The Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona has implemented a dog-assisted therapy program for adolescents admitted with mental health disorders. This initiative aims to help patients identify and regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve self-esteem.
The therapy involves five dogs—two Golden Retrievers named India and Musa, and three Jack Russell Terriers named Odette, Opala, and Xata. Sessions are conducted weekly, with groups of two to four patients participating in each one-hour session. The program is a collaborative effort between the Vall d'Hebron Psychiatry Service and the Chair of Animals and Society at the Rey Juan Carlos University, and is funded by the Dingonatura Foundation. The association Perruneando, specializing in animal-assisted interventions, has trained the canine team for this program.
Clinical psychologist Bàrbara Citoler, who supervises the therapy, noted that the presence of the dogs allows patients to connect with their more personal side beyond the symptoms they are experiencing. The initiative also helps humanize the clinical context, as children and adolescents are in a stressful environment away from home and their families.
While the program is still under evaluation, early observations indicate positive outcomes. Patients have shown increased enthusiasm for the therapy, with some inquiring about the dogs' visits as early as Wednesday. The hospital staff has also reported benefits from the sessions, noting a more relaxed atmosphere during the dogs' visits.
This approach reflects a growing recognition of the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted interventions in mental health care, particularly for adolescents facing emotional and behavioral challenges.