FOUR PAWS is an international animal welfare organization aimed at ensuring that animals living under the influence of people are protected via rescue, advocacy, and sustainability programs. This organization became an international network working on different continents, such as Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America, to provide emergency aid and long-term solutions for improving the lives of animals around the globe. The activities of the organization include helping companion, farm, and wild animals affected by human activity, including abuse, captivity, natural and man-made disasters, and wars. Also, the organization is engaged in the development of sanctuaries where animals can live under species-appropriate conditions.

Furthermore, FOUR PAWS collaborates with government authorities, companies, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations to solve problems regarding animal welfare and drive legislative and behavioral changes in this field. Thus, guided by the vision of a world where animals receive respectful, empathic, and understanding treatment, the organization keeps developing science-based solutions that create lasting benefits for animals and society.

Core Areas of Impact

Wild Animal Rescue & Sanctuaries

FOUR PAWS takes it upon itself to save wild animals suffering from abuse and improper captivity through expert medical care and protection throughout their entire life in dedicated sanctuaries. The organization operates sanctuaries and cooperation programs implemented in various countries, which provide species-specific living conditions to rescued bears, big cats, orangutans, elephants, and other wild animals that have been exploited in circuses, zoos, private captivity, and tourism.

Alongside emergency rescue operations, the organization pays close attention to the rehabilitation and medical treatment of the rescued animals to provide them with optimal welfare conditions. Thus, in addition to the direct work with animals, the organization collaborates with governmental bodies and other organizations in order to promote better management in the sphere of animal protection and prevent any future exploitation of wild animals.

Companion Animal Welfare

Companion animal welfare is a core focus of FOUR PAWS, with initiatives designed to promote responsible pet ownership, humane population management and higher animal welfare standards worldwide. FOUR PAWS is a strong proponent of sustainable programs for stray dogs and cats in which neutering programs, animal care, and disease prevention are promoted to lower the number of uncontrolled populations of these animals.

In addition to field programs, FOUR PAWS seeks to fight illegal breeding practices, irresponsible selling of puppies online, and the dog and cat meat trade in Southeast Asia. In this way, the organization tries to promote responsible pet ownership and more protection for companion animals through education and policy advocacy programs, together with cooperation with the governments and other stakeholders.

Farm Animal Welfare & Sustainable Food Systems

Committed to advancing farm animal welfare, FOUR PAWS pushes for improved welfare standards throughout the world’s farming systems by advocating for humane livestock handling, responsible food production, and science-based policy reform. The organisation campaigns against any activities that inflict unnecessary cruelty on farm animals, such as live animal transportation, fur production, and live lamb shearing (mulesing), and encourages companies and consumers to take more ethical and sustainable routes.

Based on scientific research and policy making, FOUR PAWS works alongside the industry, government, and academic institutions to increase the welfare standards of cows, pigs, chickens, and other farm animals. It carries out research into new farming systems that not only enhance animal welfare but also contribute towards sustainable agriculture. By engaging in advocacy campaigns and policy-making processes, FOUR PAWS encourages responsible production systems that have benefits for both animals and humans.

Emergency Response, Advocacy & Policy

The organization FOUR PAWS integrates its disaster relief initiatives with animal welfare advocacy in efforts to tackle animal welfare problems in times of disaster, warfare, and humanitarian crisis. The rapid response and disaster relief divisions of the organization offer veterinary aid and rescue assistance to animals in times of war, earthquake, floods, and other disasters, cooperating with governmental authorities and humanitarian organizations in their work. In addition to providing aid in crises, the organization implements changes through scientific research and public education and awareness aimed at influencing legislation, consumer behavior, and policies in industry. FOUR PAWS advocates the adoption of stricter animal welfare regulations and better protection for wild, farm, and companion animals, implementing changes in various fields where animals are under human influence. Supported by a research-based approach and international cooperation, the organization develops integrated solutions that combine disaster relief with policy making.

Short Bio - Heli Dungler

Heli Dungler (1963–2020) was the visionary Founder of FOUR PAWS, the global animal welfare organisation established in Austria. Driven by a lifelong commitment to rescuing and protecting animals, he transformed a small group of activists into an international organisation dedicated to ending animal suffering and improving welfare standards worldwide. Under his leadership, FOUR PAWS expanded across multiple countries, launched pioneering rescue programmes for companion, farm and wild animals, and established renowned sanctuaries including BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach and LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, creating lasting impact in global animal welfare.

"Creating lasting change for animals requires science-driven solutions, strategic partnerships, and sustainable policies that strengthen welfare standards while benefiting communities and future generations."