From grade school children to retirees, The Palazzi Community Center had every seat filled on its “Made In Florence” night March 3. Alexis Gerakis and Francesca Mugnai sat center stage with dogs between their legs. For over twenty years, Antropozoa has been a pioneer in the field of pet therapy, integrating animals into healthcare and social support settings. Gerakis journey began in the late 1990s, and since then, he has played a crucial role in shaping one of the most effective forms of alternative therapy worldwide.

Gerakis spoke at the PCC about the history and impact of how their company, Antropozoa, has set a precedent in the world of pet therapy. The company was officially established in 2002 after moving to the hospital setting. The foundation was laid years earlier, in 1997, when pet therapy was still an experimental endeavor conducted outside hospital settings. "We started in the garden," he recalls, describing how early therapy sessions were held outdoors before being gradually introduced into medical facilities.

Over time, the program has expanded from an occasional initiative to a structured practice, now running six days a week for seven hours a day—an unprecedented level of commitment in the field.

Gerakis’ journey into pet therapy was deeply personal. Originally a dog trainer, he became involved in the field when his wife, a social worker, began working with therapy animals. Initially assisting her, he soon found himself taking a more active role, eventually turning what had started as a support effort into his full-time career. "At first, I was just helping," he says. "But soon, it became my life's work." 

Gerakis explains the versatility of pet therapy, and how successful it can be when done correctly.They have experienced great success in nursing homes, schools, and even prisons. However, Gerakis emphasizes that simply being around a pet is not enough to produce therapeutic benefits. "It is good to be in the company of a pet," he explains, "but it is essential to know how to use the pet for therapeutic purposes." Properly trained animals, in collaboration with skilled professionals, can assist patients in overcoming both physical and emotional challenges.

The direct training of the animals in a therapy setting is what sets them apart from the rest. Gerakis recalls one instance where a young patient was recovering from surgery. The patient was hesitant to participate in post operation procedures and was moved emotionally by the presence of the service dog. With guidance from the therapists, the child engaged in an interactive activity where the dog appeared to "read" his lips. The excitement and motivation ultimately encouraged the patient to comply with necessary treatments.  

After years of pushing boundaries and creating new techniques, Antropozoa is now recognized in Stockholm, Sweden by the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations for their work in the field and their commitment to both their patients and animals. 

While reflecting on his career, Gerakis admits that the job is not always easy. He spoke of a close bond he shared with a 23-year-old patient that he developed for over six years. Her passing showed Gerakis the harsh realities of his work. These moments were eased though, by the daily interactions with both the patients and the animals. “Even on days when I didn't feel like smiling, being at the hospital helped me regain my positivity,” he shares. 

With the industry growing rapidly, Gerakis has expressed concerns about the commercialization of pet therapy. As it continues to gain attention in pop culture, he worries that unqualified people may try to enter the field without proper training. “Some people now offer certification with only 200 hours of training instead of the original 800 hours,” he shares. “In some cases, people don't even work directly with the animals.”

He emphasizes that therapy animals require specific training and that using untrained animals can do more harm than good. He also clarifies that just because a certain breed is known for being ‘kind’ does not mean that it is suitable for therapy. “It is like assuming all humans are kind, it simply isn't true,” he describes.

As the event drew close to an end, Gerakis was presented with a special gift from world-renowned artist Paolo Staccioli. Staccioli presented one of his famous ceramic spheres that has been given to various trailblazers in different fields. Gerakis was honored to be presented with such an art piece and even found his own work in the sculpture. He found various animals and children on the sphere, however, Staccioli said that it was no coincidence. "Even if it wasn’t intentional, it felt like it was made for me," Gerakis said.

As he looks towards the future of his career and the industry, Gerakis remains dedicated to ensuring that pet therapy continues to evolve on an altruistic path. "Many people are interested in this field, which is wonderful, but it must be done properly," he insists. "It's not just about having a dog in the room; it’s about creating meaningful, trained interactions that truly help people."

After 24 years, Gerakis shows no signs of slowing down. His passion for helping others remains as strong as ever, proving that the bond between humans and animals is not just comforting—it can be life-changing.