By Maria Villen | Digital Manager
Aladina Foundation Report on Pet Therapy for Children with Cancer
Program Description
The arrival of our furry friends always stirs excitement at the hospitals! The program began at Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid and Virgen del Rocío Hospital in Seville, in partnership with the Perros Azules Association. It has since expanded to Vithas Hospital and Clínico Hospital in Valencia, as well as Quirón Hospital in Pozuelo.
Since January 2022, we have extended these therapies to children in palliative care, reaching those at home and in dedicated units at Niño Jesús Hospital in Madrid. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we continued to deliver these sessions both in-person and virtually, bringing much joy and anticipation to the children. The companionship and playful interactions with the dogs significantly enhance the children’s communication skills and emotional well-being. We are eager to expand these canine therapy sessions to many more hospitals.
Program Impact
In the past year alone, 386 children and adolescents have engaged in therapies with dogs and horses, demonstrating the program’s broad reach and significant impact on the young patients.
Results and Achievements
Additionally, in 2022, we initiated a psychological support program using pet therapy sessions for healthcare staff at Niño Jesús and Gregorio Marañón hospitals in Madrid, which benefited 78 personnel. This initiative not only supports the emotional well-being of our staff but also boosts their capacity to provide empathetic care.
Challenges and Solutions
The program faces two main challenges: our ambition to expand, which requires significant resource mobilization, and the logistical hurdles of reaching more children in more hospitals. Our solution involves strengthening our relationships with existing dog providers and trainers, as well as broadening our network to include new partners. This approach enables us to extend our reach efficiently.
Future Steps
Looking ahead to 2024, our goal is to continue expanding the program, aiming to introduce pet therapy sessions to additional hospitals that serve children with cancer. This growth will enable us to bring therapeutic benefits and joy to an even greater number of young patients across the region
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