An exploration of the potential benefits of pet-facilitated therapy

There is mounting evidence to suggest that those who keep pets are likely t o benefit from various improvements in health. Despite founders of nursing such as Florence Nightingale advocating the imp ortance of animals within the care environment, their integration into hosp itals and other health care settings has been slow. The literature on animal-induced health benefits is reviewed and the conclu sion is drawn that the potential benefits of pet therapy are considerable. It is suggested that nurses can assume an active role in advocating ward pe t or pet-visiting schemes.