What’s happening right now in Ukraine is an absolute tragedy, and my heart breaks for all the innocent lives impacted. While some with pets fled their country to safety, there are still families with their pets stuck in Ukraine. Some pets were left behind. We need to help the pets and their families of Ukraine right now.
Many courageous people are still working at animal shelters and rescues in Ukraine, dealing with thousands of stray animals. Food, water, and other essential supplies are expected to run out very quickly as the war in Ukraine continues.
Please help support the animal shelters and organizations battling this crisis by donating or spreading the word if you can. Your generous donation or even word of mouth can help volunteers and staff feed and care for animal victims who desperately need it. ?
Here’s how to support the pets and Ukrainian refugees
IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) is an organization getting aid to refugee families and their pets. IFAW verified that the countries below accept animals without documentation for those fleeing from Ukraine. You can help IFAW by making a donation here. If you read this blog post, please share it so it can get to those who need information while they flee Ukraine with their pets.
Countries accepting animals without documentation
The countries below now have plans to accept pets at border crossings. While pets must typically be vaccinated and microchipped to cross an international border, these countries agreed to an exception during this crisis. The receiving country will vaccinate and microchip the pet upon entry If a pet is not vaccinated or microchipped.
Germany
Pet parents can enter with their pets from Ukraine without applying for a permit in advance under Regulation (EU) 576/2013. Pet parents entering Germany are asked to contact the local veterinary authority to determine the animal’s health status regarding rabies vaccination, microchipping, issuance of pet passport). Source
Poland
Animal health documents are not mandatory right now. Once animals have crossed the border, they will be vaccinated. Source
A Polish animal shelter is offering help to anyone with their pets. Contact volunteer Natalia (518 667 614) for assistance and temporary housing. Source
Hungary
Unvaccinated and undocumented pets can enter Hungary. Authorities will provide microchipping and rabies vaccinations to cats, dogs, and ferrets traveling with refugees. Source
Italy
Without proper documentation, dogs and cats entering European countries with their families are welcome. Once families and their pets have crossed the border, authorities will get it sorted out. Source
Romania
Ukrainian pets traveling with their families can enter Romania without vaccines, passports, or a microchip. Documentation will need to be completed by the pet parent once they cross the border. Source
- If your family is trying to get to the Romanian border, a vet team located at Solca/Siret will help you so you don’t have to leave your pets behind. Contact details are here.
- Also Casa lui Patrocle is an animal protection association supporting and offering help for families with pets who enter Romania from Ukraine via the Sireten. The shelter is located in Suceava, about 40 km away from the Ukrainian border.
Finland
Pets traveling with owners from Ukraine or under force majeure circumstances from Russia can enter Finland without prior application or permit. Source
Latvia
Ukrainian pet parents who didn’t microchip or vaccinate their pets will be permitted to enter Latvia. Pet parents will need to carry out all formalities and procedures after entering Latvia. Source
Estonia
Pets from Ukraine without microchips, documentation, or rabies vaccine are accepted in Estonia. Still, refugees must inform the Agriculture and Food Authority (PTA) and Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) of their animal companion. They must fill in the notification form either in advance or at the border and send it to pta@pta.agri.ee, darja.trohhatsova@pta.agri.ee, and elika.brosman@emta.ee. Source. More information is available here.
Slovakia
The country is accepting pets without vaccination certification. Pet parents must fill out this form. Upon arrival at the EU member state of their destination, they must report the animals to the local veterinary office. Source
Lithuania
Animals from Ukraine that are not microchipped or have not been vaccinated against rabies will be marked and vaccinated on the spot, and any isolation requirements will be facilitated. Source
Czech Republic
Pets entering without a valid rabies vaccine/rabies test must be quarantined for 10 days, tested for rabies by a veterinarian within 72 hours, and microchipped (if they are not already). After 5 to 10 days in quarantine, they will be tested again and vaccinated against rabies. Source and additional source.
Donate to Ukrainian animal shelters
@UAnimals.official – This organization currently supports more than 50 shelters in Ukraine with supplies and animal transport. Become a subscriber to their Patreon.
@sirius.shelter – This is the largest shelter for stray animals in Ukraine, established in 2000. Visit their Instagram bio to donate.
@shelter_ugolyok – This animal rescue and farm sanctuary in Ukraine is building up a wartime food reserve for hundreds of animals and is currently facing difficulty transporting supplies close to the bombings. You can donate via PayPal (pawsofhelp@outlook.com), Venmo (pawsofhelp) and Fundrazr or Patreon.
@happy_paw – A charitable foundation that supports more than 60 shelters throughout the territory of Ukraine. This shelter needs water, so please bring water if you’re nearby and able to. You can donate here.
@lucky.strand – This Ukrainian shelter needs food supply and water. Visit their website or Facebook to see how you can help.
@shelter_friend_ukraine – Accepts all animals from the area and has helped transport animals over the borders. You can donate to their GoFundMe.
@helping_animals_in_sumy – Operations still remain limited, due to fighting and shelling. Donate on their website.
Again, please donate if you can. If you are unable to, you still can help the pets and their families in Ukraine simply just by sharing where other people can donate and the list of countries above accepting pets. ?
