About us

Founded in 1971 by nature-loving industrialists Adrienne & Pierre Sommer and based in Paris, we are a private, financially independent non-profit organization dedicated to the development of animal-assisted activities in France as well as to children’s education about pets and domesticated animals.

Since 2006, we have provided funding for research on human-animal interaction and offered a meeting point for all those involved in the field, from academics and goverment bodies to healthcare establishments and people providing animal-assisted activities. 

The Adrienne & Pierre Sommer Foundation receives over 1000 grant applications a year and gives up to 1.5 million euros annually to support projects in social service, healthcare and educational organizations. We are the foremost sponsor of pioneering initiatives, including animal-assisted programs at schools, victim support structures, and correctional institutions. 

Co-founder of la Villette educational  farm  and patron of the Science Center’s Dogs and Cats exhibit, the Foundation is delighted to partner with ISAZ to host the 2026 conference in Paris. We look forward to seeing you there!