Parents’ Perceptions of Pediatric Surgical Patients regarding Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Qualitative Study

Background/Objectives: Animal-Assisted Therapy, particularly pet therapy, is in-creasingly recognized for its potential to support pediatric patients and their families in the hospital setting. This study explores the perceptions of parents of pediatric sur-gical patients regarding the use of pet therapy during hospitalization. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children admitted for surgery procedures. The interviews were tran-scribed, read thoroughly, and analyzed. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring themes related to the emotional, relational, and organizational aspects of pet therapy. Results: Twenty mothers were interviewed and five main themes emerged: (1) pet therapy was perceived as a valuable tool to reduce children's anxiety and pro-vide emotional support; (2) it fostered positive interactions between children, parents and caregivers; (3) animals were viewed as mediators of relational bonding, especially in stressful moments; (4) parental well-being improved when children appeared calm-er during sessions; and (5) most parents preferred dogs for their empathic and com-municative nature, while horses were appreciated but considered impractical in a hos-pital setting. The presence of structured AAI programs also positively influenced par-ents' perception of the quality of care. Nurses played a crucial role in supporting the implementation of Animal-Assisted Therapy and family involvement, aligning with the Family-Centered Care model. Conclusions: This study found that parents view Animal-Assisted Therapy as a valuable intervention that reduces anxiety and supports emotional well-being in hospitalized children. Nurses play a vital role in integrating AAT within Family-Centered Care to enhance the pediatric hospital experience.