FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them.

Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation 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, orangutans and elephants – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster 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 captivity find a species-appropriate home.

FOUR PAWS takes a problem-solving approach and offers animals in distress 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 intensive national and international lobbying.

Meet our director

Fiona Miles is one of the leading animal welfare professionals in South Africa fighting and advocating on legislative as well as ground level for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding.

She is the director of the global non-profit animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS Animal Welfare Foundation since 2006, a director of the FOUR PAWS sanctuary, LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in since 2006 and part of the International FOUR PAWS Strategic Leadership Team as well as the international FOUR PAWS Consultation Circle to the Executive Board. As such she is part of a global as well as a South African team determining strategy, leadership, and development to ensure the protection of animals under human influence.