LUCCA
RESULTS
In Lucca, bonds with animals led to healing.
On this page you will learn about the results of the Visionary and Integrated Solutions (VIS) implemented in this pilot city during the course of the IN-HABIT project, both in aggregate and for each specific solution. But before you do so, here is a more human perspective on these results: the words of Federica, one of the local participants whose life was touched by INHABIT.
IN-HABIT LEGACY IN LUCCA
Francesco Di Iacovo from the University of Pisa explores the innovative concept of a "hum-animal city", developed in Lucca through the IN-HABIT project.
It highlights how human–animal relationships were leveraged to promote inclusive health, well-being, and social cohesion. The presentation details the implementation of animal-assisted initiatives, urban design adaptations, and participatory approaches that contributed to creating a more inclusive and empathetic urban environment.
OUTCOMES
• +10200 m2 of green areas created or transformed
• 15 km of Animal Lines created
• 2 large green areas to foster the relationships between humans and pets
• +30 inclusive activities
• Countless stories of love, care and trust between species
PARTICIPATION
• +1900 vulnerable citizens involved in cultural and sport activities
• +3000 citizens involved in healthy lifestyle actions
IMPACT
• High agreement that the proposed VIS positively affected the 12 dimensions of Inclusive Health and Wellbeing evaluated
• Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) were found to:
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- Boost quality of life
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Improve mobility skills and memory
- Decrease cortisol concentration
DISCOVER THE RESULTS OF LUCCA’S VIS
1. Urban Hum-Animal City Planning
2. Animal Lines and Hum-Animal Relational Areas
3. Animal-Assisted Interventions
4. Pet-Care Service
5. Educational Activities in Schools and Board Game
6. Economic Innovative Initiatives
7. Hum-Animal Chart of Services
8. City Engagement on Hum-Animal Events
9. Hum-Animal Game Board
1. Urban Hum-Animal City Planning
OUTCOMES
• The establishment of an IN-HUB as a participatory process facilitated the co-design and co-implementation of activities centred on the hum–animal city concept.
• The active involvement of the municipality was crucial in supporting the initiative, in collaboration with the University of Pisa and Lucca Crea.
• An initial assessment, combined with the gradual engagement of numerous public and private stakeholders — from both the economic sector and NGOs — as well as citizens, fostered the emergence of new ideas and solutions.
• The organisation of pilot initiatives listed in this annex provided opportunities to test and evaluate their outcomes and expected impacts, reinforcing the feasibility of the hum–animal city concept.
• The pilot solutions and the hum–animal city concept are closely interrelated, forming a progressive and transformative pathway.
• The Municipality of Lucca is supporting the sustainability of the project with its own budget after the end of the project, confirming the interest and the positive outcomes achieved also from a political perspective.
• The active involvement of the municipality was crucial in supporting the initiative, in collaboration with the University of Pisa and Lucca Crea.
• An initial assessment, combined with the gradual engagement of numerous public and private stakeholders — from both the economic sector and NGOs — as well as citizens, fostered the emergence of new ideas and solutions.
• The organisation of pilot initiatives listed in this annex provided opportunities to test and evaluate their outcomes and expected impacts, reinforcing the feasibility of the hum–animal city concept.
• The pilot solutions and the hum–animal city concept are closely interrelated, forming a progressive and transformative pathway.
• The Municipality of Lucca is supporting the sustainability of the project with its own budget after the end of the project, confirming the interest and the positive outcomes achieved also from a political perspective.
IMPACT
• The Lucca case introduced the concept of the hum–animal city and translated it into concrete and operational solutions.
• These solutions include new services (for vulnerable individuals), opportunities (educational and economic), and practical everyday measures (for people handling animals).
• Collectively, these solutions contribute to enhancing inclusive health and well-being for the wider community.
• These solutions include new services (for vulnerable individuals), opportunities (educational and economic), and practical everyday measures (for people handling animals).
• Collectively, these solutions contribute to enhancing inclusive health and well-being for the wider community.
LESSONS LEARNED
• The introduction of innovative concepts such as the hum–animal city, animal-NBS, and an integrated hum–animal city policy is far from straightforward. It requires extensive negotiation, facilitation, and support, and is highly time-consuming in the initial stages.
