![\"Golden](\"https:\/\/www.lavalleincantata.org\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/11\/pet-therapy-scuola-classe-300x300.jpg.webp\")
Associazione Amici degli Animali a 4 Zampe<\/strong> brings Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI)<\/strong> to places where people’s wellbeing is an everyday need: schools<\/strong> and care homes<\/strong>, alongside children, young people, older people, families and staff.<\/p>\nIt isn’t a single project but a set of projects that change shape depending on the setting and the people they meet, with one common thread: the bond with an animal as a way to care, to grow and to keep each other company.<\/p>\n
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Animal-Assisted Interventions: benefits and goals<\/strong> \ud83d\udc36<\/h4>\nAAI are known to bring many benefits to everyone who takes part, from participants to families and staff, and they rest on a structured, monitored relationship between the person, the animal and a team of trained professionals. They help to:<\/p>\n
\u2714 Reduce stress and anxiety<\/strong>, lifting mood and the general atmosphere
\u2714 Ease the perception of pain<\/strong> thanks to the release of endorphins
\u2714 Encourage social contact<\/strong> with peers, staff and families
\u2714 Stimulate memory, attention and language<\/strong>, in young children too
\u2714 Encourage movement<\/strong>, motor skills and physical rehabilitation
\u2714 Make the day and the care journey better<\/strong>, for carers as well<\/p>\n
\nIn schools<\/strong> \ud83c\udf92<\/h4>\n![\"Golden](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
Sessions at school become part of the everyday learning routine and a chance to work on emotions, independence and relationship skills<\/strong>. With the animals, children explore care, respect, managing emotions and communication, with activities adapted to the age and needs of each class.<\/p>\nSchool projects can include:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc Emotional and social learning programmes<\/strong>, with reading, storytelling and guided play
\ud83d\udccc Workshops on getting to know and respecting animals<\/strong>, including how to approach and look after them
\ud83d\udccc Sessions supporting inclusion<\/strong>, designed for groups with special educational needs
\ud83d\udccc Meetings with teachers and families<\/strong> to share goals and observations<\/p>\n
\nIn care homes<\/strong> \ud83c\udfe1<\/h4>\nIn care homes the animal becomes a familiar, recognisable presence that can reawaken memories, conversation and the wish to take part<\/strong>. Sessions respect the residents’ rhythms and frailties and are run in close collaboration with the care home staff.<\/p>\nCare home activities can include:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc One-to-one or small group sessions<\/strong>, tailored to each resident
\ud83d\udccc Reminiscence and cognitive stimulation<\/strong> built around the bond with the animal
\ud83d\udccc Gentle mobility exercises<\/strong> and physical reactivation
\ud83d\udccc Social moments<\/strong> shared with families, volunteers and staff<\/p>\n
\nHow the sessions work<\/strong> \ud83d\udcc5<\/h4>\nEvery programme starts with a conversation with the school or care home and is built around it:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc A preparatory meeting<\/strong> with healthcare, teaching or care staff to look at spaces, timing and how the sessions will run
\ud83d\udccc Regular sessions<\/strong>, with length and frequency agreed with the setting, following the school year or the life of the care home
\ud83d\udccc Targeted activities<\/strong> for the physical and emotional wellbeing of participants, always led by the association’s team<\/p>\n
\nOur four-legged heroes and the professional team<\/strong> \ud83d\udc15\ud83d\udc99<\/h4>\nBringing comfort and company are our “four-legged therapists”, all fully accredited:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udc3e Art\u00f9<\/strong>, Golden Retriever, 11 years old
\ud83d\udc3e Penny<\/strong>, Golden Retriever, 6 years old
\ud83d\udc3e Holly<\/strong>, Golden Retriever, 2 years old
\ud83d\udc3e Ace<\/strong>, Golden Retriever, 1 year old
\ud83d\udc3e Luna<\/strong>, Dachshund, 3 years old<\/p>\nThey’re accompanied by a team of pet therapy<\/strong> professionals:<\/p>\n\ud83d\udc69\u200d\u2695 Veterinarian specialised in AAI:<\/strong> Aleida Paladini
\ud83d\udc69\u200d\u2695 Animal handlers:<\/strong> Francesca Panconi, Stella Tommei, Rossella Prosperi, Marta Galiberti and Romina Macchia<\/p>\n
\nMeasuring the benefits: how sessions are evaluated<\/strong><\/h4>\nTo make sure every programme really works, we use specific evaluation tools:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc Notes in the handler’s logbook<\/strong>
\ud83d\udccc Wellbeing monitoring before and after each session<\/strong>
\ud83d\udccc Evaluation questionnaires<\/strong> for families, teachers and staff<\/p>\n
