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Introduction Systemic Sclerosis(SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease, characterized by microvascular alterations and autoimmune dysfunction that lead to fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Patients’ quality of life(QoL) is often severely compromised due to clinical manifestations such as pulmonary fibrosis(ILD), pulmonary hypertension, digital ulcers, and chronic pain, which deeply impact daily life, and emotional well-being. In recent years, Animal-Assisted Interventions(AAI) showed significant benefits in pediatric/geriatric settings; however, there is limited evidence in rheumatologic conditions. Our SSc Unit conducted an innovative project dedicated to SSc patients with ILD. This project combined AAI based on Relational Pet Therapy with Mindfulness Compassion Environmental techniques(PTRI). The main aim was to assess, using QoL questionnaires, whether PTRI activities were associated with an improvement in the patients’ health status. We also evaluated the potential relationship between PTRI and vital signs changes.Material and Methods Between December 2023 and May 2024 we involved in our SSc Unit 50 patients with SSc complicated by ILD (according to the ACR/EULAR 2013 classification criteria). All participants (F/M 44/6) completed six PTRI sessions(once a month) with AAI operators and two dogs certified by a veterinary behaviorist. To assess the effectiveness of the intervention, five validated QoL questionnaires were administered by a dedicated occupational therapist before and at the end of the program: SF-36, SGRQ, MAAS, FAS, and HAQ. The main vital parameters were also recorded.onger follow-up are ongoing.Results At the end of the PTRI sessions, a significant reduction in mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and an amelioration in oxygen saturation were recorded(p<0.001). QoL scores showed a significant improvement on the SGRQ(p=0.004) and HAQ(p=0.009) questionnaires. A sub-analysis also evaluated animal welfare and the quality of human-animal interaction, showing: high level of patients participation and socialization, high degree of interaction with the dog (without discomfort), and a greater frequency of positive emotional expressions. Positive effects were also found in the therapist dogs.Conclusions Our study highlight the effectiveness of PTRI in determining positive psycho-physical effects in SSc patients complicated by ILD. The collected data suggest that PTRI can represent a complementary therapy within an integrated therapeutic approach of Humanization of Care, contributing in particular to the improvement of patients’ psychosocial-emotional domain, not only in terms of subjective perception of well-being but also with regard to functionality, in a compassionate and holistic way. Further analysis on larger series of patients with a longer follow-up are ongoing.