• Establishing a strong connection between the broad human–animal concept and the implementation of tangible animal Nature-Based Solutions is essential to foster shared understanding and to provide clear political evidence of the transformative process. • These solutions include new services (for vulnerable individuals), opportunities (educational and economic), and practical everyday measures (for people handling animals).
• Collectively, these solutions contribute to enhancing inclusive health and well-being for the wider community.
• Establishing a strong connection between the broad human–animal concept and the implementation of tangible animal Nature-Based Solutions is essential to foster shared understanding and to provide clear political evidence of the transformative process. • These solutions include new services (for vulnerable individuals), opportunities (educational and economic), and practical everyday measures (for people handling animals).
• Collectively, these solutions contribute to enhancing inclusive health and well-being for the wider community.
2. Animal Lines and Hum-Animal Relational Areas
OUTCOMES
• 15 km of Animal Lines and two large relational areas have been implemented in the city.
• Separate spaces for small and large dogs are available in each relational area, equipped with specific play structures and designated zones for rest and interaction among dog owners.
• The Animal Lines feature resting areas and water stations for pets and are designed with varying levels of difficulty (from short walks to longer routes), catering both to different dog types and to human capabilities, including time availability, mobility (from young to elderly), and energy or willingness to exercise.
• An app facilitates gamification in the use of the Animal Lines, while a digital platform monitors the frequency of area usage.
• Data indicate that these areas are highly frequented by people of diverse ages, social backgrounds, and from different neighborhoods within the city.
• Users report changes in their daily routines as a result of using these spaces, highlighting the importance of managing and playing with their pets, engaging in physical activity, enjoying personal space, and establishing new social connections.
• In one of the relational areas, a WhatsApp group of approximately 80 members has been created, helping residents coordinate activities, meet for both leisure and safety, and maintain dialogue.
• Overall, social interaction among pet owners has improved, extending even beyond the immediate areas.
• A local community of pet handlers has been established, which is now able to engage in constructive dialogue with the municipality regarding area management.
• Separate spaces for small and large dogs are available in each relational area, equipped with specific play structures and designated zones for rest and interaction among dog owners.
• The Animal Lines feature resting areas and water stations for pets and are designed with varying levels of difficulty (from short walks to longer routes), catering both to different dog types and to human capabilities, including time availability, mobility (from young to elderly), and energy or willingness to exercise.
• An app facilitates gamification in the use of the Animal Lines, while a digital platform monitors the frequency of area usage.
• Data indicate that these areas are highly frequented by people of diverse ages, social backgrounds, and from different neighborhoods within the city.
• Users report changes in their daily routines as a result of using these spaces, highlighting the importance of managing and playing with their pets, engaging in physical activity, enjoying personal space, and establishing new social connections.
• In one of the relational areas, a WhatsApp group of approximately 80 members has been created, helping residents coordinate activities, meet for both leisure and safety, and maintain dialogue.
• Overall, social interaction among pet owners has improved, extending even beyond the immediate areas.
• A local community of pet handlers has been established, which is now able to engage in constructive dialogue with the municipality regarding area management.
IMPACT
• The creation of dedicated spaces enables better, less conflictual, and more inclusive pet management, as well as the development of city restorative practices that enhance green/blue public areas.
• These initiatives improve neighbourhood relations, mobility, sensory and play experiences, and inclusivity within the city, while also fostering social dialogue, community building, and innovative partnerships.
• Such impacts can be easily upscaled in other cities and contexts, enlarging their overall benefits.
• These initiatives improve neighbourhood relations, mobility, sensory and play experiences, and inclusivity within the city, while also fostering social dialogue, community building, and innovative partnerships.
• Such impacts can be easily upscaled in other cities and contexts, enlarging their overall benefits.
LESSONS LEARNED
• At the outset, a growing societal attention toward animals helped facilitate the development of innovative solutions in this direction: the processes of co-design, co-deployment, and co-management progressed relatively smoothly, despite certain administrative constraints.
• On the other hand, political hesitation arose due to the perceived lack of immediate political rewards associated with the topic, which was not initially considered a strategic priority.
