A heart-born connection
At Portugal Premium Tours, tourism can and should positively impact the world around us. Our partnership with the animal welfare association Heart4Paws reflects this commitment. A heart-born connection.
It all started very simply. During one of our morning meetings (even while working remotely, we make a point of staying close), our colleague Gabriela shared something that touched her: a video from Heart4Paws asking for volunteers. Moved by it, she began visiting the shelter once a week during her free time.
Knowing that we often support social causes with part of our earnings, Gabriela humbly suggested we consider helping this association. The idea lingered… until a storm in March caused severe damage to the Heart4Paws facilities. Faced with the urgency, we revisited the idea and decided to take action.
Who is Heart4Paws?
Rosa Oliveira shares a tender moment with Pintas, a charming dog still waiting for his forever family.
Heart4Paws was born out of unconditional love for animals and the persistence of those who never give up on fighting for them. Rosa Oliveira, the founder and driving force behind the association, began this mission almost 30 years ago, transforming her home into a shelter for neglected animals.
Today, with the support of incredible people like Miguel & Rita, Mónica, Alexandra, Ingrid, Ivo, Nel, and Ruud, and so many others, the association addresses critical situations: from rescuing animals from elderly owners who moved to nursing homes, to supporting colonies, fighting against illegal breeding, and promoting responsible spaying and neutering.
In 2024, faced with external pressures to euthanize dogs deemed “difficult,” Heart4Paws was officially born, with the support of partners like Ragman and Hulker, to ensure that every life counts.
Our Commitment to Animal Well-Being
Gabriela poses with the sweet Frieda, a sweet and calm companion still looking for a loving home.
We felt that we had to be part of this mission. As a company, we are lucky and have the responsibility to contribute. That’s why we dedicate part of our earnings to supporting Heart4Paws. But our support goes beyond financial contributions: Gabriela remains actively involved on the ground, socializing with the animals and assisting with the shelter’s upkeep.
We believe that a company’s involvement brings more than just resources. It brings visibility, credibility, and inspiration. And that’s precisely what we want to promote.
How You Can Help
It doesn’t take much to make a difference. Here are a few simple ways you can contribute:
Mónica with Chico is a loving dogaway, whose memory lives on affectionately, who has passed.
- Donate — help ensure food, medical care, and better conditions at the shelter.
- Donate essential goods — blankets, toys, anything that can make the animals’ days more comfortable.
- Volunteer — one morning a week can mean the world to an animal.
- Share this cause — help us spread the word on social media and to those who can help.
We Dream of a Different Future
Alexandra is enchanted by Lucy, an affectionate and curious dog who is also waiting for the opportunity to be adopted.
At Heart4Paws, they believe the ideal future is one where no more shelters are needed. A future where every animal has a home, love, and respect. Until that happens, we will continue to support them in every way we can, and we hope you’ll join us on this journey.
At Portugal Premium Tours, we take more than just people on journeys through Portugal. We bring values, human connections, and real commitments because traveling with purpose is the best way to explore (and improve) the world.
Want to be part of this change?
Learn more about Heart4Paws, support this mission, and join us with time, resources, or sharing. Together, we can change lives.
