Pet Therapy for Hospice Patients

Visiting with these gentle animals helps

• people feel less lonely
• provides entertainment and a welcome distraction from the pains and burdens of coping with illness
• encourages people to communicate their feelings, laugh and interact with others

The act of petting a dog can

• relax people.
• sometimes reduce blood pressure.
• encourage use of hand, arms and movement.
• help reduce physical pain.
• lower blood pressure.
• promote an improved heart rate and general cardiovascular health.
• increase overall comfort level.

Patients in facilities who may have had to give up cherished pets find joy in reliving memories. In addition, patients and families often report more responsiveness to care and an improved feeling of connection to life through the use of this comforting therapy.

Read more about the benefits of hospice pet therapy >>