Pets in hospitals.

The role of animals in society is well recognised. The programme director of the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations has emphasised the key role of the pet and stated that ". . . within the family the animal provides opportunities for projection and displacement of feelings as well as for direct expression of con cern and care, of anxiety and fear; and for testing out capacities for power, authority and influence within the family context."' The medical contribution which may be made by pets has not, perhaps, been fully appreciated until recently. There is now, however, evidence that the pet animal may play a part in the treatment and care of some patients. Workers in the field of psychotherapy have particularly emphasised the value of pets and Corson et al2 reported encouraging results when psych iatric patients in hospital were brought into close contact with dogs. Investigations into the psychotherapeutic value of cage birds to old people' showed that the presence of budgerigars generally had a beneficial effect. The role of pets in child development was first emphasised over 70 years ago4 and has since been investigated by many workers, including Levinson,5 and this is now reflected in the widespread use of animals in schools.6 They have proved particularly valuable in teaching mentally handicapped children.8 Many social workers and occupational therapists testify to the practical benefits that may ensue from encouraging contact between children and pets, and it is no coincidence that children's wards now frequently house a pet hamster, cagebird, or goldfish. Against these points, however, are the various arguments of those who, for one reason or another, oppose close contact between man and animals. Considerable concern is justifiably expressed over zoonoses, many of which are transmissible from pets to man. In addition public criticism is often levelled against domestic animals because they smell, cause traffic accidents, foul pathways, or make too much noise. Such argu ments may influence the decisions of those who have to decide whether or not animals are kept in a hospital. Other justifiable criticisms of pets in the hospital may be levelled because of expense or because animals are both timeand space-consuming. These and other objections have to be remembered whenever the question of animals in hospitals is raised. Whether keeping such animals is desirable is debatable but I intend to draw attention to some of the problems and pitfalls of maintaining animals under such circumstances and to make basic recom mendations regarding their care. While primarily intended for guiding those working in hospitals, this paper may also prove a useful guide for those who maintain animals in penal institu tions and educational establishments. Choice of animal