For many long-term hospital patients, separation from beloved pets can be one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of recovery. In Brussels, a pioneering initiative is working to close that gap — and now, it is preparing to bring its services directly to patients’ bedside.
A decade after the launch of Villa Samson, UZ Brussel and pet care company Purina are expanding their programme with a new mobile pilot project designed to reach more patients and offer therapeutic animal interactions across care facilities.
Villa Samson, which opened in 2017 after years of planning, was created with a simple yet powerful mission: to reconnect patients with the animals that bring comfort, companionship, and a sense of normalcy.
Located next to the UZ Brussel hospital campus, the centre provides a welcoming environment where patients can spend time with their own pets or visit specially trained therapy animals.
Since its opening, it has become a vital space for emotional support, with more than 10,000 visitors seeking comfort through animal-assisted therapy. The initiative was born from a collaboration that began roughly ten years ago.
UZ Brussel recognised a growing need for mental and emotional support among long-term patients, while Purina saw an opportunity to demonstrate the positive impact pets can have in healthcare settings. Together, they created a model that quickly gained recognition for its unique approach and compassionate focus.
Now, Villa Samson is ready to enter its next chapter. The new mobile project, called Samson on Wheels, aims to broaden the programme’s reach by taking therapy animals directly to patients who may not be able to travel to the facility.
As hospitals and care centres continue to prioritise holistic well-being, the initiative marks an important shift toward making animal-assisted therapy more accessible.
As part of the pilot phase, Samson on Wheels will begin weekly visits to TOPAZ, a care facility in the municipality of Wemmel in Flemish Brabant.
TOPAZ specialises in supporting patients with chronic illnesses, including those in palliative care, and its staff believe the new partnership will make a meaningful difference in day-to-day patient experiences.
For many individuals undergoing long-term treatment, the absence of familiar routines and emotional connections can contribute to feelings of isolation. Therapy animals offer a comforting presence that can ease these challenges.
Clinical psychologist Melanie Lauwereys, who works with both UZ Brussel and TOPAZ patients, emphasised the importance of integrating animal interaction into healthcare.
“Contact with animals has been proven to have a positive effect on reducing stress and anxiety,” she said. “This project helps to enhance the emotional well-being of our patients.”
According to Lauwereys, even short visits with therapy animals can create noticeable improvements in mood, reduce emotional tension, and support a stronger sense of connection during challenging periods of hospitalisation.
Samson on Wheels operates with a carefully selected group of therapy cats and dogs, all trained to provide gentle, supportive interactions. Their handlers — often volunteers with experience in animal-assisted therapy — accompany them during each visit, ensuring safe and meaningful engagements for patients of all ages.
For individuals in palliative care, these visits can offer a rare moment of joy or peace, lifting spirits at times when comfort is most needed.
The expansion is also seen as a natural evolution of Villa Samson’s mission. Over the years, the centre has not only facilitated thousands of visits but also demonstrated the therapeutic value of reconnecting patients with their pets.
Staff report that many patients show reduced stress levels, improved emotional resilience, and a greater sense of familiarity when spending time with their animals. For some, being close to a pet has provided motivation or comfort during difficult phases of treatment.
By bringing this experience mobile, UZ Brussel and Purina hope to make the benefits more widely available — especially for patients whose medical conditions limit mobility. Many care facilities lack the infrastructure to allow pets on-site, making Samson on Wheels a practical and impactful alternative.
Purina, which has supported the project since its inception, said in a statement that expanding the initiative reflects a commitment to improving quality of life in healthcare environments.
Representatives noted that pet interactions have consistently shown positive influence on emotional stability and recovery, particularly for individuals spending extended periods away from home.
Healthcare providers across Brussels have already expressed interest in the mobile model, which could eventually be scaled to more hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and residential care facilities.
If the pilot phase at TOPAZ proves successful, Samson on Wheels may become a fully integrated part of the region’s patient-care system, with regular schedules and broader coverage.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
