Animals and hospitals / myLot

November 19, 2023 4:58pm CST

Good morning everyone. The other day I was in the hospital visiting a hospitalized friend of mine and at a certain point a lady arrived with a dog. The lady had come to visit her hospitalized husband and wanted to come in with the dog, The hospital staff, despite the lady's protests, did not want to let the dog in. In your opinion, is it right for dogs to enter hospitals to be in the company of their loved ones?

7 people like this

7 responses

@DaddyEvil (137636)

• United States

20 Nov 23

There are enough germs already floating around in hospitals that can cause problems for the patients. There's no good and valid reason to allow a pet in that could be carrying more germs in with it. The woman could have taken the dog around outside the hospital to a window the patient could look out and see the dog if he wanted.

1 person likes this

Roberto Rossi

@RRossi (275)

•

20 Nov 23

I agree with you. Introducing too many animals into the hospital could raise concerns related to hygiene and safety. While the presence of pets can bring emotional comfort, it's essential to balance that with the needs of a controlled hospital environment to ensure the well-being of all patients and medical staff.

1 person likes this

Anna

@LadyDuck (472114)

• Switzerland

20 Nov 23

I understand when a pet is allowed to see the owner for a "last time". It is a comfort for the person who is dying. To let animals inside the hospital is wrong, they bring in germs and some people are allergic to animal furs.

1 person likes this

sulynsi

@sulynsi (2671)

• Canada

20 Nov 23

What kind of dog is it? How well socialized is it? Is it well trained and completely under the control of its handler? How are other patients going to be affected by this animal, even if it is an excellent animal? What are the policies of the hospital? Ultimately, a hospital has the right to set certain rules - usually intended for everyone's comfort and safety.

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (342105)

• Rockingham, Australia

20 Nov 23

Certainly dogs are great therapy. As long as they're not interfering with others I guess it's okay. I'm not sure about hygiene issues though.

1 person likes this

Melanie Marie

@Melanie_Marie (1871)

• New Baltimore, Michigan

20 Nov 23

Absolutely, yes. Studies have shown interacting with a beloved pet can be more beneficial to a patient than some forms of medical/psychiatric care or meds.

Sharon Elton

@sharonelton (29317)

• Lichfield, England

20 Nov 23

If the patient wants to see their pet I think they should let the pet in. It is well known that stroking an animal is good for you. Some animals are used as therapy animals.

1 person likes this

George B Vieto

@Deepizzaguy (104160)

• Lake Charles, Louisiana

19 Nov 23

Dogs should be allowed to enter a hospital if the dog does not pose any harm to the patients.