"Animal Magic" Truck

We’re launching Austria’s largest pet food donation drive

No bowl should be left empty: The festive truck (rendering) will bring food and joy starting in November.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/stock.adobe.com, KI-Generiert)

Today is World Animal Day! A great occasion to send a strong message of compassion. When money is tight, your beloved pet shouldn’t have to suffer. Starting in early November, the “Tierzauber” truck from “Krone” Tierecke and Fressnapf will be on the road throughout Austria to ensure that doesn’t happen.

Every year on October 4, we commemorate St. Francis of Assisi. On his feast day, the protection of all living creatures takes center stage. He cared for animals and nature and sought to be close to the poor and the vulnerable. Ensuring that the most vulnerable are not forgotten is also the mission of “Krone” Tierecke.

Help That Makes a Difference
Every day,desperate pet owners reach out to our editorial team because they need help. With donations, we pay for life-saving surgeries for our four-legged friends. Every Wednesday and Saturday, we’re able to alleviate a great deal of suffering and bring happiness through free listings in the “Krone.”

Every year, we distribute tons of donated food to those who urgently need it. In 2026 as well, animal shelters and organizations across the country received gifts in honor of World Animal Day.

Worries No One Talks About
However, not every hardship is spoken of aloud. Some pet owners remain silent out of shame, even though they can barely fill their pet’s bowl anymore. Dogs and cats are far more than just pets. They are family and often the only loyal companions in everyday life.

High living costs or a sudden stroke of misfortune can quickly destabilize a household. Food, vet bills, and supplies for your four-legged friend still need to be paid for. This often leaves a huge hole in the budget. No beloved pet should have to suffer because of it.

Food, Care, and Expertise
To address this, the “Krone” Pet Corner, together with Fressnapf and other strong partners, is launching “Tierzauber.” Starting in November, the charity tour will travel throughout Austria in its own vehicle, distributing free cat and dog food to pet owners in need. At select Fressnapf locations, food packages containing a month’s supply will be available. Up to four pets per person are eligible. To receive a package, you must register using our online form (see also the information below).

From the first stop to the last, the “Krone” Pet Corner will be on site and looks forward to bringing joy to pet owners.

Maggie Entenfellner, Ressortleiterin „Krone“-Tierecke

Bild: Klemens Groh

Veterinarians from Vetmeduni Vienna will accompany the entire tour. If anything essential is missing, help will also be provided—such as a new leash, a muzzle, or a carrier. This initiative is made possible by animal-loving donors to our association “Friends of the Tierecke” and our partners! Together, we’ll create “animal magic”!

Interview

Zusammenhalt, der über Weihnachten hinausgeht

Mike Podobrin, Geschäftsführer von Fressnapf Österreich, über gelebte Verantwortung.

„Krone“: Herr Podobrin, warum liegt Fressnapf die „Tierzauber“-Aktion so am Herzen?
Mike Podobrin: Haustiere sind weit mehr als Begleiter. Sie sind Familienmitglieder, Freunde und für viele Menschen ein wichtiger Anker. Gerade wenn das Leben herausfordernder wird, kann diese Verbindung besonders wertvoll sein. Deshalb möchten wir gemeinsam mit Partnern gerade dort unterstützen, wo es am dringendsten gebraucht wird.

Welche Rolle spielt dabei das gesellschaftliche Engagement von Fressnapf?
Mit unserem Einsatz unter dem Dach von ,Tierisch engagiert’ unterstützen wir Initiativen, bei denen das Wohl der Tiere und das Miteinander mit ihren Menschen im Mittelpunkt stehen. Der „Tierzauber“ ist dafür ein schönes Beispiel. Unterschiedliche Partner bündeln ihre Kompetenzen, und daraus entsteht direkte Unterstützung für Tiere und ihre Menschen in schwierigen Zeiten.

Was schätzen Sie an der Zusammenarbeit mit der „Krone“-Tierecke und den anderen Partnern der Aktion besonders?
Gesellschaftliches Engagement funktioniert aus meiner Sicht am besten gemeinsam. Die „Kronen Zeitung“ steuert mit der Tierecke Reichweite und Nähe zu den Menschen bei, und die Vetmeduni Wien ergänzt mit tiermedizinischer Kompetenz. Wir bei Fressnapf liefern zusammen mit unseren Industriepartnern das Wissen rund um eine bedarfsgerechte Ernährung sowie Erfahrung und unsere Nähe zu Tierhalterinnen und Tierhaltern. So entsteht etwas Besonderes, das über eine klassische Weihnachtsaktion hinausgeht – und Mensch und Tier ganz konkret zugutekommt.

Click here to register for a food donation
Support is available to recipients of social benefits who are in a verifiable state of need. Up to four animals per household are allowed. A separate online form must be filled out for each animal.

Are you in this situation? Then please don’t hesitate to register at 
here: 
. The deadline for applications is October 30, 2026.

What You Need to Know About the Food Distribution 
Every application will be reviewed. You’ll receive a confirmation email. The tour begins on November 4 in western Austria. All locations and dates are listed on the form. The food package will be distributed on the selected day between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. at the “Tierzauber” truck. Please bring a photo ID! If you’re sending a representative, please provide a written power of attorney along with a copy of your photo ID.