As Hong Kong strives to be a more pet-inclusive community, the Hospital Authority (HA) is hoping to do its part by expanding its animal visit programme so more patients can seek emotional support by meeting the gentle furry creatures.

Doctors in charge of palliative care have also pledged to exercise discretion and flexibility when approving requests to let terminal patients see their beloved pets, including within hospital grounds.

For many patients, the chance to meet a canine friend brightens their otherwise dull and lonely day.

That includes Fung, who suffered a stroke nine years ago and has been in and out of hospital since.

In her most recent stay at Caritas Medical Centre, she developed a companionship with Goofy, a certified animal doctor with a mild personality.

The HA has arranged over 50 such animal visits over the past two years.

"Every time I see these animal doctors, I feel very happy. They are so gentle and let you touch them. Their fur is so soft, and it makes me feel so relaxed," she said.

Ever since she was bedridden three months ago, Fung has been separated from 'Silver', her cat which she adopted more than a decade ago.

"Patients feel lonely lying on their hospital beds, so when the animals come visit, I feel like some friends are coming to visit me, and this makes me so much happier," she said.

Fung now relies on video calls to check on her cat at home. She's supportive of the HA's initiative to let terminal patients see their own pets, saying it would provide them closure.

Goofy's owner, Angela, has more than two decades of volunteering experience.

She recalled once seeing a grumpy patient become smiley in just 10 minutes, after interacting with Goofy.

"Pet therapy is a kind of emotional therapy. In places like hospitals, patients' emotions may not be good, and pets can help cheer them up," she said.

Doctor Annie Kwok, who chairs the general committee of palliative care, said if health conditions permit, patients can be discharged for a few hours to meet their pets at home.

If not, the pets may be allowed to come to the hospital, subject to certain requirements.

"Most importantly, the pet has to be healthy. If the pet is in an unhealthy state, or sheds a lot, this may not be beneficial to the patient," Kwok said.

Such requests are processed on a case-by-case basis. Kwok said she and her colleagues will try their best to accommodate, knowing how precious these moments are for patients and their families.

"They usually take a family photo during the visit. After the patients pass away, the family members then realise that photo is really valuable - not only because it was filled with smiles, but also it was the last one of the patient," she explained.