New guidelines from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have outlines recommendations for policies in healthcare facilities on the use of animals. This includes policies on service animals, animal-assisted activities, research animals and personal pet visitations at acute cate hospitals.

The new SHEA guidelines were published in its journal, Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. Lead author David Weber, MD, MPH, said, “Animals have had an increasing presence in healthcare facilities. While there may be benefits to patient care, the role of animals in the spread of bacteria is not well understood. We have developed standard infection prevention and control guidance to help protect patients and healthcare providers via animal-to-human transmission in healthcare settings.”

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) also endorsed the new guidelines, which are grouped by the role that animals play. Some of the key recommendations are that facilities need to have a written policy for animal assisted activities, which include volunteer programs and pet therapy. An animal-assisted activity visits need to be designated. Also, only dogs should be allowed to serve in pet therapy and other select animal-assisted activities, and the involved animals and handles must be formally trained and evaluated.

Other guidelines included that animal interaction areas in facilities should be determined together with the Infection Prevention and Control team, and that clinical staff have to be trained about the program. Animal handlers should be properly immunized, and their contact with patient visits must be restricted so that the animal is prevented from coming into contact with invasive devices.