|
Subject/Title
Animals in Calgary Health Region Facilities |
Reference Number: |
| Effective Date: | |
| Approving Authority: Executive Management |
Date Revised: |
| Classification: Facilities, Assets and Security |
Last Review: |
| Next Review: |
| Note: The Calgary Health Region is committed to ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the policies on its Regional Policy Website. As policies are reviewed and updated periodically, the information contained in this document is accurate only on the date that it is viewed/printed (2010/09/08). Before relying on the information after this date, please check the Regional Policy Website for any changes to the policy. If you have any questions regarding this notice or the information presented in this policy, please contact Regional Policy Services using the Feedback link below. |
| Feedback |
|
Reason For Policy To establish guidelines regarding the admittance of animals to Calgary Health Region owned or operated facilities. Policy Statement In support of providing quality health care, the Calgary Health Region has established guidelines for the admittance of animals in its facilities to balance the environmental and legislative requirements with those that encourage the emotional well being of the patients and clients. Applicability This policy applies to all Calgary Health Region owned or operated facilities. Process 1. GUIDE DOGS, HEARING DOGS AND ASSISTANCE DOGS Guide dogs, Hearing dogs, and Assistance dogs are permitted in Calgary Health Region facilities, except in restricted areas, in compliance with legislated requirements and with the following provisions: · The owner must provide all necessary care and attention for the dog; · The dog must be clean and in good health; · Proof of appropriate immunization shall be made available upon request. · Overnight stays must receive prior approval of the appropriate Patient Care Manager (or designate). If an overnight stay is not possible, periodic visiting during the day is encouraged. 2. FAMILY PETS Family pets are allowed only under the following conditions: · All requests to bring family pets into a patient care area of a Calgary Health Region owned or operated facility must receive advance approval from the appropriate Patient Care Manager (or designate), in consultation with Infection Prevention and Control. The needs of the patient, the staff, and visitors are considered in the approval of all requests. · The animal must be appropriately immunized, clean, free of ectoparasites and in good health. Proof of appropriate immunization and health record shall be made available upon request. Failure to provide such documentation shall result in the refusal of the request until such time as appropriate evidence can be submitted. · An Authorization for Animals on Calgary Health Region Premises form (#101822 - see Appendix "A"), signed by the Patient Care Manager (or designate) and the Designated Handler, and Infection Prevention and Control must be completed prior to a visit by a family pet. A verbal confirmation by Infection Prevention and Control is acceptable and will be noted on the authorization form. · All family pets visiting an acute care site are required to register with Protection Services and must present the signed Authorization for Animals form at the time of registration. All animals and designated handlers will be issued appropriate identification tags for display at all times while on Calgary Health Region premises. · At all times while in the facility, or on Calgary Health Region property, the animal must be adequately controlled (i.e. caged or leashed) and supervised by a designated handler(s) who shall provide appropriate care and control. · Family pets brought onto the premises without prior approval or not registered with Protection Services will be requested to leave until such time as the above conditions are met. 3. RESTRICTIONS Guide dogs, Hearing dogs, Assistance dogs, and family pets are not permitted in the following areas: · Surgical suites · Intensive/Critical care areas* · Burn and plastics areas* · Labour and delivery areas · Newborn nursery · Food preparation areas · Medication or clean/sterile supplies storage areas *The Patient Care Manager has the discretion to approve requests in exceptional circumstances. 4. TRAINING REQUESTS Training of Guide dogs, Hearing dogs, and Assistance dogs on Calgary Health Region premises is permitted by recognized training organizations under the following conditions: · All requests must be directed to the appropriate Administrative Director (or designate) for approval. An Authorization for Animals form shall be completed and signed. · Proof of appropriate immunization and health record must be produced upon request. Failure to provide satisfactory evidence of immunization and health records shall result in refusal of the request until appropriate proof of immunization and health record are provided. · Trainers are required to register with the site's Protection Services and provide the signed Authorization form prior to the commencement of training. Animals and trainers will receive appropriate identification tags for display at all times while on Calgary Health Region premises. · Training areas are restricted to public areas only. No training is to be conducted on the patient care units or other treatment or service delivery areas. · The trainer assumes full responsibility for the care and control of the animal. 5. VISITATION PROGRAMS Animals brought in to Calgary Health Region facilities as part of a recognized visitation program (i.e., Pet Access League Society) are to be registered according to the guidelines established by the site's Volunteer Resources and do not require additional authorization from the Administrative Director/Patient Care Manager or designate. 6. INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL PRECAUTIONS Staff should wash their hands after contact with animals. Site Specific Information 1. ALBERTA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · Family pets are allowed into all inner courtyard areas (weather permitting), with the permission of the Patient Care Manager (or designate) and in accordance with the guidelines for family pets. · Under special circumstances, pets are allowed to visit in the "Child Space" or cluster with prior permission from the Patient Care Manager and/or Infection Prevention and Control. · Circus or Zoo animals may visit with the permission of Infection Prevention and Control in consultation with Child Life. · A formal program has been established with the Pet Access League Society (PALS). Any changes to this program require advance approval from Child Life, Infection Prevention and Control, and Volunteer Resources. 2. FOOTHILLS MEDICAL CENTRE A formal animal visitation program has been established with PALS. Any changes to this program require advance approval from the site's Volunteer Resources, in consultation with Rehabilitation Services and Infection Prevention and Control. 3. ROCKYVIEW GENERAL HOSPITAL A formal animal visitation program has been established with PALS. Any changes to this program require advance approval from the Patient Care Manager (or designate), Volunteer Resources and Infection Prevention and Control. 4. PETER LOUGHEED CENTRE A formal animal visitation program has been established with PALS. Any changes to this program require advance approval from the Patient Care Manager, in consultation with Volunteer Resources and Infection Prevention and Control. Additional References Appendix A - Authorization For Animals On Calgary Health Region Premises Blind Person's Rights Act (Alberta) |