10th Anniversary

Animal commitment for

Tanja Wehsely, Markus Hollendohner, Jürgen Czernohorszky, Michael Häupl, Sabine Rauscher, Marius Baumeister, and a volunteer at the ceremony in Vienna City Hall. (from left to right)(Bild: Studiokoekart)

Whether due to illness, debt, or emotional crises—pet owners often find themselves overwhelmed and unable to adequately care for their four-legged friends: For ten years, Volkshilfe Wien’s unique project “A G`spia fürs Tier” has been providing targeted support to these individuals.

Fate often strikes mercilessly and unexpectedly. This was the case for Vienna resident Monika A., who was bedridden for 14 days due to COVID-19. Two Volkshilfe volunteers took care of her two dogs, “Xena” and “Ritchie”—and relieved Ms. A. of a major worry. 

“For many people, animals are an important part of their lives. But sometimes situations arise that are very challenging for pet owners,” explains Tanja Wehsely, Executive Director of Volkshilfe Vienna. To provide assistance in such situations, the “A G’spia fürs Tier” initiative was founded ten years ago with the goal of helping Viennese pet owners in emergency situations.

Vienna City Councilor for Animal Welfare Jürgen Czernohorszky with Volkshilfe Managing Director Tanja Wehsely (left) and Sabine Rauscher (right).(Bild: PID/VOTAVA)

Animal welfare project with broad support
But without strong partners, such a unique project simply cannot be launched. “Thanks to the support of the City of Vienna, the Vienna Social Fund, the ‘Friends of the Krone Tierecke’ association, and Purina, we can help pet owners in emergency situations,” says Wehsely.

The “Krone” supports this project because it is important that people and animals can stay together even during a crisis!

Maggie Entenfellner, „Krone“-Tierecke

 True to the motto “Helping Makes Us Strong”
Seven employees and over 70 volunteers are on the job, ensuring that immediate assistance can be provided. This ranges from dog-walking to temporary foster care when a pet owner is undergoing a prolonged rehabilitation or hospital stay.

A G‘spia for Animals

• Offers immediate assistance with caring for your pet (temporary foster care, help with walking, a point of contact for “pet-related” concerns)
• Reachable at 0676/8784-4515 [e-mail]
• You can support the project by volunteering your time or making a monetary donation  
• More information at :www.volkshilfe-wien.at/a-gspia-furs-tier

Animals provide emotional support
City Councilor for Animal Welfare Jürgen Czernohorszky has been a supporter from the very beginning and emphasizes: “The social aspect of this project is extremely important to us: Because especially in times of crisis, people and animals should stay together; animals can be a tremendous source of support during difficult phases of life”

Together for People and Animals
At the ceremony in Vienna City Hall, former Mayor Michael Häupl is also full of praise and highlights the importance of business partners, such as Nestlé PURINA, which has been involved for about a year.

“For us, it is a matter close to our hearts and a great pleasure to support ‘A G’spia fürs Tier’ and, through it, people with pets in difficult situations. Dogs, cats, and pets in general simply make our lives more worth living! They give us strength and joy and deserve love and care. Together, we are committed to strengthening the human-animal bond,” said Marius Baumeister, head of Purina in Austria.