Animals as Part of Healing Process
It was the brainchild of ex-cardiologist Hortence Haerkens-Arends, who holds that animal visits to patients can have a positive effect on their mental state. "Animals decrease blood pressure and lower stress. Looking at your dog or cat releases a happiness hormone," she explained.

"A visit from your pet is good. It is also a family member."

Even though pet visits are routine in other countries, they are still uncommon in Dutch hospitals where hygiene rules are strict.

Haerkens-Arends is hoping the pilot will lead to greater acceptance.

Regulations Promote Safety and Health
There are strict rules to keep things clean and safe. Pets must enter through the hospital garden, not the main entrance, and they must be house-trained, vaccinated and on a leash.

When cleared by a physician, a patient is entitled to one pet visit a week.

In the Netherlands, the majority of hospitals prohibit pets. Some, like the Zuyderland Medical Center in Limburg and the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital in Utrecht, have allowed restricted pet visits in exceptional circumstances.