United Kingdom: A Dog Walk a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Source: AARP.org | September 11, 2005

United Kingdom: A Dog Walk a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Many of us could have told scientists what recent research has proved: having a pet improves your physical and mental health.

Studies find that pets help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, alleviate depression, along with several other benefits. Armed with this knowledge, the UK’s National Health Services (NHS) is offering patients an innovative way to improve their health—adopt a pet.

Under the pilot program set to begin next month, caseworkers receive a budget of up to £1,000 per patient to purchase products and services that will improve that individual’s health and reduce the number of times he or she requires hospital care. One of the items that may be purchased is a dog. While the proposition has its critics, NHS administrators point out that caring for a pet helps home bound patients feel less isolated, as well as exercise more through activities such as walking their dogs.

Although the NHS program model is unique, this would not be the first time health care professionals have turned to animals to help sick patients. Administrators in British hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes have arranged for dogs to visit their patients for more than 20 years. Pets as Therapy, the charity that arranges these visits in UK hospitals, currently employs more than 3,500 of these “working” dogs and cats.

Source: “Patients can get a pet—on prescription,” The Scotsman, 08/08/2005