The Buenos Aires deputy **Silvina Vaccarezza** presented a bill for patients to receive visits from their [**pets in public and private hospitals**](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/tu-mascota-te-acompana-el-conmovedor-programa-para-pacientes-terminales/).
The goal is for the patients to improve their emotional well-being with the arrival of their pets. Here are the details of the project.
With the **advancement of medicine and the recognition of integral health** as an approach that considers both body and mind, more and more studies emphasize the importance of **emotional well-being in hospitalized patients**.
## Emotional Well-being and Bond: the Importance of Pets
In this context, the legislator is promoting an innovative bill: to [**allow the entry of companion animals**](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/que-significa-que-mi-perro-me-siga-a-todas-partes/) into **health centers**, under strict hygiene and control protocols.
Various **international research** has shown the therapeutic benefits of contact with pets, especially companion dogs. It has been proven that their presence can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, alleviate physical pain, and improve mood.
There has also been a **positive impact on social interaction** in patients, especially in people with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or facing post-traumatic stress.
Based on successful experiences applied in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, the project presented by Vaccarezza aims to replicate these policies in the province of Buenos Aires, opening a new door to animal-assisted therapy.
## What the Law Proposes
The bill contemplates that **hospitalized patients, or their family members**, may request the entry of their companion dog for scheduled visits, provided they have the endorsement of the medical team and meet the requirements established in the hospital’s health protocol.
This measure would apply to both public and private hospitals in the province. The entry and circulation of animals will be carried out through a **previously scheduled circuit**, and they will be supervised by personnel designated by the health center.
Additionally, if the patient does not have their own pet, they may request the visit of a specially trained dog as an emotional support animal.
## Sanitary Requirements for Animals
To ensure safe conditions for all involved, the project establishes a **series of requirements that dogs must meet**:
– Be over one year old.
– Have complete vaccination and internal and external deworming.
– Possess a veterinary certificate of good health.
– Not have had contact with the outside in the 72 hours prior to the visit.
– Be bathed at **least 24 hours before entering** the health center.
These conditions aim to avoid any type of health complication within the medical facility.
## Emotional Support in Difficult Times: What Happens Around the World
Deputy Vaccarezza stated that “for those people who have a very close relationship with their pet, being able to share a difficult moment such as hospitalization with them generates a sense of security and calm that significantly improves mood.”
The project aligns with policies already implemented in over **100 U.S. hospitals since 2016**, where pet visits are allowed under strict conditions.
Likewise, a recent study from the **Konkuk University in South Korea** showed that time spent with dogs significantly reduces stress, fatigue, and depression levels. It also improves brain waves **related to relaxation and concentration**.
