Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Pets Enhancing Therapeutics in Intensive Care Units

This study is exploring whether it's practical and safe for people in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) to have visits from their own dogs. ICUs can be very stressful environments, and hospitals are always looking for ways to improve patient well-being and make stays less daunting. While family visits are encouraged, this research in France investigates if pet dog visits, a known comfort for many, could also be introduced safely within the ICU. The study will look at patients aged 18 and over who own a dog, focusing on whether these visits can actually happen without problems, keeping everyone, including the patients, staff, and pets, safe and comfortable.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand

Enrolment target

Start

15 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

15 Oct 2027

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients Dog Therapy

What is this study about?

When people are seriously unwell and in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), it can be a very challenging and often scary time. Hospitals are always trying new ways to help patients feel better and more at ease during their recovery. One common approach is to encourage family and friends to visit, as this can make a big difference to a patient's mood and well-being.

Now, for many people, pets are like family members. In countries like France, a lot of households have dogs. The idea of bringing animals into healthcare isn't new; it's been around for centuries, with animals sometimes used to help people with mental health issues. More recently, there's been growing interest in how our companion animals might help us feel better and even aid our recovery when we're in hospital.

This particular study is looking into something quite specific: whether having your own dog visit you in an ICU is actually possible and safe. While pet visits have been tried in less critical hospital wards, there hasn't been much research about them in the very sensitive environment of an ICU. The main goal of this study is to see if these visits can be arranged smoothly and without causing any problems for other patients, staff, or the dogs themselves.

Key takeaways

This study explores pet dog visits in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
It aims to see if dog visits are safe and practical for seriously ill patients.
Patients must own a dog and their family needs to be able to bring it to the hospital.
Strict health and safety rules apply for both patients and dogs.
The goal is to improve patient comfort and well-being during their ICU stay.
Participation will not change your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be an adult, aged 18 or older, and currently staying in one of the participating ICUs at Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital in France. You should be expected to stay in the ICU for at least two days (48 hours) or more. Crucially, you must own a dog, and your family or friends need to be able to bring your dog to the hospital for a visit.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you or your family do not wish to take part, or if you don't have French national health insurance. You also can't join if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are very restless or agitated. If your immune system is very weak (for instance, if you have very low white blood cell counts, are undergoing cancer treatment, or taking specific strong medications), or if you have certain infections that could spread, you would unfortunately be unable to participate.

Lastly, there are also some checks for your dog. Your dog cannot be from certain breeds considered dangerous in France, must have all its vaccinations up to date, and cannot have any known illnesses that could be passed on. Your dog also needs to be used to going outdoors and not just stay at home all the time.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently in one of the specified ICUs in Clermont-Ferrand, France?
Do you own a dog that your family can bring to the hospital?
Do you *not* have a very weak immune system or certain infections?
Is your dog fully vaccinated and healthy?
Are you and your family happy to consider taking part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main involvement would be having your own dog visit you in the ICU. The study will mainly focus on observing and understanding how these visits go, to see if they are practical and safe in the ICU environment. There won't be any special medical treatments or extra tests involved just for the study. The total duration of your participation would depend on how long you stay in the ICU and how many visits are arranged, but the core focus is on the visit itself and observing its impact while you are an inpatient in the ICU.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer a great benefit: the comfort and happiness of seeing your own dog while in the ICU, which might help improve your mood and overall well-being during a difficult time. However, as this is a new idea in ICUs, there are also potential risks that the study aims to understand and minimise. These include the risk, though small, of infection or allergic reactions for you or others, or the possibility of your dog becoming stressed. The researchers will have strict rules to make sure visits are as safe as possible. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU Clermont-Ferrand
Verified postcode
Clermont-Ferrand, France

Common questions

What is this study trying to find out?

This study wants to see if it's safe and possible for people in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to have visits from their own pet dogs.

Who can have their dog visit?

Adult patients (18+) in a specific ICU in France, who own a dog, and whose family can bring the dog for a visit.

Are there any health reasons why I couldn't join?

Yes, if you have a very weak immune system, certain infections, open wounds, or are very agitated, you might not be able to take part for your safety and the safety of others.

What about my dog's health?

Your dog must be fully vaccinated, healthy (no transmissible diseases), used to going outside, and not from certain breeds deemed dangerous in France.

Will this change my medical treatments?

No, taking part in this study will not change your regular medical care or treatments. It's just about the possibility of a dog visit.

How to find out more

Lise Laclautre

promo_interne_drci@chu-clermontferrand.fr 04.73.75.49.63 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.