• Conversely, feedback collected from citizens through direct use of the spaces and interviews was overwhelmingly positive, particularly concerning the new opportunities for spontaneous human–human interactions, the adoption of new daily routines, enhanced personal mobility, and the emergence of community-based initiatives aimed at co-management and active dialogue with the local administration.
• On the other hand, political hesitation arose due to the perceived lack of immediate political rewards associated with the topic, which was not initially considered a strategic priority.
• Conversely, feedback collected from citizens through direct use of the spaces and interviews was overwhelmingly positive, particularly concerning the new opportunities for spontaneous human–human interactions, the adoption of new daily routines, enhanced personal mobility, and the emergence of community-based initiatives aimed at co-management and active dialogue with the local administration.
3. Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI)
OUTCOMES
• 80 participants (elderly residents of two nursing homes) received AAIs, in 6 groups of 10–14 individuals each, including individuals living with diverse fragilities, including dementia and physical disabilities.
• 15 AAI sessions were delivered per group over the course of 10 months.
• Significant benefits were observed in participants’ well-being, with improvements in quality of life related to mobility, psychological state, and social aspects.
• Animals acted as catalysts, encouraging elders to participate in activities they would typically avoid due to physical limitations or lack of interest.
• Physiotherapists reported improvements in manual dexterity through dog-related tasks, such as throwing a ball, brushing the dog, or cutting paper for storybooks.
• Lasting positive impacts were observed, including anticipation for the animals’ return and enhanced memory recall in participants with better cognitive function, such as remembering activity days, groups, and dog names.
• Calmness and sustained attention increased progressively with each session, driven by the desire to engage with the dog.
• Social benefits were equally notable, fostering improved interactions among residents, as well as between residents and educators or staff.
• The project facilitated dialogue among residents who previously had limited contact, including across genders.
• Emotionally, the activities deeply engaged participants, including those typically unresponsive, who expressed interest through body language and emotional responses.
• Group conflicts, often present in the residential context, were notably reduced during AAI sessions due to the presence of the dogs and participants’ desire to engage.
• While such conflicts were not eliminated entirely on other days, their intensity was reduced.
• Even residents who interacted minimally with the dogs still experienced benefits through observation of others’ interactions.
• 15 AAI sessions were delivered per group over the course of 10 months.
• Significant benefits were observed in participants’ well-being, with improvements in quality of life related to mobility, psychological state, and social aspects.
• Animals acted as catalysts, encouraging elders to participate in activities they would typically avoid due to physical limitations or lack of interest.
• Physiotherapists reported improvements in manual dexterity through dog-related tasks, such as throwing a ball, brushing the dog, or cutting paper for storybooks.
• Lasting positive impacts were observed, including anticipation for the animals’ return and enhanced memory recall in participants with better cognitive function, such as remembering activity days, groups, and dog names.
• Calmness and sustained attention increased progressively with each session, driven by the desire to engage with the dog.
• Social benefits were equally notable, fostering improved interactions among residents, as well as between residents and educators or staff.
• The project facilitated dialogue among residents who previously had limited contact, including across genders.
• Emotionally, the activities deeply engaged participants, including those typically unresponsive, who expressed interest through body language and emotional responses.
• Group conflicts, often present in the residential context, were notably reduced during AAI sessions due to the presence of the dogs and participants’ desire to engage.
• While such conflicts were not eliminated entirely on other days, their intensity was reduced.
• Even residents who interacted minimally with the dogs still experienced benefits through observation of others’ interactions.
IMPACT
• AAIs demonstrate significant potential impacts on vulnerable populations, acting as catalysts to activate residual capabilities in a highly active, spontaneous, and flexible manner.
• They also enable institutions to renew their practices by introducing new professional roles, fostering pride among staff, and generating motivation through observable results.
• They also enable institutions to renew their practices by introducing new professional roles, fostering pride among staff, and generating motivation through observable results.
LESSONS LEARNED
• AAI, within the hum–animal perspective, provide clear evidence of the potential of human–animal bonds, particularly for vulnerable populations. All stakeholders involved — including participants, professionals, policymakers, families caring for people with fragilities, NGOs, and citizens — benefited positively from the outcomes.
• However, initiating these interventions without dedicated resources may lead to challenges related to institutional and planning arrangements from the outset.
