BEND, Ore. — St. Charles Health System will change its pet visitation policy to allow only service animals and approved therapy dogs inside its hospitals and clinics. That change takes place October 1st.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage health care facilities and patients to minimize contact with animal saliva, dander, and body wastes as a matter of infection prevention.
Many patients and visitors also suffer from allergies to animal dander, making it difficult to accommodate pets within the St. Charles facilities.
St. Charles leaders say they acknowledge that pets can aid in the emotional side of the healing process – but the infection risk posed by animals in a health care setting cannot be ignored.
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