FOUR PAWS is working with travel companies and travel trade associations around the world to put an end to the dog and cat meat trade and protect both people and animals. Over 10 million dogs and cats are killed for their meat every year across Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Many of them are stolen pets or stray dogs and cats taken from the streets.

In addition to animal cruelty concerns, the dog and cat meat trade also has a devastating impact on local communities, where the presence of the trade leads to increased risk of exposure to criminal activities and violence, not to mention heightened public health risks due to the documented spread of zoonotic diseases such as rabies and other pathogens.  

FOUR PAWS is calling for an end to the dog and cat meat trade in Southeast Asia in order to protect animals and local communities, as well as tourists.

We are all now acutely aware of the risk of viruses that can be spread to humans from unregulated, cruel live animal markets, such as COVID-19. The dog and cat meat trade poses a significant risk of spreading diseases to humans due to: the unsanitary and brutal conditions the animals are kept in after capture, the mixing of wild and domestic species at markets, and the cross-border transportation of animals for sale and slaughter. Before the dog and cat meat trade becomes the source of the next pandemic – killing millions of people and bringing entire industries and countries to a halt - we need strong and unified steps to bring about desperately needed change. 

If the travel industry is to "build back better" successfully, the dog and cat meat trade must be a part of discussions around responsible tourism and recovery strategies. 

The good news is there is a way for travel companies to be part of the solution, and many have already taken the first step. 

So far, 24 travel companies and trade associations from around the world have signed our Travel Industry Pledge to #ProtectMillions from the dog and cat meat trade in Southeast Asia. And the list is growing every day! Find out more!  

The global tourism sector can be a vital influence to create long term change. Together, we can convince policymakers and the governments of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia to end the dog and cat meat trade for good. 

FOUR PAWS has written to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to urge for governments to end the trade due to the significant public health risks it poses, and to help the travel industry build back better. We are also engaging with government departments of animal health and tourism, working with them on solutions – such as helping slaughterhouse operators find alternative livelihoods, rescuing animals, and leading on local awareness campaigns. 

The first step is a simple declaration to protect millions of tourists, local communities, and pets from the dangers of the dog and cat meat trade in Southeast Asia.

If you would like to discuss other ways your travel business can collaborate with FOUR PAWS, please contact us at travel-pledge@four-paws.org.