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The story of animal welfare began for me, Piet Umiker, with the founding of the Tierhotel 5 Stern at the age of 27 in 2016.
After a long search, I found courageous investors who believed in my project and supported the Tierhotel 5 Stern.
I also quickly recognized the urgent need for animal welfare assistance for animals in Switzerland.
While the animal hotel was running successfully, it was important to me to dedicate part of our facility to animal welfare.
Unfortunately, sad experiences showed us how animals were often handed in under false names or we received calls for help from cantonal offices to urgently take in animals free of charge because they had been mistreated or the owners did not have a permit.
Our work has shown that there is a huge need for emergency accommodation for dogs, cats and wild animals.
We are regularly asked by private individuals and veterinary offices from all over Switzerland whether we can take in animals that can no longer stay with their owners for various reasons.
Originally conceived as an animal holiday home, we are now also involved through our three organizations:
We would like to make it clear that we do not receive any government support.
The costs are borne by me, Piet Umiker, and generous donors.
Although we are able to save a lot of costs thanks to large discounts from the animal hotel, it is still necessary to be able to pay our animal keepers a fair wage and pay the vet bills.
My heart has been beating for animals since I was a child.
As a child, I raised an injured raven and looked after hedgehogs and my childhood dog Saiko.
After leaving school, I wanted to do an apprenticeship in the animal sector, but decided to train as a chef due to a lack of training places.
These skills now benefit my team and my partner.
After completing my training, I spent some time in the army, but decided to focus on the animals and started planning the pet hotel.
After three years of clarification and market research, my business plan was ready and I continued my commercial training.
With the support of relatives and friends as well as a bank that granted the mortgage, I was able to realize the animal hotel.
In the meantime, I have completed a higher technical college in leadership and management and am continuing my education in the CAS area.
In my spare time, I love to go on tours in the high mountains with my dog Eetu and an experienced colleague who is a vet.
She made me aware of how difficult it is to place dogs in need in order to avoid euthanasia.
This was the origin of my commitment to animal welfare.
My vision for the future, when I get closer to retirement, is to dedicate the Tierhotel 5 Stern completely to the 3 animal welfare organizations.
So that the organizations can partly finance themselves.
To make this possible, however, I need not only donations but also legacies, as I have to sell the animal hotel to the organizations at a fair and low price due to the outstanding amounts.
So that I can retire debt-free and with a clear conscience.
I strive for the following goals:
“With your donations, we can save even more animals and offer them a safe future.
Your support is invaluable to our work.”
Our animal hotel is not only open to guests, but also to animals that have been abandoned or had to be given away.
Because we are convinced that every living creature should live with dignity and love, we have founded the Association for Dogs in Need of Protection and give abandoned dogs a place to stay at the Tierhotel.
Until they find their forever home.
Perhaps you are looking for a playmate for your pet?
Or a four-legged friend who will faithfully accompany you through life?
Believe us: our pets can hardly wait to get to know you and take you to their hearts forever!
We are pleased to regularly produce a program called “Tierisch” in cooperation with TeleM1, in which we present our shelter dogs.
These contributions cost us CHF 2,500 per program, but they enable us to reach many people and make fantastic placements.
Unfortunately, these costs also have to be covered, which is why we rely on your generous donations.
With your support, we can continue to give many animals a second chance and help them find their forever homes.
The Hedgehog Help Association thinks of those who are so small that they are often forgotten.
Anyone who drives a car in spring and fall knows how difficult and dangerous life can be for small hedgehogs.
Due to monoculture and other reasons, over 40% of the hedgehog population has declined in the last 10 years.
Our association has set up a rescue center to care for injured hedgehogs and place them in a safe environment.
We also give regular talks in schools to disprove the widespread misconception that hedgehogs need milk – because milk can be fatal for hedgehogs.
Thanks to your donations, we can help the smallest among us and protect their existence in the long term.
Your support is invaluable.
We are pleased to inform you that our hedgehog help association was featured in the TeleM1 program “Tierisch”.
The program offers a fascinating insight into our work and shows how we help the hedgehogs.
At our bird sanctuary, we look after confiscated birds that have been rescued for various reasons.
These birds often come from illegal trade, have been mistreated or are victims of environmental changes.
Our dedicated team of bird specialists work hard to give these feathered friends loving care and a second chance.
We work closely with the authorities to take in confiscated birds and provide them with a safe environment.
By cooperating with other animal welfare organizations and bird rehabilitation centers, we maximize our efforts to give these birds a home where they can recover and thrive.
Your donations enable us to provide the necessary resources to care for and rehabilitate these endangered birds.
Through your support, you are actively helping to improve the welfare of these birds and secure their future.