KYIV /BOSTON - December 22, 2022 – Two days from now, December 24th, will mark ten-month since the war in Ukraine begun. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has left large parts of the country heavily damaged and under constant threat making daily life dangerous for both humans and animals. To mark this devastating milestone, FOUR PAWS has announced its most recent partnership to aid the untold millions of displaced Ukrainians and their pets and animals. The global animal welfare organization has partnered with Ukrainian office of the Small Animal Veterinary Association (USAVA), an umbrella organization providing for small animal veterinary practices across Ukraine.

Currently, the focus lies on the three most affected Ukrainian cities by the war, Mykolayiv, Sumy and Zaporizhzhia. Together, FOUR PAWS and USAVA helped in re-opening veterinary clinics to take care of pets and strays alike with vaccinations, sterilizations, and other medical treatments. In the first phase of the program beginning his month, 600 dogs and cats will be sterilized and vaccinated.

Together, FOUR PAWS and USAVA helped in re-opening veterinary clinics to take care of pets and strays alike with vaccinations, sterilizations, and other medical treatments. In the first phase of the program beginning his month, 600 dogs and cats will be sterilized and vaccinated.

As one component of FOUR PAWS extensive work in Ukraine, the organization conducted the first-ever survey to find out where its support is most needed. The survey showed that the biggest problem is still abandonment of pets alongside the need for sterilization, for pet food for pets, strays and shelter animals.

The Ukrainian Pet Association Worldwide (UPAW), a platform established in March 2022 by FOUR PAWS and partners, has taken care of the distribution of more than 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid, which has helped more than 110,000 dogs and cats.

During the last days an emergency feeding of stray dogs and cats has started in the city of Mykolayiv and neighboring region Kherson, in the Southern part of Ukraine – one of the most shelled areas in recent months. In total, 24 tons of food will be distributed among many malnourished strays.

Rowlings added, “We were in the midst of setting up a sustainable dog population project in Mykolayiv, when the invasion started. Until then we worked in a stationary veterinary clinic and by February, we were able to sterilize 1,000 dogs. Now the city has become one of the most bombed cities in Ukraine. It is good that we are back to deliver the urgently needed help.”

FOUR PAWS began working in Ukraine in 2012 through its SAC program, which has delivered veterinary care to 30,000 stray dogs and cats in over 60 municipalities. The team in Ukraine operates a mobile clinic, which carries out catch-neuter-vaccinate-return projects in different municipalities in the country. Now running at full capacity again, the team is able to deliver more urgently needed care to the countless number of homeless pets and terrified stray animals. FOUR PAWS also built and continues to run BEAR SANCTUARY Domazhyr in Western Ukraine.

FOUR PAWS’ Boston-based office positioned instrumental support for Ukraine by partnering with American grant organizations and private donors. “The outpouring of philanthropic support has made our life-saving efforts in Ukraine possible,” says Danika Oriol-Morway, Country Director of FOUR PAWS USA. “We are moved and inspired by our partners,” Oriol-Morway continued, “these include MSPCA Angell, The ASPCA, Animal Welfare Institute, Petco Love Foundation, The Triple T Foundation, A Kinder World Foundation and others who wish to remain anonymous, who’s support allows FOUR PAWS to do what it does best, provide critical care for animals in need.”