A growing number of hospitals have pet therapy programs, in which a trained owner-volunteer will bring a dog to the hospital for patients to enjoy. These programs have been said to help patients with their mood, pain, and comfort levels. A growing number of these hospitals have taken their pet therapy programs even farther, allowing patients to have visits from their own pets. "When there is a patient in the hospital that will be here for a significant amount of time, we think it is important for them to have their entire family here," said Jamie Snow, Assistant Director of Child Life and Social Work at Texas Children's Hospital. "And some people consider their pets family members." PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support), a non-profit organization that helps to sustain the relationships between pet owners and their pets during a prolonged hospitalization, facilitates these pet visits.

ABC News, 6/22/2012