But what of patients without pets? There may still be a use for the pavilion – and a chance to cuddle a furry friend. From September, the hospital also plans to use the pavilion for sessions with a charity that uses therapy dogs for mental and motor skill rehabilitation.

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