• The cost-effectiveness of AAI is particularly notable. For instance, sessions involving groups of 6–8 participants cost approximately €325 per session, or roughly €4 per person per session, highlighting their efficiency in delivering meaningful benefits at relatively low cost.
• However, initiating these interventions without dedicated resources may lead to challenges related to institutional and planning arrangements from the outset.
• The cost-effectiveness of AAI is particularly notable. For instance, sessions involving groups of 6–8 participants cost approximately €325 per session, or roughly €4 per person per session, highlighting their efficiency in delivering meaningful benefits at relatively low cost.
4. Pet-Care Service
OUTCOMES
• 100 calls were received in a single year, mostly from elderly individuals.
• Of these, 24 met the eligibility criteria and proceeded to service delivery, in all cases repeatedly over time.
• An average of 14 hours of assistance was delivered per individual, sometimes split into two daily sessions and, in other cases, delivered in a single session.
• The service effectively alleviated concerns about pets’ well-being, providing a sense of security.
• Qualitative monitoring revealed positive impacts on both beneficiaries and volunteers.
• NGO staff reported that the service fostered strong mutual bonds.
• Volunteers developed emotional connections not only with the animals but also with the people they supported, creating meaningful and lasting relationships.
• Volunteers emphasized the profound gratitude expressed by beneficiaries, who regarded the service as timely and highly valuable.
• Based on these positive outcomes, including feedback from citizens who had not directly used the service, the municipality has decided to institutionalize and continue the PetCare program.
• Of these, 24 met the eligibility criteria and proceeded to service delivery, in all cases repeatedly over time.
• An average of 14 hours of assistance was delivered per individual, sometimes split into two daily sessions and, in other cases, delivered in a single session.
• The service effectively alleviated concerns about pets’ well-being, providing a sense of security.
• Qualitative monitoring revealed positive impacts on both beneficiaries and volunteers.
• NGO staff reported that the service fostered strong mutual bonds.
• Volunteers developed emotional connections not only with the animals but also with the people they supported, creating meaningful and lasting relationships.
• Volunteers emphasized the profound gratitude expressed by beneficiaries, who regarded the service as timely and highly valuable.
• Based on these positive outcomes, including feedback from citizens who had not directly used the service, the municipality has decided to institutionalize and continue the PetCare program.
IMPACT
• Support for vulnerable populations: the service assisted fragile individuals by addressing the care and management of their pets during periods of personal difficulty. This not only produced very positive outcomes for the individuals involved but also became a valuable source of social support for vulnerable groups.
• Reorganization of social service delivery: the service promoted a new approach to social services by engaging additional actors (such as NGOs and volunteer groups connected to pet care) in socially inclusive activities. This approach fosters dialogue between citizens and vulnerable individuals, enhances social inclusion, and strengthens social protection networks.
• Reorganization of social service delivery: the service promoted a new approach to social services by engaging additional actors (such as NGOs and volunteer groups connected to pet care) in socially inclusive activities. This approach fosters dialogue between citizens and vulnerable individuals, enhances social inclusion, and strengthens social protection networks.
LESSONS LEARNED
• The COVID-19 experience highlighted the need for solutions to assist individuals managing pets during recovery, as well as for those caring for pets while hospitalized and living alone.
• This innovative service also brings to light individual vulnerabilities, facilitating the organization of targeted support services and reducing the likelihood of critical situations, both from a health and social perspective.
• The organization of innovative services can be implemented relatively quickly and efficiently at the city level, generating substantial benefits for vulnerable members of the local population.
• Such services expand the social protection network by engaging new groups and NGOs in the support of fragile individuals.
• This innovative service also brings to light individual vulnerabilities, facilitating the organization of targeted support services and reducing the likelihood of critical situations, both from a health and social perspective.
• The organization of innovative services can be implemented relatively quickly and efficiently at the city level, generating substantial benefits for vulnerable members of the local population.
• Such services expand the social protection network by engaging new groups and NGOs in the support of fragile individuals.
5. Educational Activities in Schools and Board Game
OUTCOMES
• 250 students participated in two editions of these educational activities.
• Students showed a high level of engagement throughout the activities.
• The activities led to increased awareness of the topic, as well as a deeper understanding of animal management and respect for animals.
