When Fido & Friends Visit: Risks & Benefits in Healthcare Settings

Session Description: During COVID-19, thousands of animals in rescues and shelters were adopted. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® released data from a nationally representative poll of 5,020 respondents confirming that close to one in five households acquired a cat or dog since the beginning of the pandemic. This poll discovered that most pet owners incorporate their pets into their lifestyles. Pets are going everywhere with their owners, including healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. We have always had to deal with pets, but the trend of pets present in the healthcare continuum is increasing. It’s important that infection preventionists be prepared for animals, not just dogs and cats, arriving in facilities. We will discuss the benefits of animals in healthcare settings, including the difference between service, therapy, support, and compassionate care animal visits. We will also examine the infection prevention and control risks of acquiring zoonotic diseases, animal hygiene, safety and outline how to minimize these risks. Suggested elements for a pet visitation policy will be provided for the infection preventionist to adapt for their facility. We will also explain how to care for patients, including immunocompromised patients, when animals visit.