\nA commitment that changes lives<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnimal-Assisted Interventions aren’t an optional extra: they’re a real journey that brings hope, joy and relief to children, young people, older people, their families and all the staff involved.<\/p>\n
Thanks to Associazione Amici degli Animali a 4 Zampe<\/strong>, our volunteers and our wonderful dogs, we can make places of care and learning calmer and more welcoming. \ud83d\udc3e\ud83d\udc99<\/p>\n\ud83d\udca1 Follow us for all the latest news on our projects in schools and care homes!<\/strong><\/p>\nThe association’s first pet therapy project took place in 2025 at Lotti Hospital in Pontedera: read how “Paws on the Ward” went<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nWould you like to run an AAI project with us?<\/strong> \ud83d\udc3e<\/h4>\n
\u2714 Ease the perception of pain<\/strong> thanks to the release of endorphins
\u2714 Encourage social contact<\/strong> with peers, staff and families
\u2714 Stimulate memory, attention and language<\/strong>, in young children too
\u2714 Encourage movement<\/strong>, motor skills and physical rehabilitation
\u2714 Make the day and the care journey better<\/strong>, for carers as well<\/p>\n
\n
In schools<\/strong> \ud83c\udf92<\/h4>\nSessions at school become part of the everyday learning routine and a chance to work on emotions, independence and relationship skills<\/strong>. With the animals, children explore care, respect, managing emotions and communication, with activities adapted to the age and needs of each class.<\/p>\nSchool projects can include:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc Emotional and social learning programmes<\/strong>, with reading, storytelling and guided play
\ud83d\udccc Workshops on getting to know and respecting animals<\/strong>, including how to approach and look after them
\ud83d\udccc Sessions supporting inclusion<\/strong>, designed for groups with special educational needs
\ud83d\udccc Meetings with teachers and families<\/strong> to share goals and observations<\/p>\n
\nIn care homes<\/strong> \ud83c\udfe1<\/h4>\nIn care homes the animal becomes a familiar, recognisable presence that can reawaken memories, conversation and the wish to take part<\/strong>. Sessions respect the residents’ rhythms and frailties and are run in close collaboration with the care home staff.<\/p>\nCare home activities can include:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc One-to-one or small group sessions<\/strong>, tailored to each resident
\ud83d\udccc Reminiscence and cognitive stimulation<\/strong> built around the bond with the animal
\ud83d\udccc Gentle mobility exercises<\/strong> and physical reactivation
\ud83d\udccc Social moments<\/strong> shared with families, volunteers and staff<\/p>\n
\nHow the sessions work<\/strong> \ud83d\udcc5<\/h4>\nEvery programme starts with a conversation with the school or care home and is built around it:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc A preparatory meeting<\/strong> with healthcare, teaching or care staff to look at spaces, timing and how the sessions will run
\ud83d\udccc Regular sessions<\/strong>, with length and frequency agreed with the setting, following the school year or the life of the care home
\ud83d\udccc Targeted activities<\/strong> for the physical and emotional wellbeing of participants, always led by the association’s team<\/p>\n
\nOur four-legged heroes and the professional team<\/strong> \ud83d\udc15\ud83d\udc99<\/h4>\nBringing comfort and company are our “four-legged therapists”, all fully accredited:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udc3e Art\u00f9<\/strong>, Golden Retriever, 11 years old
\ud83d\udc3e Penny<\/strong>, Golden Retriever, 6 years old
\ud83d\udc3e Holly<\/strong>, Golden Retriever, 2 years old
\ud83d\udc3e Ace<\/strong>, Golden Retriever, 1 year old
\ud83d\udc3e Luna<\/strong>, Dachshund, 3 years old<\/p>\nThey’re accompanied by a team of pet therapy<\/strong> professionals:<\/p>\n\ud83d\udc69\u200d\u2695 Veterinarian specialised in AAI:<\/strong> Aleida Paladini
\ud83d\udc69\u200d\u2695 Animal handlers:<\/strong> Francesca Panconi, Stella Tommei, Rossella Prosperi, Marta Galiberti and Romina Macchia<\/p>\n
\nMeasuring the benefits: how sessions are evaluated<\/strong><\/h4>\nTo make sure every programme really works, we use specific evaluation tools:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc Notes in the handler’s logbook<\/strong>
\ud83d\udccc Wellbeing monitoring before and after each session<\/strong>
\ud83d\udccc Evaluation questionnaires<\/strong> for families, teachers and staff<\/p>\n
\nA commitment that changes lives<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnimal-Assisted Interventions aren’t an optional extra: they’re a real journey that brings hope, joy and relief to children, young people, older people, their families and all the staff involved.<\/p>\n
