Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organization advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy, and understanding. Today, with offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam as well as sanctuaries for rescued animals in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions.

FOUR PAWS’ sustainable campaigns and projects focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals, and wild animals – such as bears, big cats, and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions, as well as animals in disasters and conflict zones.

We are actively committed to the humane treatment of stray dogs and cats as well as to better keeping conditions for companion and farm animals. We establish and operate sanctuaries worldwide, in which wild animals rescued from abusive and poor keeping conditions in captivity find a species-appropriate home.

FOUR PAWS takes a problem-solving approach and offers animals in distress with swift and direct aid. Our aim is to achieve and establish changes in politics, society, and the economy that will benefit animals – through projects, campaigns and education. Our work is based on scientific expertise, sound research, and national and international advocacy for positive legislative changes for animals.

Reveal

FOUR PAWS reveals inappropriate and life-threatening conditions for animals. FOUR PAWS reveals abuse, develops appropriate solutions, and drives them forward in order to implement them in the best possible way.

Our projects, campaigns, information, and advocacy for the protection of animals under direct human influence help to raise awareness and clarify relevant themes.

Our international network conducts intensive research and constantly develop new ideas. This is how we bring about changes in mindsets, consumer behaviors, and laws.

Rescue

FOUR PAWS rescues animals in need worldwide that are under direct human influence and reduces and ends the suffering of animals with continuing help and medical care. 

FOUR PAWS takes concrete action, mobilizes people, changes consumer behavior, and brings about changes in the law in order to achieve long-term solutions for animal welfare. 

FOUR PAWS is committed to the responsible treatment of animals and to combating illegal practices. We work with authorities and governments around the world to introduce legislative changes that improve the lives of millions of animals.

Protect

FOUR PAWS provides a safe home for wildlife, such as big cats, bears, orangutans and elephants rescued from non-species-appropriate keeping conditions around the world.

FOUR PAWS fights for ethical and morally flawless behavior towards animals, insisting on compliance with standards and the establishment of animal welfare labels.

In cooperation with countries and communities, the aim is to ensure that animals are protected by laws and regulations and that these laws are strictly enforced. We see this as a basis for achieving justice and fairness in the treatment of animals and for restoring order.