October 2, 2025, 12:02 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Anyone who has ever faced the decision of adopting a dog or cat from a shelter knows: Often, the first impression is all about appearance. But whether the animal and human truly match becomes evident only in daily life—and often ends with a return to the already overcrowded shelter. The new “Call a Pet” initiative by the German Animal Welfare Federation aims to change this in honor of World Animal Day on October 4.
Animals Speak Directly with Interested Parties on the Phone
With the support of the agency Philipp and Keuntje, the German Animal Welfare Federation has launched the “Call a Pet” hotline. It officially starts on October 4, World Animal Day, and aims to help shelter animals find permanent homes. The idea is backed by artificial intelligence, which allows the animals to speak about their nature, preferences, and quirks. This way, it’s not the fur or eyes that decide, but the personality.
“Beautiful fur, big eyes, cute look—often appearance is decisive for people choosing a particular animal. Yet appearance reveals nothing about whether an animal is, for example, affectionate, fearful, or spirited,” explains Lea Schmitz, spokesperson for the German Animal Welfare Federation. According to a recent survey, appearance is still the most important criterion for many people when choosing a pet, with sometimes serious consequences for the shelters.
“If AI gives us the opportunity to get to know animals better and ease the placement and adoption process for shelters, it would be a great help,” says Schmitz.
Direct Interaction with Dog and Cat
Through the hotline, interested parties engage directly in dialogue with selected animals—including the dogs Hector and Joker and the cat Simon. The AI uses character profiles created by the staff at the Mölln shelter. The callers’ responses are matched with set parameters to determine if the person and animal are compatible. Only when this is confirmed does a meeting at the shelter take place.
“‘Call a Pet’ is not a technical gimmick,” emphasizes Lukas Bausch, the AI specialist responsible for the technical implementation. “AI becomes the animals’ voice here and shows how technology can help solve real problems.”
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Personal Profiles of the Animals and “Call a Pet” Phone Numbers
- Hector: a large, strong dog, playful, cuddly, and loyal, but initially reserved with new people.
Tel.: +49 40 74302822 - Simon: the “Sheriff of the Shelter,” a vigilant seven-year-old cat who clearly shows whom he likes—and whom he doesn’t.
Tel.: +49 40 74302489 - Joker: spirited and selective, but rewards patience with lifelong loyalty and affection.
Tel.: +49 40 74302173
Standard charges apply for calls to landlines or mobile networks.
The bots can also be tested online here:
Online Test and Accompanying Campaign
In addition to the hotlines, the bots can also be tested online. The initiative is accompanied by a social media campaign and support from influencers. Starting October 4, more information will be available at www.callapet.de. More information about the federation’s work and projects can be found on the official website: www.tierschutzbund.de.
Every year on World Animal Day, attention is drawn worldwide to an issue that often fades into the background but is of central importance: the welfare of our animal companions. The day of action aims to make the suffering of animals visible and raise awareness for their protection.
But why this particular date? It was chosen because it is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, known as the patron saint of animals. It is not only about pets but also about livestock, wild animals, and animals in human care. Around the globe, organizations and initiatives use the day to highlight issues and demand better living conditions for animals through events, campaigns, and actions.