The role and significance of animals as a therapeutic element in palliative care

In recent years, an increasing number of reports have supported the beneficial effects of animal interaction on patients receiving palliative care. This has coincided with growing interest in this form of support for individuals with terminal illnesses. Contact with animals may positively influence the overall functioning of a person at the end of life, alleviating both emotional and physical suffering, and facilitating adaptation to a changed social role. The human–animal relationship, whether involving a therapy animal or a personal companion, and even when the interaction is brief or superficial, can provide valuable support not only for patients but also for their loved ones and healthcare professionals. Despite these advantages, the role of animals in palliative care remains underappreciated and rarely incorporated into standard clinical practice. This may stem from concerns regarding epidemiological risks and a limited awareness of how to properly organise patient-animal interactions in medical settings. The bond between a human and a beloved animal can be particularly strong and, in some cases, the animal may be the patient’s only close living being. In light of this knowledge, enabling patients to see their pets constitutes an expression of respect for their unquestionable right to maintain connection with their loved ones. In Poland, animals may be brought into open hospital wards, such as palliative care units, with the consent of the facility’s director. There are no specific legal regulations governing such procedures; however, general provisions concerning animal welfare, animal health, and the prevention of epidemiological risks apply.