ARPA Awaits Health Ministry Meeting for Hospital Pet Visitation Area in Andorra

The Animal Rescue and Protection Association (ARPA) is still waiting for a meeting with Andorra's Health Ministry to discuss its proposal for an outdoor area at Nostra Senyora de Meritxell Hospital, where pet dogs could visit patients hospitalised for extended periods or in palliative care.

ARPA president Jaume Vilamajó told *El Periòdic* that the group has already presented the project to the government amid ongoing hospital reforms. The Environment, Agriculture and Livestock Ministry has shown strong support, viewing it as a worthwhile initiative. The next step hinges on the Health Ministry's feedback regarding feasibility and logistics.

Vilamajó emphasised that the outdoor space would enable pets to see their owners and allow patients to check on their animals' condition, helping maintain vital emotional bonds. He framed the effort as one of ARPA's key activities for 2025.

Although ARPA developed the idea on its own, it aligns with a comparable proposal from GosSOS, inspired by a successful Catalan programme. GosSOS president Audrey Montel noted that experts from the Catalan initiative are available to advise Andorran authorities on visits for critical or long-stay patients.

Ronronejand has also backed the plan. Its president, Beatriu Montalvo, called it essential for both human and animal well-being, though she recommended focusing primarily on dogs. She explained that cats' territorial instincts make transport highly stressful, potentially harming their welfare, even if such visits could still facilitate reunions or goodbyes in serious cases.

No date has been set for the meeting with the Health Ministry.