Sistema FMUSP-HC: Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP) e Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSPSILVEIRA, Isa RodriguesSANTOS, Nanci CristianoLINHARES, Daniela Ribeiro2017-11-272017-11-272011REVISTA DA ESCOLA DE ENFERMAGEM DA USP, v.45, n.1, p.276-281, 20110080-6234https://observatorio.fm.usp.br/handle/OPI/24153Animal-Assisted Activity (AAA) consists in visitation and recreation through contact with animals, aiming at entertainment and improving the interpersonal relationship between patients and staff. Permission for the animals to visit an Institution requires a protocol with rules and safety routines to avoid accidents and zoonoses. The objective of this study is to describe the important points of the protocol to implement the AAA program. The protocol includes: introduction, objectives, inclusion and exclusion criteria for animals, drivers and patients; recommendations to the handlers and the health team, responsibilities of the Nosocomial Infection Control Committee, zoonoses posters, vaccination schedule for dogs and cats, free-informed consent to take part in the program and records with behavioral analysis of the animals. We believe that disclosing the protocol, based on scientific studies, favors the implementation of new programs in institutions considering the lack of national publications.engopenAccessHospital careAnimalsProfessional-patient relationsCross infectionhealth-care settingstherapydogsarticleCopyright UNIV SAO PAOLONursing