A Paw for Comfort: Italian Perceptions on Companion Animals Visiting Their Guardians in Hospice Care

This questionnaire-based study investigates factors influencing the Italian general public’s perception of companion animals visiting their guardians in hospice care. Responses from 1,556 participants revealed a generally positive outlook for visiting animals. Most participants highlighted benefits like psychological support and enhanced palliative care rather than negative effects, such as concerns about hygiene, furniture, or medical equipment damage. Supporters of companion animal visitations believed in their potential to offer emotional comfort and promote social integration and physical activity. Conversely, opponents expressed concerns that animals might add complications to an already challenging situation and be a nuisance due to factors such as smells and noises. Living in towns rather than cities and exclusively keeping dogs and cats indoors were identified as predicting factors for a more positive attitude toward companion animal visitation to hospice patients. These findings could assist healthcare policymakers in implementing animal-related regulations that benefit all patients.