Pets Help Hospice Patients

Pets provide comfort, companionship, and an opportunity to share time with a friend. For some people that includes having a pet at the end of life. Pets can provide emotional support for those who are dying and make the experience more positive. When used as part of hospice care, pets also benefit patients by lowering anxiety and stress levels. Hospice care is a type of palliative care that focuses on improving quality of life for patients who are nearing death or have an incurable illness. The benefits of hospice care extend beyond just helping patients feel better and can positively affect their emotional well-being as well as the overall quality of their final weeks or months.

When used in this way, animals can also benefit patients by decreasing their anxiety levels and improving their moods. Hospice care is also beneficial for the patient’s family members because of its therapeutic effects on loved ones as well.

The use of pets in hospice care can also promote physical activity which may help patients reduce weight gain or muscle wasting during treatment and recovery. Additionally, the companionship offered by animals could help improve overall quality of life for the patient or loved one.

While most people associate cats and dogs with being household pets, there are also a number of other species that can be used as part of hospice programs. Here are some examples:

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are specially trained pets that provide physical and emotional support to patients with disabilities. There are assistance dogs available for people who have a variety of conditions like autism, dementia, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and mental health conditions. Hospice care programs often work with assistance dogs because they can help patients with their cognitive functioning.

Birds

Birds are a great option for hospice care because of their ability to mimic human speech and calming nature. Birds can help patients feel less lonely, socialize with family members, and even communicate with pets. They are also relatively easy to care for, and, depending on the type of bird, don’t require much interaction with humans to live a happy life.

Rabbits

Pet rabbits can bring immense comfort and joy to hospice patients, offering companionship that is both gentle and uplifting. Rabbits are naturally calm, quiet animals that enjoy being held, petted, or simply sitting nearby, making them ideal companions in settings where peace is essential. Their soft fur and gentle movements provide a soothing sensory experience, while their curious and friendly nature can bring smiles and ease loneliness.

Other Pets Helping People at the End of Life

Pets can provide a sense of comfort, especially for people who are dying. Other ways pets benefit hospice patients include lowering anxiety and stress levels, as well as providing emotional support. There are certain types of pets that have been shown to be particularly beneficial, such as dogs or cats. However, there are also other animals that have been used successfully in hospice care programs. Here are some examples:

Fish - Studies show fish can serve as a calming and therapeutic presence for those with dementia

Snakes - A snake is often an animal that is easy to care for and keeps owners company during tough times.

Small Rodents - Small pets like hamsters, rats, and guinea pigs can make amusing companions that are able to live in small spaces and are relatively quiet.

Therapy Animals

If people don't want to adopt or foster, there are still other options for caring for animals. For example, animal-assisted therapy can be a way for hospice patients to be able to experience the joy of animal companionship without all the associated upkeep.

Trouble Taking Care of Your Pet?

If you or someone you know in hospice care in Del Norte or Curry County is having trouble taking care of their pet, we have volunteers who love to help! Learn more about our volunteers and everything they can do for you here.