• The participatory activities further highlighted three key elements: a) the ability of children and young people to co-design innovative hum–animal solutions; b) the strong intergenerational link — especially evident in children — connecting animals to their grandparents; c) the development of collaborative attitudes among peers, relatives, friends, and local institutions to address innovative solutions in a participatory manner.
• High school students particularly appreciated group work and participatory co-design activities.
• In primary schools, the use of the educational board game proved effective in encouraging learning through play about pet management both at home and in the urban environment.
• At the university level, the experience inspired several PhD theses, degree dissertations, and group projects.
• Students showed a high level of engagement throughout the activities.
• The activities led to increased awareness of the topic, as well as a deeper understanding of animal management and respect for animals.
• The participatory activities further highlighted three key elements: a) the ability of children and young people to co-design innovative hum–animal solutions; b) the strong intergenerational link — especially evident in children — connecting animals to their grandparents; c) the development of collaborative attitudes among peers, relatives, friends, and local institutions to address innovative solutions in a participatory manner.
• High school students particularly appreciated group work and participatory co-design activities.
• In primary schools, the use of the educational board game proved effective in encouraging learning through play about pet management both at home and in the urban environment.
• At the university level, the experience inspired several PhD theses, degree dissertations, and group projects.
IMPACT
• Data from questionnaires revealed that the educational process effectively enhanced students’ understanding of animal needs and respect for them.
• Significant improvements were observed in various areas of canine knowledge and management, such as awareness of dog welfare and practical knowledge of dogs’ daily needs.
• The programme strengthened students’ understanding of the characteristics that make a city “pet-friendly”. After the activities, more children recognised the importance of elements such as accessible water sources for dogs, appropriate waste bins, cleaning practices, public spaces accessible to dogs, and the presence of veterinary clinics.
• Significant improvements were observed in various areas of canine knowledge and management, such as awareness of dog welfare and practical knowledge of dogs’ daily needs.
• The programme strengthened students’ understanding of the characteristics that make a city “pet-friendly”. After the activities, more children recognised the importance of elements such as accessible water sources for dogs, appropriate waste bins, cleaning practices, public spaces accessible to dogs, and the presence of veterinary clinics.
LESSONS LEARNED
• Students can be readily engaged in innovative educational initiatives when animals are the focus, including classes with children who have specific needs.
• Children and young people are capable of generating innovative ideas and hum–animal solutions, gaining hands-on experience in active citizenship.
• Engagement of educational institutions must be carefully planned well in advance, taking into account existing school routines and the need to coordinate with multiple stakeholders to design an appropriate programme.
• Gaming activities can effectively support learning and enhance student engagement in the subject matter.
• Children and young people are capable of generating innovative ideas and hum–animal solutions, gaining hands-on experience in active citizenship.
• Engagement of educational institutions must be carefully planned well in advance, taking into account existing school routines and the need to coordinate with multiple stakeholders to design an appropriate programme.
• Gaming activities can effectively support learning and enhance student engagement in the subject matter.
6. Economic Innovative Initiatives
OUTCOMES
• 20 new entrepreneurs were incubated and supported.
• 75% of the participants were women, reflecting the sector’s potential to promote gender inclusion.
• A wide range of services and ideas was developed, from digital solutions to tourism-related projects and innovative services for and with animals.
• Entrepreneurs were guided through mentoring, development, and consolidation of their business ideas, helping them capture emerging opportunities in the growing pet economy while addressing societal demands related to pet management.
• Both women and young professionals demonstrated strong interest in this expanding sector.
• A dedicated focus group was held with managers of hotels and other tourism-related structures.
• Two manuals were also developed for public and private actors to support the tourism sector and facilitate wider adoption of pet-friendly practices.
• 75% of the participants were women, reflecting the sector’s potential to promote gender inclusion.
• A wide range of services and ideas was developed, from digital solutions to tourism-related projects and innovative services for and with animals.
• Entrepreneurs were guided through mentoring, development, and consolidation of their business ideas, helping them capture emerging opportunities in the growing pet economy while addressing societal demands related to pet management.
• Both women and young professionals demonstrated strong interest in this expanding sector.
• A dedicated focus group was held with managers of hotels and other tourism-related structures.
• Two manuals were also developed for public and private actors to support the tourism sector and facilitate wider adoption of pet-friendly practices.
