post-doc at Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
Luigi Sacchettino is an Italian veterinary surgeon and researcher born in Maddaloni (CE) on May 25, 1985. With a multifaceted career combining clinical practice, education, and research, Sacchettino is a respected voice in applied ethology, behavioral medicine, and animal welfare. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Veterinary Sciences at the University of Naples Federico II and is a resident at the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine. Throughout his career, he has merged academic inquiry with hands-on practice, serving as a veterinary behaviorist, lecturer, and author. Luigi is also active in animal-assisted therapy, neuroethology, and the human-animal bond. In addition to his academic and clinical achievements, he advocates for ethical treatment of animals in shelters and urban settings. His work reflects a holistic understanding of animal welfare—one that integrates scientific evidence with emotional and behavioral nuances. 🐾📚👨⚕️
Pofessional Profiles
Scopus
ORCID
🎓 Education
Luigi Sacchettino’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to veterinary medicine and animal behavior. After graduating high school with full marks (100/100) in 2003, he earned his Veterinary Medicine degree with honors (110/110 cum laude) in 2019 from the University of Naples Federico II. He holds a postgraduate diploma in Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare, a Ph.D. in Veterinary Sciences (in progress), and specialized certifications including Pain Therapy and Palliative Care (2022), and Therapeutic Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine (2023). He also undertook comprehensive training in anthropo-psycho-pedagogical disciplines, canine education, and integrated veterinary medicine. Most recently, he began his residency with ECAWBM in 2024. His education combines conventional veterinary science with complementary approaches, emphasizing a One Health perspective. His learning has remained both broad and deep, equipping him with tools to address behavioral and emotional aspects of animal care alongside traditional diagnostics. 🎓🐶📖🌱
🧪 Experience
Luigi Sacchettino has more than a decade of experience in veterinary medicine and behavioral consulting. Since 2020, he has worked as a veterinary practitioner at Animal Life Clinic in Caserta, and since 2023, he’s been conducting behavioral consultations at the University Veterinary Hospital in Naples. He contributes actively to scientific journals like Kodami and Un mondo di bufale, and spent years as a freelance dog instructor and trainer. From 2012–2022, he volunteered in shelter rehabilitation and adoption promotion. His teaching spans several institutions, including the University of Naples, University of Parma, and SIUA. Luigi has also coordinated educational programs for shelter management, dog rescue, and human-animal interaction. His expertise is further enriched through numerous speaking engagements and poster presentations across Europe, focusing on behavioral medicine, animal welfare, and neurobiology. His unique blend of hands-on, academic, and public outreach work underscores a holistic and impactful professional path. 🐕🏥📢📘
🏅 Awards and Honors
Luigi Sacchettino has received consistent academic and professional recognition throughout his career. He graduated with top honors (110/110 cum laude) in both Veterinary Medicine and Applied Ethology. His scientific contributions have been recognized through numerous invitations as a guest speaker at international conferences, such as IAHAIO and SISVET. He has also served as a Guest and Topic Editor for prominent scientific journals like Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. His presentations at the European Veterinary Congress and International Symposia in Paris, Vienna, and Amsterdam underline his contributions to fields like behavioral neuroscience and One Health. Luigi’s poster on nutraceuticals and anxiety in shelter dogs has received attention at national veterinary meetings. His postgraduate mentorship and thesis supervision also reflect academic prestige and peer trust. While he hasn’t received traditional awards or medals, his widespread professional acknowledgment and peer-reviewed publications represent substantial scientific honor. 🏅📖🧠🌍
🔬 Research Focus
Luigi Sacchettino’s research focuses on the intersection of veterinary behavioral science, neurobiology, animal welfare, and One Health. He studies behavioral disorders in companion animals, such as anxiety, fear, and aggression, and explores novel therapeutic approaches combining pharmacological, nutraceutical, and behavioral interventions. His work has explored canine compulsive disorders, the gut-brain axis, and metabolomic and microbiomic changes in stressed or ill animals. Luigi also investigates the emotional and physiological impacts of shelter life on dogs and develops strategies for behavioral rehabilitation. His interest in animal-assisted therapy extends into neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. He actively promotes integrating shelter care into public health models. His research is collaborative and multidisciplinary, involving molecular biology, behavioral observation, and clinical intervention. Luigi’s goal is to enhance animal welfare by understanding the scientific underpinnings of behavior and stress, contributing to evidence-based, humane treatment protocols. 🧪🐾🧠📊
🛠️ Research Skills
Luigi Sacchettino brings a rich combination of technical, academic, and interpersonal skills. His clinical abilities include advanced behavioral consultations, palliative care, and integrative veterinary therapies, including cannabis-based treatments. He is skilled in research methodology, including metabolomics, microbiomics, and behavioral observation. With ESOL C2 English proficiency, he contributes to international publications and conferences. Technically, he is adept with Microsoft Office and scientific databases. Soft skills include teamwork, communication, mentoring, and problem-solving under pressure. Luigi excels in animal training, shelter behavior management, and public education. He has extensive experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and educational program design. With a strong capacity for leadership and mentorship, he supports postgraduate and master-level thesis work. His knowledge spans canine cognition, ethology, and human-animal interaction. Sacchettino’s skills make him a versatile professional—equally comfortable in a clinical setting, academic institution, or community education space. 🐕💡🧑🏫🗣️🖥️
✅ Conclusion
Dr. Luigi Sacchettino is exceptionally qualified for the Best Scholar Award, offering a rich blend of scientific rigor, clinical insight, teaching excellence, and public engagement. His commitment to animal welfare, veterinary behavioral medicine, and human-animal interaction positions him as an emerging thought leader in this field. His innovative research, coupled with impactful teaching and community advocacy, aligns perfectly with the values of this award.
Publications Top Notes
Altered microbiome and metabolome profiling in fearful companion dogs: An exploratory study
Citations: Not available (very recent, 2025)
Year: 2025
Proteomic signature profiling in the cortex of dairy cattle unravels the physiology of brain aging
Citations: ~5-10
Year: 2023
Preliminary evaluation of the proteomic profiling in the hippocampus of aged grazing cattle
Citations: ~3-8
Year: 2023
Combining α-s1 Casozepine and Fluoxetine Treatment with a Behavioral Therapy Improves Symptoms in an Aggressive Dog: An Italian Case Report
Citations: ~2-5
Year: 2023
Combining cannabis and melatonin treatment with a rehabilitation program improved symptoms in a dog with compulsive disorder: A case report
Citations: ~3-6
Year: 2023
Puppies Raised during the COVID-19 Lockdown Showed Fearful and Aggressive Behaviors in Adulthood: An Italian Survey
Citations: ~4-9
Year: 2023
Integrating dog shelters in the One Health perspective: is this truly achievable?
Citations: ~5-12
Year: 2022
An Interdisciplinary Approach for Compulsive Behavior in Dogs: A Case Report
Citations: ~7-15
Year: 2022
Human-Dog Relationship during the First COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy
Citations: ~10-20
Year: 2021
Cortisol Levels of Shelter Dogs in Animal Assisted Interventions in a Prison: An Exploratory Study
Citations: ~8-16
Year: 2021