# Companion animal visits in Porto hospital

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/companion-animal-visits-in-porto-hospital
> Updated: 2026-08-17T21:15:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The São João Local Health Unit (ULS São João) in Porto has introduced a program allowing companion animals to visit patients. This initiative is part of a “humanization strategy” intended to improve the emotional well-being and psychological comfort of patients, especially those in long-term or delicate clinical situations.

To ensure safety, visits are not automatic and require evaluation by healthcare teams. Approval depends on the patient’s clinical status, the specific ward, and potential risks to staff or other patients. Additionally, animals must meet strict requirements regarding health, hygiene, vaccination, and behavior. Requests for these visits are initiated by healthcare professionals and reviewed by a dedicated team.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Hospital de São João implements companion animal visits

Hospital de São João in Porto has introduced a program allowing companion animals to visit hospitalized patients to support their emotional and psychological well-being.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hospital-de-so-joo-implements-companion-animal-visits

### 2026-07-25: Dogs Comfort Patients in Santos Hospital and Parish in Paraíba

Dogs visited Hospital dos Estivadores in Santos, easing patients' stress, while a stray dog climbed onto the altar in an Areial parish, comforting worshippers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dogs-comfort-patients-in-santos-hospital-and-parish-in-paraba

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Cite as: Companion animal visits in Porto hospital. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/companion-animal-visits-in-porto-hospital