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What is Hospice Support (Animal-Assisted, for Humans)?
In simple terms
Animal-assisted companion hospice support involves carefully selected animals offering gentle presence, comfort, and emotional connection to people who are approaching end of life.
Animals may provide companionship, grounding, reassurance, and moments of calm during an emotionally vulnerable time. Their presence can help reduce anxiety, loneliness, and emotional distress, and may support meaningful connection and comfort.
This support is non-medical and works alongside hospice, palliative, or healthcare services, complementing — not replacing — clinical care.
Animals involved are chosen for temperament, calmness, and suitability for hospice environments, and their welfare is prioritised at all times.
How it’s used with animals
Animal-assisted companion hospice support is typically designed to:
offer calm, reassuring presence
support emotional comfort and connection
reduce feelings of loneliness or anxiety
provide moments of joy, grounding, or familiarity
support family members and loved ones during visits
Sessions may take place in hospices, care homes, hospitals, or private homes, depending on setting and permissions. Interactions are gentle, optional, and led by the needs and comfort of both the person and the animal.
Animal handlers or facilitators remain present throughout, ensuring safety, consent, and welfare.
What animals it’s appropriate for
Animal-assisted hospice support is not appropriate for:
animals without specific suitability or temperament assessment
animals who show stress, fatigue, or discomfort in care settings
animals placed in environments beyond their capacity
animals used without clear welfare safeguards or handler support
Animal wellbeing is central and participation should always be voluntary and carefully monitored.
What animals it’s not appropriate for
Animal-assisted hospice support is not appropriate for:
animals without specific suitability or temperament assessment
animals who show stress, fatigue, or discomfort in care settings
animals placed in environments beyond their capacity
animals used without clear welfare safeguards or handler support
Animal wellbeing is central and participation should always be voluntary and carefully monitored.
What people often seek it for
People engage with animal-assisted hospice support for reasons including:
emotional comfort and reassurance
companionship during end-of-life care
reducing anxiety, fear, or isolation
meaningful connection and presence
comfort for family members during visits
maintaining a sense of normality or familiarity
For many people, animals offer quiet, non-judgemental presence during a deeply personal stage of life.
What it’s not
People engage with animal-assisted hospice support for reasons including:
emotional comfort and reassurance
companionship during end-of-life care
reducing anxiety, fear, or isolation
meaningful connection and presence
comfort for family members during visits
maintaining a sense of normality or familiarity
For many people, animals offer quiet, non-judgemental presence during a deeply personal stage of life.
Things to consider
Animal-assisted companion hospice support is not:
medical or nursing care
therapy delivered without appropriate oversight
a replacement for hospice or palliative services
animal-led healing without professional boundaries
Its role is emotional support and presence, not treatment.
How to explore this safely
When exploring animal-assisted hospice support, it’s helpful to:
ensure medical and hospice care remain central
confirm animals are trained and supported by experienced handlers
understand infection control and safety protocols
ensure participation is optional for both person and animal
avoid anyone positioning animals as a substitute for care
Ethical practice prioritises dignity, consent, safety, and compassion — for humans and animals alike.
Practitioners offering animal-assisted hospice support for humans may be listed in our directory. Practitioners are responsible for clearly describing their animal training, wellfare standards, experience, and facilitation approach.
Important notice
Alternative Pet Health Scotland does not verify or accredit individual qualifications and holds no responsibility for the experience or capability of any person or business listed in this directory.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always make choices appropriate to your animal and circumstances.