Undergoing chemotherapy with her dog by her side: The first-ever launch of “pet infusions” in Veneto

The “Pet Infusions” project was launched at the Montebelluna Hospital: Barbara is undergoing chemotherapy with her Labrador named Joy. This is a first for a public hospital in Veneto.

A paw gently resting on the edge of a hospital bed and an attentive gaze watching the slow flow of vital medication. At the Montebelluna Oncology Day Hospital, in the province of Treviso, a turning point of extraordinary clinical and human significance has taken place. For the very first time in a public healthcare facility in the Veneto Region, a patient was able to complete her chemotherapy session alongside her dog. The protagonist of this historic milestone is Ms. Barbara Guerra, who underwent a challenging cancer treatment while receiving emotional support from Joy, her inseparable Labrador retriever.

The multidisciplinary safety protocol and care for vulnerable patients

Allowing a pet into a high-risk infectious disease unit is not merely a gesture of courtesy, but the result of a rigorous scientific and organizational process. Officially named “Pet Infusions,” this experimental initiative was promoted and developed by ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana (the local health authority). Due to the presence of immunocompromised and extremely vulnerable cancer patients, the health authority had to establish a multidisciplinary coordination team.

The project required the active cooperation of a medical leadership team composed of dedicated professionals, the oncology department, the risk management department, the internal infectious disease prevention department, and the urban veterinary health department. This synergy made it possible to draft a detailed internal procedure governing animal access under strictly controlled hygiene and health conditions.

A specific logistical arrangement to avoid interfering with the outpatient clinic

To protect the peace of mind and health of all hospital users, ULSS 2 has implemented a entirely separate logistical schedule. Barbara’s therapy sessions with Joy were scheduled and conducted outside of regular care hours, utilizing dedicated care pathways and meticulous management of common areas. The administrative and medical effort made it possible to address a deep psychological need expressed by the patient herself.

During her previous postoperative stay at Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, Barbara had already been granted permission to see Joy on the ward daily. The next phase, which took place at the Montebelluna facility under the supervision of the attending physician Ottaviano Tomassi, demonstrated just how much affection directly reduces anxiety, stress, and isolation among patients.

Local support and the goal of expanding the therapeutic model

The rollout of “Pet Infusions” has found a fundamental pillar in local generosity, having been funded by a dedicated fundraising campaign promoted by ULSS 2, which will remain open to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. General Director Giancarlo Bizzarri expressed his deep gratitude to the healthcare teams and local organizations that made this project possible.

The President of the Veneto Region, Alberto Stefani, also publicly praised the success, describing the humanization of care as a true “medicine” and expressing his hope for a rapid expansion of the protocol to the entire regional hospital network. At the end of the trial period, the Treviso facility will analyze the clinical results and safety data to evaluate the permanent implementation of the innovative care model, in which the mind and body heal together.