Love is Responsibility - Also Towards Pets
16.02.2026 | from FOUR PAWS - Foundation for Animal Welfare
Reading time: 2 minutes
Image rights: VIER PFOTEN
Photographer: Christopher Koch
16.02.2026, Around Valentine's Day, the temptation to express affection with special gifts increases - sometimes even with a pet. However, the global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS strongly warns against spontaneously giving animals as gifts. Through the campaign 'Ready for a Pet? Decide Responsibly.', it highlights that true animal love means long-term responsibility.
A pet is not a romantic surprise gift; it's a commitment for many years," says Ilana Bollag, Campaigner for Pets at FOUR PAWS Switzerland. "Anyone who gets a pet without careful consideration risks being overwhelmed - and in the worst case, animal suffering." With the campaign 'Ready for a Pet? Decide Responsibly.', the organisation dispels widespread myths and educates about what dogs and cats truly need: close family inclusion, time, engagement, knowledge, and financial stability.
An online self-test helps realistically assess one's own life situation. It addresses time commitment, financial obligations, and long-term responsibility, among other things. "Those who honestly engage with these questions before acquiring a pet not only protect the animal but also themselves from a difficult situation," says Bollag.
Valentine's Day as an Opportunity for Education
Valentine's Day is a good moment to talk about responsible pet ownership. "Affection is not shown in spontaneous gestures, but in knowing and meeting needs," emphasizes Bollag. "Anyone considering taking in a pet should do so regardless of romantic occasions and with good preparation."
Media Contact:
Oliver Loga
Press Manager Switzerland
FOUR PAWS - Foundation for Animal Welfare
Altstetterstrasse 124
8048 Zurich
Tel. +41 43 311 80 90
presse@vier-pfoten.ch
www.vier-pfoten.ch
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: VIER PFOTEN / Photographer: Christopher Koch
Conclusion of this article: « Love is Responsibility - Also Towards Pets »
FOUR PAWS - Foundation for Animal Welfare
FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, recognising grievances, rescuing animals in need, and protecting them. Founded in 1988 by Heli Dungler and friends in Vienna, the organisation advocates for a world where people treat animals with respect, compassion, and understanding. Its sustainable campaigns and projects focus on stray dogs and cats, as well as companion, farm, and wild animals - such as bears, big cats, and orangutans - from improper keeping and from disaster and conflict zones.
With offices in Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Great Britain, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the USA, and Vietnam, as well as rescue centres for animals in need in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS ensures swift assistance and long-term solutions. In Switzerland, the animal welfare foundation is a cooperative partner of Arosa Bear Sanctuary, the first bear protection centre providing a species-appropriate home to rescued bears from poor conditions.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: FOUR PAWS - Foundation for Animal Welfare, Press release
Original article published on: Liebe ist Verantwortung - auch gegenüber Haustieren