Full Breakdown
São João Hospital Allows In-Patient Pet Visits Under New Protocol
By Drooid · · How we work
Opening Hospital Wards to Pets
Since 9 July 2026, São João Hospital—one of Portugal’s leading public university hospitals—has permitted patients’ pets to enter inpatient wards. The “Pets and Company” project builds on the One Health São João programme and the hospital’s Humanisation service, aiming to break isolation for patients with prolonged stays.
Protocol Details and Eligibility
A visit must be requested by the patient’s doctor or nurse, who flags the case for risk-benefit assessment. The team evaluates clinical need, infection-control conditions, and whether other patients consent to an animal’s presence. Owners must provide a veterinary certificate confirming up-to-date vaccinations, deworming and suitable behaviour. Only adult companions may escort the animal, and visits last up to 30 minutes, permitted once every seven days. Priority is given to terminal or long-term patients. Dogs, cats and “more exotic species” are allowed if they meet all criteria.
Reported Benefits and Safety
Studies cited by the hospital indicate reductions in blood pressure and stress-related hormones when trained animals are involved, with greater benefit when the pet is the patient’s own. The initiative began in early July and, according to the programme team, no infections have been recorded to date. The infectious-disease specialist notes that transmission of most diseases is more likely human-to-human than animal-to-human.
Official Statements
Filipa Ceia, spokesperson for the One Health São João Group, explains that any staff member may halt a visit that does not follow protocol, such as when an animal is anxious, aggressive or visibly dirty. She adds that “there is an excessive fear of transmitting zoonoses that is not borne out by studies.” “There is an excessive fear of transmitting zoonoses that is not borne out by studies,” — Filipa Ceia. “Men may be more fragile when they are ill. They realise there are things of great importance in life and want to have them close during their stay,” — Ceia. Visit, of Princesa
Outlook
The hospital plans to review the protocol later to address any flaws, emphasizing a balance between empathy and sanitary control. By integrating flexible, evidence-based rules rather than awaiting legislative mandates, São João aims to humanise care while maintaining public-health safety.