Using Virtual Pet to Replace Pet Therapy Visits in Our Nursing Facility During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introducing pets and animal therapy into an institutionalized resident's routine improves their psychopathological status and perceived quality of life. It is also known to foster sociability and reduce reliance on psychotropic medications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pet therapy in the nursing home has been discontinued to prevent the spread of the virus from volunteers and possibly through some pets. Virtual visits from physicians and families have become routine; however, virtual pet therapy visits have not been studied before and may improve residents’ moods.