Those dogs that are left to struggle alone have only one thing to say in this photo:

Heart-warming stories of people in Ukraine escaping with their pets. Staff in rescue centres stay behind to care for the animals; two young people doing this have lost their lives. Ukrainian people show a remarkable display of love and loyalty for their animal companions.

There are many stories; one man carries a fish tank and a cat carrier through Kyiv after his apartment was damaged by shelling. A woman at the train station with her rabbit. Some evacuees have even ditched their suitcases in favour of carrying their dogs and cats to safety in neighbouring countries. Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia have relaxed their requirements for entry, including not requiring proof of vaccinations, microchips or blood tests (for animals). Depending on the situation, the animals may have to quarantine for a few weeks, yet they will be cared for. 

Sandra Ischenko runs a pet care centre in Kyiv called ‘Dog City’. She has decided to stay and has offered to care for people’s pets who are leaving Kyiv. It is mostly dogs that are brought to her, but she also has birds and cats. The pet owners give what money they can, and they hope the animals will be safe and hope to be reunited when they return.

There are a few organisations helping those escaping war in Ukraine. One of the biggest animal welfare organisations is PETA (People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals), they have sent teams to the Polish border to provide on-site assistance. PETA in Germany is coordinating delivery of nearly two tons of animal food and blankets to shelters in Ukraine. IFAW (International Fund For Animal Welfare) is providing emergency aid to Ukrainian shelters Pit, which is home to 800 dogs and Horlivka shelter, which houses 300 dogs.

HSI (Humane Society International) is planning to send support groups into Poland and Romania with supplies for zoo animals and wildlife. Kyiv zoo is closed, and around fifty staff, including veterinarians, are staying in underground areas day and night. The bombing attacks are causing the animals great stress as their natural instinct is to flee. There is enough food for another ten days, according to the latest reports.

Australia is dealing with a lot of devastation from natural disasters, but if people wish to donate some money towards these charities, just look online for the above mentioned well-known and trusted ones.

Pam Brandis, 
 Dip.Canine.Prac.