Animal-assisted therapy services for adult cancer patients: A grant proposal

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to identify potential funding sources and complete a grant to provide pet therapy/animal-assisted therapy to cancer patients who are actively in treatment at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center in Orange County, California, who are experiencing emotional distress as a direct result of the diagnosis and treatment of their cancer. An extensive literature review was used to gather data and evaluate the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy. Pet therapy/animal-assisted therapy was shown to provide comfort, relaxation, and decreased anxiety, distress, and depression. However, this treatment modality continues to be underutilized in the health care setting despite findings that demonstrate the improvements in quality of life. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant was not a requirement for the successful completion of the project.