IMPACT
• Several participants have launched and successfully consolidated their business ideas within the pet economy.
• Webinars targeting the tourism sector were attended by local entrepreneurs, enhancing awareness and capacity in pet-friendly tourism initiatives.
• Webinars targeting the tourism sector were attended by local entrepreneurs, enhancing awareness and capacity in pet-friendly tourism initiatives.
LESSONS LEARNED
• There is growing potential for new products, tools, and services that address societal demand for innovative solutions in pet management and related services.
• The pet economy offers a wide spectrum of employment opportunities, ranging from volunteer work to the inclusion of vulnerable individuals in jobs (e.g., in public shelters for abandoned animals) and extending to innovative ventures requiring specialized skills.
• Creating an environment that provides support, training, and financial resources for new entrepreneurs can foster and catalyse the development of a local economic ecosystem centered on the pet economy.
• The pet economy offers a wide spectrum of employment opportunities, ranging from volunteer work to the inclusion of vulnerable individuals in jobs (e.g., in public shelters for abandoned animals) and extending to innovative ventures requiring specialized skills.
• Creating an environment that provides support, training, and financial resources for new entrepreneurs can foster and catalyse the development of a local economic ecosystem centered on the pet economy.
7. Hum-Animal Chart of Services
OUTCOMES
• A Hum-animal Guide was developed for the city of Lucca to assist citizens and tourists in understanding and making use of the city’s hum-animal facilities and services.
IMPACT
• The chart provides a clear overview of the hum-animal concept and its practical application at the city level, highlighting the services and infrastructure available.
LESSONS LEARNED
• The hum–animal city concept requires dedicated communication tools, such as charts and guides, to effectively present services and infrastructure to citizens and visitors.
• Proactive engagement by public administration is essential to support, coordinate, and strengthen activities organized at the city level under the hum–animal framework.
• Proactive engagement by public administration is essential to support, coordinate, and strengthen activities organized at the city level under the hum–animal framework.
8. City Engagement on Hum-Animal Events
OUTCOMES
• Several hum–animal-based events were organised in both public infrastructures (Real Collegio, Piazza Coperta) and in the two relational areas.
• A City Visit also served as an opportunity to introduce and present open activities and events.
• Citizens responded positively to the public initiatives, and in events emphasizing dialogue, participants actively contributed by raising issues, suggesting potential solutions, and proposing new initiatives.
• A City Visit also served as an opportunity to introduce and present open activities and events.
• Citizens responded positively to the public initiatives, and in events emphasizing dialogue, participants actively contributed by raising issues, suggesting potential solutions, and proposing new initiatives.
IMPACT
• These events provided opportunities to engage citizens, share information, and collect ideas, fostering continuity and gradual acceptance of the hum–animal concept.
• They allowed participants to enjoy public spaces, meet others, discuss topics, and present proposals, often in the presence of local politicians, enhancing civic dialogue and visibility.
• They allowed participants to enjoy public spaces, meet others, discuss topics, and present proposals, often in the presence of local politicians, enhancing civic dialogue and visibility.
LESSONS LEARNED
• The organisation of public events is demanding and benefits greatly from strong networking, communication skills, and effective use of media.
• Simple and enjoyable events tend to attract high participation and engagement.
• Citizens are more likely to attend events with cultural content when activities are presented in a friendly, engaging, and accessible manner.
• Simple and enjoyable events tend to attract high participation and engagement.
• Citizens are more likely to attend events with cultural content when activities are presented in a friendly, engaging, and accessible manner.
9. Hum-Animal Game Board
OUTCOMES
• The board game City Pets was co-designed, co-deployed, and disseminated by LuccaCrea in collaboration with the University of Pisa.
• The game has been widely used both in classrooms during educational activities and at public events organized in Lucca.
• The game has been widely used both in classrooms during educational activities and at public events organized in Lucca.
IMPACT
• The game had a positive impact on participants, reinforcing local identity and trust by being rooted in Lucca’s architectural and cultural context.
• Students were involved in co-design and testing, linking educational activities to university courses and promoting the gamification of the hum–animal concept.
• Students were involved in co-design and testing, linking educational activities to university courses and promoting the gamification of the hum–animal concept.