Our cat (A stray) showed up on the scene after our Dog passed away. Our Dog was right by my side through the good and bad of surgery and six months later radiation/chemo. Even in failing health herself it was almost like she lived to see me get better. "Murray" arrived on the scene literally after Trixie passed away. As with most felines he has a take or leave it attitude, but when I got sick again a couple Months ago he's been right there with me, and yes David, he's on my lap in the recliner and almost on top of me when in bed. Funny, I've not heard of denying a pet but then again I never brought it up to my medical team and they never asked. My thought is they're an extended family member/caregiver! If they make a difference and there's no substantiating evidence as to why not then "Why not?"