Pet therapy for children with cancer

Aladina Foundation Report on Pet Therapy for Children with Cancer

Program Description

The arrival of our four-legged friends never fails to bring smiles and excitement to hospitals! This impactful program was first introduced at Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid and Virgen del Rocío Hospital in Seville, in collaboration with the Perros Azules Association. Over time, it has expanded to include Vithas Hospital and Clínico Hospital in Valencia, as well as Quirón Hospital in Pozuelo.

Since January 2022, we have extended these therapies to children receiving palliative care, reaching them both at home and in dedicated units at Niño Jesús Hospital in Madrid. Even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, we ensured the continuity of these sessions, both in-person and virtually, providing much-needed joy and emotional relief to the children. The companionship and engaging interactions with the therapy dogs have proven to significantly enhance the children’s emotional well-being and communication skills. We remain committed to expanding these sessions to benefit more hospitals and children.

Program Impact

Over the past year, 553 children and adolescents have benefited from therapy sessions involving dogs and horses, highlighting the program’s extensive reach and profound impact on young patients.

Results and Achievements

In addition to supporting children, in 2022 we launched a psychological support initiative for healthcare staff at Niño Jesús and Gregorio Marañón hospitals in Madrid, incorporating pet therapy sessions. This initiative has benefited 78 healthcare professionals, fostering their emotional resilience and enhancing their ability to deliver compassionate care.

Challenges and Solutions

The program faces two primary challenges: the resources required to support our planned expansion and the logistical complexities of reaching more children in additional hospitals. To address these challenges, we continue to strengthen partnerships with established dog trainers and therapy providers while actively expanding our network to include new collaborators. This strategic approach allows us to efficiently scale the program and maximize its impact.

Future Steps

Looking ahead to 2025, the Aladina Foundation aims to further expand its pet therapy program by introducing these beneficial sessions to more hospitals serving children with cancer. By broadening the program’s reach, we hope to bring the therapeutic advantages and joy of pet therapy to an even greater number of young patients across the region.

Links:

• We are thrilled to bring dog therapy to hospitals