Thanks to Associazione Amici degli Animali a 4 Zampe<\/strong>, our volunteers and our wonderful dogs, we can make places of care and learning calmer and more welcoming. \ud83d\udc3e\ud83d\udc99<\/p>\n\ud83d\udca1 Follow us for all the latest news on our projects in schools and care homes!<\/strong><\/p>\nThe association’s first pet therapy project took place in 2025 at Lotti Hospital in Pontedera: read how “Paws on the Ward” went<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nWould you like to run an AAI project with us?<\/strong> \ud83d\udc3e<\/h4>\n
![\"Golden](\"https:\/\/www.lavalleincantata.org\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/11\/pet-therapy-scuola-bambini-240x300.jpg.webp\")
Sessions at school become part of the everyday learning routine and a chance to work on emotions, independence and relationship skills<\/strong>. With the animals, children explore care, respect, managing emotions and communication, with activities adapted to the age and needs of each class.<\/p>\nSchool projects can include:<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc Emotional and social learning programmes<\/strong>, with reading, storytelling and guided play Care home activities can include:<\/p>\n \ud83d\udccc One-to-one or small group sessions<\/strong>, tailored to each resident Every programme starts with a conversation with the school or care home and is built around it:<\/p>\n \ud83d\udccc A preparatory meeting<\/strong> with healthcare, teaching or care staff to look at spaces, timing and how the sessions will run Bringing comfort and company are our “four-legged therapists”, all fully accredited:<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc3e Art\u00f9<\/strong>, Golden Retriever, 11 years old They’re accompanied by a team of pet therapy<\/strong> professionals:<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc69\u200d\u2695 Veterinarian specialised in AAI:<\/strong> Aleida Paladini To make sure every programme really works, we use specific evaluation tools:<\/p>\n \ud83d\udccc Notes in the handler’s logbook<\/strong> Animal-Assisted Interventions aren’t an optional extra: they’re a real journey that brings hope, joy and relief to children, young people, older people, their families and all the staff involved.<\/p>\n Thanks to Associazione Amici degli Animali a 4 Zampe<\/strong>, our volunteers and our wonderful dogs, we can make places of care and learning calmer and more welcoming. \ud83d\udc3e\ud83d\udc99<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Follow us for all the latest news on our projects in schools and care homes!<\/strong><\/p>\n The association’s first pet therapy project took place in 2025 at Lotti Hospital in Pontedera: read how “Paws on the Ward” went<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc Workshops on getting to know and respecting animals<\/strong>, including how to approach and look after them
\ud83d\udccc Sessions supporting inclusion<\/strong>, designed for groups with special educational needs
\ud83d\udccc Meetings with teachers and families<\/strong> to share goals and observations<\/p>\n
\nIn care homes<\/strong> \ud83c\udfe1<\/h4>\n
![\"Labrador](\"https:\/\/www.lavalleincantata.org\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/11\/pet-therapy-rsa-cane-240x300.jpg.webp\")
In care homes the animal becomes a familiar, recognisable presence that can reawaken memories, conversation and the wish to take part<\/strong>. Sessions respect the residents’ rhythms and frailties and are run in close collaboration with the care home staff.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc Reminiscence and cognitive stimulation<\/strong> built around the bond with the animal
\ud83d\udccc Gentle mobility exercises<\/strong> and physical reactivation
\ud83d\udccc Social moments<\/strong> shared with families, volunteers and staff<\/p>\n
\nHow the sessions work<\/strong> \ud83d\udcc5<\/h4>\n
\ud83d\udccc Regular sessions<\/strong>, with length and frequency agreed with the setting, following the school year or the life of the care home
\ud83d\udccc Targeted activities<\/strong> for the physical and emotional wellbeing of participants, always led by the association’s team<\/p>\n
\nOur four-legged heroes and the professional team<\/strong> \ud83d\udc15\ud83d\udc99<\/h4>\n
\ud83d\udc3e Penny<\/strong>, Golden Retriever, 6 years old
\ud83d\udc3e Holly<\/strong>, Golden Retriever, 2 years old
\ud83d\udc3e Ace<\/strong>, Golden Retriever, 1 year old
\ud83d\udc3e Luna<\/strong>, Dachshund, 3 years old<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udc69\u200d\u2695 Animal handlers:<\/strong> Francesca Panconi, Stella Tommei, Rossella Prosperi, Marta Galiberti and Romina Macchia<\/p>\n
\nMeasuring the benefits: how sessions are evaluated<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\ud83d\udccc Wellbeing monitoring before and after each session<\/strong>
\ud83d\udccc Evaluation questionnaires<\/strong> for families, teachers and staff<\/p>\n
\nA commitment that changes lives<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nWould you like to run an AAI project with us?<\/strong> \ud83d\udc3e<\/h4>\n