Four-Legged Medical Assistants – Therapy Dogs in Clinical Settings

Animal-assisted interventions are becoming increasingly important in oncology, palliative care, and pediatrics, as they promote emotional stability, a sense of connection, and psychosocial relief. Swiss hospitals such as those in Lausanne, Lucerne, and Männedorf demonstrate that therapy dogs are already being successfully integrated into clinical workflows, while other forms of human-animal interaction are primarily used symbolically or in isolated cases. This CME article scientifically categorizes these approaches based on numerous studies, describes the conditions for implementation, and outlines prospects for the future structural integration of animal-assisted services into the Swiss healthcare system.