FOUR PAWS Switzerland launches the campaign «Ready for a pet? Decide responsibly» |
19.01.2026
| from VIER PFOTEN - Stiftung für Tierschutz
19.01.2026, More and more dogs and cats are being acquired in Switzerland - yet many animals continue to be surrendered. Reasons often include underestimated effort, lack of preparation, and spontaneous online purchases. With the campaign launched today, "Ready for a pet? Decide responsibly," FOUR PAWS in Switzerland is raising awareness of the long-term responsibility that comes with owning a pet.
Dogs and cats enrich the lives of many people and are among the most popular pets. Before acquiring one, it is crucial to understand the needs of these four-legged friends and to recognize that you should not get a pet if you cannot meet those needs.
“A pet is not a spontaneous decision, but a commitment for many years,” says Ilana Bollag, pet campaigner at FOUR PAWS Switzerland. Many people don't realize how much time, money, and knowledge proper care requires. Misconceptions - such as the idea that dogs only need walks or that cats are self-sufficient - repeatedly lead to people being overwhelmed, to animals suffering under unsuitable living conditions, and ultimately to many animals being surrendered.
Campaign dispels myths
To prevent this, the animal welfare organization launched the new campaign "Ready for a Pet? Decide Responsibly" today. It provides practical knowledge on the proper care of dogs and cats. For example, it shows that dogs need close family contact, sufficient exercise, and mental stimulation, and that cats also need affection, interaction, and attention. The goal is to dispel common misconceptions and promote realistic expectations of life with pets in order to prevent animal suffering.
One element is an online self-test that helps interested individuals assess whether their lifestyle is suitable for a pet. It encourages them to answer key questions honestly. For example:
Do I have enough time for childcare, education, and activities? Can I afford the ongoing and unforeseen costs in the long term? Would a dog or a cat be suitable for my living situation and lifestyle? Am I prepared to take on responsibility for many years? “We want to raise awareness early on so that people can make a conscious and responsible decision – or recognize if they are not yet ready for a pet,” emphasizes Ilana Bollag. “Love for animals alone is not enough – knowledge and preparation are crucial.” Those who thoroughly examine the needs of an animal before acquiring one lay the foundation for a stable and respectful human-animal relationship.
Contact:
Oliver Loga
Press Manager Switzerland
VIER PFOTEN – Stiftung für Tierschutz
Altstetterstrasse 124
8048 Zürich
Tel. +41 43 311 80 90
presse@vier-pfoten.ch
www.vier-pfoten.ch
--- END press release FOUR PAWS Switzerland launches the campaign «Ready for a pet? Decide responsibly» ---
“A pet is not a spontaneous decision, but a commitment for many years,” says Ilana Bollag, pet campaigner at FOUR PAWS Switzerland. Many people don't realize how much time, money, and knowledge proper care requires. Misconceptions - such as the idea that dogs only need walks or that cats are self-sufficient - repeatedly lead to people being overwhelmed, to animals suffering under unsuitable living conditions, and ultimately to many animals being surrendered.
Campaign dispels myths
To prevent this, the animal welfare organization launched the new campaign "Ready for a Pet? Decide Responsibly" today. It provides practical knowledge on the proper care of dogs and cats. For example, it shows that dogs need close family contact, sufficient exercise, and mental stimulation, and that cats also need affection, interaction, and attention. The goal is to dispel common misconceptions and promote realistic expectations of life with pets in order to prevent animal suffering.
One element is an online self-test that helps interested individuals assess whether their lifestyle is suitable for a pet. It encourages them to answer key questions honestly. For example:
Do I have enough time for childcare, education, and activities? Can I afford the ongoing and unforeseen costs in the long term? Would a dog or a cat be suitable for my living situation and lifestyle? Am I prepared to take on responsibility for many years? “We want to raise awareness early on so that people can make a conscious and responsible decision – or recognize if they are not yet ready for a pet,” emphasizes Ilana Bollag. “Love for animals alone is not enough – knowledge and preparation are crucial.” Those who thoroughly examine the needs of an animal before acquiring one lay the foundation for a stable and respectful human-animal relationship.
Contact:
Oliver Loga
Press Manager Switzerland
VIER PFOTEN – Stiftung für Tierschutz
Altstetterstrasse 124
8048 Zürich
Tel. +41 43 311 80 90
presse@vier-pfoten.ch
www.vier-pfoten.ch
--- END press release FOUR PAWS Switzerland launches the campaign «Ready for a pet? Decide responsibly» ---
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VIER PFOTEN - Stiftung für Tierschutz
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VIER PFOTEN Schweiz lanciert die Kampagne «Bereit für ein Haustier? Entscheide verantwortungsvoll» (news article in german on swiss-press.com)
VIER PFOTEN Schweiz lanciert die Kampagne «Bereit für ein Haustier? Entscheide verantwortungsvoll» (news article in german on swiss-press.com)
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