Meet Katie Miller, FOUR PAWS USA's new Country Director
Check out our Q&A to learn more about our new director's vision for animal welfare
Dear FOUR PAWS Supporters,
My name is Katie Miller, and I am honored to introduce myself as the new U.S. Country Director for FOUR PAWS. I am excited to join this incredible organization and work alongside such a dedicated community of animal advocates.
A bit about me: I have nearly two decades of experience in animal welfare, conservation, and nonprofit leadership. My journey has taken me from fundraising in higher education to working directly on behalf of animals in need, and I am passionate about advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. Growing up year-round on Cape Cod, I spent countless hours exploring nature with my beloved pets, which instilled in me a deep love for animals and a commitment to their well-being. From witnessing the majesty of elephants in the wild across Africa to supporting local shelters and wildlife rescues, my experiences have shaped my dedication to animal welfare.
As we embark upon 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable achievements we have accomplished together over the past year. Your support has been instrumental in our mission to protect and advocate for animals worldwide. Together, we are creating a world where animals are treated with respect, empathy, and understanding.
Helping animals in need is often a challenge, but with your partnership, we have made significant strides and a tangible impact for countless animals worldwide. Here are just a few highlights from 2024:
Wild Animal Rescue: We have been actively advocating for an end to the abuse of wild animals for entertainment, raising awareness about their plight. We rescued Manuschka, a former circus lioness, who now thrives at our FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands after receiving care at our TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary in Germany.
Duma’s Retirement: We transitioned Elephant Duma to a peaceful retirement in South Africa, allowing him to live freely away from circus life after 40 years of being used for entertainment.
Stray Animal Care: In 2024, we celebrated 25 years of Stray Animal Care programs at FOUR PAWS. In just the past year alone, we spayed and neutered more than 30,000 stray dogs and cats worldwide.
Advocacy Efforts: We have worked tirelessly to protect existing animal welfare laws in the US and globally and promote strong regulations. Together with our coalition partners, we advocated for a Massachusetts state bill to regulate wild animals in traveling shows and exhibits which was passed into law in 2024.
As I step into this role, I am eager to build new relationships with individuals like you who share our vision of creating meaningful change for animals.
In the coming year, we have some exciting initiatives planned, including:
Raising Awareness: With our Wear it Kind campaign, we will continue exposing the cruelty animals experience in the fashion industry and the need for fashion brands to embrace a world where animal-friendly fashion is the only kind of fashion!
The Campaign for Big Cats: We will continue to share our vision for expanding LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary to provide a safe and enriching lifetime home for more big cats rescued from war-ravaged zoos, circuses, private ownership, and the canned hunting industry.
March Napness: Join us on social media to celebrate our rescued bears as they experience the natural process of hibernation and predict which bear in our sanctuaries will wake up last from their winter slumber!
The Great Elephant Migration: FOUR PAWS has joined this incredible interactive art exhibit celebrating coexistence. Look out for our elephant sculpture, "Madhubala", a symbol of hope for all captive wild animals, as the herd travels to Texas, Montana, Wyoming, and California.
To help us continue this vital work, I invite you to consider making a donation. Your generosity will directly support our efforts to rescue and care for animals in need, ensuring they receive the compassion they deserve.
Thank you for being an essential part of our mission. Together, we can create a brighter future for animals worldwide. If you have any questions, thoughts, or want to connect, please reach out.
Warm regards,
Katie Miller
Country Director
FOUR PAWS USA
Q&A with US Country Director, Katie Miller
We are excited to share an exclusive Q&A session with our new U.S. Country Director, Katie Miller! With nearly two decades of experience in animal welfare and nonprofit leadership, Katie brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to FOUR PAWS. In this session, she shares her vision for the organization, outlines exciting plans for the upcoming year, and reflects on the incredible journey that brought her to FOUR PAWS. Join us as we look toward the future of animal advocacy and discover how you can continue to make a difference for animals in need!
What inspired you to work in animal welfare?
Growing up year-round on Cape Cod, animals have always been an important part of my life. I loved taking our dogs for long walks in nature and swimming with them in the ocean. Those experiences instilled in me a deep love for animals and a commitment to their well-being. My future path toward animal welfare was further sparked during my studies abroad in Ghana, where I first witnessed the beauty of elephants and primates in the wild. When the opportunity arose to shift my career to focus on animal welfare and conservation, I jumped at the chance!
What do you hope to achieve as the new U.S. Country Director?
I see my role as two-fold: first, to ensure that the FOUR PAWS USA team contributes meaningfully to making the world better for animals, and second, to expand our efforts so that we can improve the lives of even more animals here in the U.S. I am particularly focused on raising awareness and advocating for stronger animal protection laws, as well as collaborating with partners who share our vision.
Can you share some recent successes of FOUR PAWS?
Absolutely! This past year, we successfully transitioned elephant Duma, who had belonged to a circus for many years, to a peaceful and species-appropriate retirement, rescued numerous big cats and bears from dire situations, spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and treated more than 30,000 stray dogs and cats across Europe and Southeast Asia, and made significant strides in advocating for animal welfare legislation in the U.S, which includes our advocacy to pass laws in MA and MD that now ban the use of wild animals like bears, big cats, elephants, and nonhuman primates in circuses and traveling shows throughout those states.
What are some of the key initiatives FOUR PAWS is working on this year?
We have several exciting initiatives planned for 2025. We will be raising awareness about cruel animal welfare practices in the fashion and textiles industry, continuing our Campaign for Big Cats to support the expansion of our LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, and working to protect existing animal laws like the Endangered Species Act. Additionally, we’ll be launching engaging campaigns like our 3rd annual March Napness bracket competition, where supporters can predict which bear in our sanctuaries will wake up last from hibernation!
How does FOUR PAWS approach animal rescues in conflict zones?
Our Rapid Response team is specially trained to operate in conflict and disaster zones. We assess the situation, coordinate with local authorities, and mobilize resources to provide immediate care. This includes evacuating animals, providing food and medical assistance, and collaborating with local organizations to ensure long-term support.
How can donors and supporters get involved?
There are many ways to get involved! Supporters can make a significant impact by donating to our rescue missions, sanctuaries, and lifesaving programs, signing our petitions, and participating in our events and advocacy campaigns. We also encourage supporters to share our stories and resources with their networks to help raise awareness about animal welfare issues and the work we do globally.
What message do you want to share with our supporters?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our supporters. Your commitment to FOUR PAWS is what drives our mission forward. Together, we can create a brighter future for animals everywhere. I am excited to work with you and look forward to sharing our journey together!
What can supporters expect from FOUR PAWS in the coming year?
Supporters can expect more impactful stories, updates on our rescue missions, and new opportunities to engage with our work. We’re also planning to enhance our communication efforts to keep everyone informed and inspired about the difference we’re making together.
