Jhonny
Everyone loves their furry friends, including the people of Ukraine. During this time of war, they’re clinging to their beloved pets even as they flee. Find out how to help pets in Ukraine and support animal shelters in Ukraine.
When Russia began invading Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of civilians were forced to flee their homeland in search of safety. While the experience is one of the toughest they’ll ever face, it didn’t make them forget about their loved ones – including their pets.
If photos on social media are anything to go by, then it’s clear that Ukrainians love their pets as much as everybody else in the world. From holding on to their dogs, cats, and even fish, these photos demonstrate that no one gets left behind even in the most difficult of times. Furthermore, countries have seen the dedication of the Ukrainian people and are helping them get their beloved pets to safety while people worldwide are donating to keep these animals safe.
A Journey to Safety
A Missouri-based organization called the Clean Futures Find provides international support after industrial accidents and helps with long-term remedial activities. However, after Russia invaded, they were forced to suspend their work at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and are unable to support power plant workers.
Moreover, one of their programs (Dogs of Chernobyl) helps provide food, veterinary care, and spay/neuter procedures for stray cats and dogs. In fact, their work has helped reduce the wild dog population in the area by 50%. Unfortunately, due to the war, they can’t protect the animals in Ukraine.
Nevertheless, Ukrainian pet owners are doing everything they can even without the aid of major organizations. There are many photos of people carrying their pets as they evacuate, leaving no animal behind.
Fortunately, countries like Poland, Romania, and Slovakia are helping these pet parents and letting them bring their pets over without the need for veterinary paperwork. Due to these looser travel restrictions, it’s likely that hundreds of pets have been saved.
You Can Make A Difference
As people do their best to flee the war, the sad truth is that many humans and their pets are not out of harm’s way. Those who are still in Ukraine are in urgent need of medical attention and food supplies. In spite of the risks, some volunteers have stayed behind to take care of the animals in need.
If you want to make a difference in a pet’s life, then here’s your chance. By donating to the following organizations, you can help support their efforts to save animals from this horrific war:
- Casa lui Patrocle: Helps find housing and vet care for families with pets.
- Happy Paw: Supports shelter animals and strays, focusing on their biggest needs.
- International Animal Protection League: Animal refuge located just outside Kyiv that cares for hundreds of homeless animals.
- Shelter Ugolyok: Animal rescue and sanctuary that provides food for animals in need.
- Sirius: Shelter in Kyiv that needs all the support they can get.
- UAnimals: Helps animal shelters that struggle to collect food and supplies in Ukraine. Some of the shelters they support include Chance for Life, Paw, Pif, and Sirius.
While many pets have already made their way out of Ukraine with their families, there are still those stuck in the middle of the war. You can help make a difference in the lives of people and their pets by donating and spreading the word about these organizations. Thank you for making sure that no pets get left behind in Ukraine.
H/T: thedodo.com
Featured Image: Twitter
