Rome, December 3, 2025. Italo and Empethy continue their collaboration to give a home to many abandoned dogs and cats.

The two organizations, which have been working together for years, are achieving tangible results thanks to which numerous animals have found a new family. Among the latest milestones: 200 adoptions facilitated through an equal number of trips offered by Italo to volunteer relay teams accompanying pets to their adoptive families; 800 kilos of food donated by the railway company to dog and cat shelters; 8 supported associations; and 250 hours of employee training to raise awareness on issues such as stray animals and animal welfare.

There is still much to do, considering how many strays remain, often exposed to dangerous diseases for themselves and other animals. Recent estimates suggest that due to these negative impacts, stray animals cost Italy between €80 and €100 million annually. Italo, through its network, is actively contributing to counter these phenomena, thanks also to the creation of a virtual shelter and the provision of free tickets for volunteers.

Continuing this awareness journey, today Italo and Empethy gave a voice to abandoned animals by organizing an event at the Italo Club Lounge in Rome Termini. The meeting was designed as a moment of discussion and engagement for customers, employees, and stakeholders. December is a month when pets are often given as gifts (without proper awareness) for Christmas, only to end up abandoned shortly after. The initiative offered an opportunity to explore responsible ownership, learn more about Empethy’s activities, and promote best practices for animal care and protection. Furthermore, as done in August, the awareness campaign will be repeated onboard trains in December, with 15,000 flyers placed on train seats.

“We are proud of the goals achieved. We have implemented concrete actions involving employees, travelers, and our entire community, creating a network to fight abandonment and stray animals. We believe these synergies are essential to educate and raise awareness across society, safeguarding animal welfare,” commented Fabio Sgroi, Health & Safety Director at Italo.

“A one-way ticket home is not just the claim chosen with Italo for this campaign. It is a concrete invitation to responsible adoption—a call to action to recognize the deep bond between an abandoned animal and the family that finally welcomes it. Through this collaboration, we want to bring these animals’ stories to unexpected places, like a railway lounge, to remind everyone that sometimes just one stop—or one gesture—can change two destinies: that of an invisible dog or cat, and that of the person who chooses to adopt,” said Lorenza Silvestri, Co-founder of Empethy.

Given its strong commitment to four-legged friends, Italo reserves dedicated seats onboard next to the traveler and provides special welcome kits (for dogs over 5 kg; smaller dogs and cats can travel for free in a 70 cm carrier next to the passenger). There are 5 reserved seats on AGV trains and 4 on EVO trains to ensure a comfortable journey, putting the dog at ease during the trip.