Paws for healing: therapy dogs may ease anxiety in kids with cancer
NCT ID NCT03471221
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at whether visits from specially trained therapy dogs could reduce distress and anxiety in children aged 5-17 who were hospitalized for cancer treatment. The researchers also checked if the visits increased germs on the children's hands, even with hand sanitizing. The goal was to see if these visits could safely improve the hospital experience for young cancer patients.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
therapy dog visits
What this could lead to
If it works, this could support using therapy dogs to ease distress and improve hospital experience for children with cancer.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed trial with only 26 participants, so results may not apply to all children. There is also a small risk of germ transmission despite hand cleaning.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute
Seattle, Washington, 98101, United States
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Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute
Seattle, Washington, 98126, United States