Hospitals in Japan Embrace Pets to Aid Patient Recovery

In Kaizu, Gifu Prefecture, a patient is shown in a sickroom with a pet animal. Two hospitals in this central Japan prefecture are implementing a program that allows inpatients to have their dogs nearby, believing it can stabilize their physical and mental state and aid in recovery.

Matsunami General Hospital in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture, has refurbished the ground floor of a detached house on its premises into a "Your Pet in Hospital" center. This center serves as a lodging facility for patients' family members. Inpatients can visit their dogs as often as they like. The center can accommodate up to five large dogs or ten small canines and is staffed with a certified veterinary nurse. It also includes a playground.

The service is available to patients who lack other means of pet care during their hospital stay. This includes patients in the acute stage of illnesses like stomach cancer and those undergoing planned medical treatments. Dogs are currently the only permitted pets. The overnight rate varies based on the animal's size.

Once acute care is complete and the patient's condition stabilizes, they may be transferred to a "With Pet Ward" at the Kaizu Medical Association Hospital. This ward features sickrooms equipped with beds and cages, allowing patients to continue caring for their pets during treatment. Separate pathways are designed for patients in the ward and other patients. A large dog run has also been created outdoors.

Hospital officials hope this initiative will shorten hospital stays and speed up social rehabilitation. The program addresses concerns about patients delaying or refusing hospitalization due to worries about their pets. The increased popularity of pet ownership, partly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, has further highlighted the need for such services.