Poland is drafting legislation that would grant hospice and palliative care patients the right to receive visits from their pets. The initiative was proposed by Dr. Tomasz Dzierżanowski from the Medical University of Warsaw's palliative medicine clinic and introduced to parliament by MP Katarzyna Piekarska of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s party; discussions began in June 2026.
While pet visits are currently permitted in many clinics at the discretion of doctors, there is no uniform legal framework in place. Dzierżanowski emphasizes that the presence of a beloved animal alleviates both the physical and emotional suffering of terminally ill patients, particularly amidst the current "epidemic of loneliness." He recalls a patient named Waldemar whose greatest concern was his two cats; after they visited his room, the man wept with joy, and the reaction of both the animals and other patients convinced the doctor that the issue required a legislative solution.
One patient, 70-year-old Ewa Lutka-Krawczyk, who is battling gallbladder cancer, is eagerly awaiting a reunion with her rescue dog, Gaja. Back at home, the dog has barely eaten while waiting for her owner. Dzierżanowski already allows such visits in his clinic when conditions permit, noting that pets benefit not only the patients but also their loved ones while helping to reduce stress among staff.
Therapy dogs, such as an Australian Shepherd named Kluska, also work at the clinic. Her visits provide a distraction for patients, allowing them to stroke her soft fur and even give simple commands. According to volunteer Małgorzata Brzozowska, a patient's own pets have an even greater impact, providing comfort to both the person and the animal, who gains a better understanding of where their owner is.
The bill is currently being reviewed by the health committee. Its authors point out that since animals are already appearing in hospitals, it is vital to regulate the process legally to ensure equal access for all patients.
