KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness is exploring animal therapy to assist patients with recovering from and coping with health issues.

With its Animal-Assisted Recovery Care (AARC) Programme, the ministry aims to create a standard feature of providing therapy to patients including other hospitals and age groups. It will also introduce the principles of the humane treatment of animals and promote them as good companions.

The programme, a multi-agency initiative, is being piloted primarily through the Bustamante Hospital for Children in St Andrew and comprises an expert team of clinical personnel and the Veterinary Services Division, with the involvement of Hope Zoo, Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Montego Bay Animal Haven, and the parents of patients.

Pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy is a growing field that uses domesticated animals to help patients with health problems such as heart disease, cancer and mental health disorders on their journey.

On Friday, May 6, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton hosted a sensitisation session at the Bustamante Hospital for Children for the medical staff and patients.

The event featured animals, including a dog, snake, tortoise, kittens and rabbits, and saw participants taking turns petting and interacting with the animals.

Celia Campbell, whose son has been living with a birth defect which causes him to be admitted regularly to hospitals, said she believes the initiative would make not only her son’s but also other patients’ experiences at hospitals “a bit easier”.

“Some children may not have the opportunity [to leave the hospital] and get any enjoyment so this is a good initiative to remind them that they’re not being left out and they can enjoy themselves while they’re in the hospital. Although they’re sick, they can feel like someone’s child,” she shared.

The science of animal therapy is documented worldwide with many hospitals throughout the world that use furry friends to provide valuable companionship as part of the healing process for patients. Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe, especially when stressed or anxious.

Deeming the sensitisation session as successful, Dr Tufton said, “You can see the happiness on the faces of the kids that were exposed. You can see those who are peeking through the windows trying to be a part of it, but we only do it based on parental permission and consent”.

“The staff, in fact, seem to be enjoying themselves even more than the kids so it is offering therapy to all age groups, both internal stakeholders and external… so the initial signs are very positive,” he continued.

However, the minister noted that there has been a slight delay in the launch because animal-assisted therapy is a novel concept to Jamaica and requires strategic planning and implementation.

“We have to get it right… I’d rather delay the launch and do it properly than trying to rush. We’re gonna work it until we can find out what works, it’s just a matter of finding the formula to make it work here,” he said, adding that where the programme will be based is determined by its evolution and recognition.

For his part, General Curator at Hope Zoo, Joey Brown assured that animals have evolved to become acutely attuned to human behaviour and emotions and can also benefit from these interactions.

While dogs and cats are most commonly used in pet therapy, fish, guinea pigs, horses, and other animals that meet training and medical screening criteria can also be used.

The programme is anticipated to be launched sometime this year.