#Germany #Bonn #CALL A PET #German Animal Welfare #Animal Shelter

CALL A PET: Revolutionizing Animal Adoption with AI

On October 4th, 2025, in conjunction with World Animal Day, a groundbreaking initiative known as "CALL A PET" was launched by the German Animal Welfare Federation (Deutscher Tierschutzbund) and marketing agency Philipp und Keuntje. This innovative hotline aims to address the persistent issue of overcrowded animal shelters by utilizing artificial intelligence to give shelter animals a voice.

The Motivation Behind CALL A PET

Many pet seekers often judge potential animals by their appearance, which can lead to mismatches and, ultimately, overcrowded shelters. A recent survey indicated that a staggering 96% of individuals primarily focus on the physical characteristics of pets when deciding on adoption. The spokesperson for the initiative, Lea Schmitz, noted, "Beautiful fur or big eyes don't say anything about an animal's personality." This sentiment drives the need for a more holistic approach to the adoption process.

How Does CALL A PET Work?

The CALL A PET hotline allows callers to speak directly with animals through pre-recorded messages that reflect each pet's character, interests, and quirks. The system is built on detailed profiles created by caretakers at the Mölln animal shelter. For example, potential pet owners can interact with:

• - Hector – A strong, cuddly dog cautious with strangers.
• - Simon – A watchful cat who acts as the “sheriff” of the shelter, distinctively choosing who he likes.
• - Joker – A spirited dog that forms a loyal bond once trust is established.

When a caller engages with one of these animals, the AI system analyzes their conversation to assess compatibility between the prospective owner and the pet.

Addressing Overpopulation in Shelters

Lukas Bausch, the technical supervisor behind the initiative, emphasized the importance of CALL A PET in tackling the issue of pet overpopulation. He stated, "AI is not just a gimmick here – it helps solve a real problem." By focusing on the personality traits rather than superficial characteristics, this service seeks to connect individuals with their ideal companions and reduce the number of animals left in overcrowded conditions.

The Interaction Experience

To interact with these animals, callers can use standard phone rates to reach the respective numbers associated with each pet. The animals communicate primarily in German but are also capable of responding to other languages, thus broadening the outreach potential. Those who prefer digital interaction can visit the website to engage further with the pets online.

Support for the Initiative

The launch of CALL A PET is bolstered by social media campaigns and involvement from influencers, all aimed at raising awareness about the plight of animals in shelters and the importance of personality in the adoption process. The campaign invites users to think beyond aesthetics and to consider adopting based on the unique traits that each animal offers.

Conclusion

For those interested in finding a new pet this World Animal Day, the CALL A PET initiative offers an innovative solution that transforms the animal adoption landscape. By leveraging AI technology, this program not only gives voice to shelter animals but also aims to facilitate meaningful connections between pets and their future families.

The full details and additional resources about each participating animal can be found at their official website www.callapet.de starting October 4th, 2025.