The effects of animal-assisted interactions on quality of life in children with life-threatening conditions and their parents.

Background: Children with advanced cancer and their primary caregivers may experience severe stress and anxiety in coping with their life-threatening condition. As a way to help reduce these stressors and increase overall quality of life, research suggests that animal-assisted interactions may be beneficial when integrated into palliative care.

Aims: This pilot study aims to provide evidence for the feasibility and efficacy of a randomised clinical trial using animal-assisted interactions to help improve the quality of life for children with an advanced life-threatening condition and their primary caregivers. This protocol paper outlines the basis of the research, goals, experimental design and methodology.