“I’ve known Ioana for many years – she has long been passionate about animal welfare and brings much creativity and heartfelt commitment to a cause that touches the hearts of so many.”

I have known Ioana Dungler for almost a quarter of a century and more closely since early 2007 when she took over as International Programs Director of Vier Pfoten International.

As a cofounder, in 1959, of the group that we registered in 1964 as the Blue Cross of India which was the point of origin of the street-dog birth control program known widely today as the  ABC program (the acronym for Animal Birth Control program), we have worked closely with Ioana on some of our projects here. We have also worked together on several disaster relief programs in India, Bali and Malaysia. 

 Her late husband, Helmut Dungler, and I also served on the International Board of WSPA – now World Animal Protection. 

 I am delighted to hear that she is getting back into animal welfare work and wish her the very best in her endeavors.

I’ve worked with Ioana in many places around the world, sometimes in very tense situations, Gaza and Ukraine stand out. Where or whatever her passion and love for the animals she was rescuing always shone through. She’s a true animal welfare professional.

I’ve known Ioana for over 20 years, since a rescue mission during a major flood when we worked side by side saving dozens of dogs, cats, and other animals. From that day on, she’s remained deeply dedicated to protecting animals and always gives her very best in every rescue and care effort she leads.

I first met Ioana Gabriela Dungler — then Ioana Gabriela Tomescu — in 1999. At that time, we stood on opposite sides of a difficult and emotional issue: the situation of Romania’s stray dogs. I represented the veterinary authorities, and she represented a newly born NGO.

We often disagreed, and we both fought hard for what we believed was right. Looking back, I can say that those early debates shaped a professional relationship that later turned into mutual respect, collaboration, and a lasting friendship.

Fighting with Ioana is inspiring — she comes with arguments that make you think. And being friends with Ioana is fun — her humor brings lightness to serious work and creates open space for everyone around her.


Her empathy is never naive; it is informed, strategic, and deeply human. She brings people together — veterinarians, educators, NGOs, and policymakers — and helps them find common ground in the service of animal welfare.
What I admire most is that she has never lost her clarity or her moral strength. Ioana is proof that empathy and competence can coexist — and that true change begins when people with different views decide to work together.


The creation of Dungler for Animal Welfare is a natural continuation of her life’s work. I have no doubt that she will lead it with the same integrity, wisdom, and quiet determination she has shown for the past 2 decades.

I have known Ioana Dungler since 2008, when she participated in one of my disaster response trainings. In years that followed, I had the privilege of working with her regularly in various countries around the world.

Throughout all these years, I have experienced Ioana as a deeply dedicated and highly competent professional who combines strategic vision with genuine compassion for both people and animals. Her commitment to improving safety and preparedness in animal welfare work is truly exceptional. She is a passionate learner, always striving to strengthen her own skills and to advance the entire field of animal protection.

Ioana’s honesty, empathy, and drive to make a lasting difference are inspiring. I have no doubt that her new venture will have a meaningful and far-reaching impact on animal welfare worldwide.