Her journey coincided with a poignant moment. Four years on from the full-scale invasion, the country continues to endure devastation alongside extraordinary resilience. At the same time, World Spay Day served as a global reminder that long-term, sustainable solutions in animal welfare are just as vital as emergency relief. 

This dual context shaped the purpose of Nikki’s visit: to stand beside the individuals who refuse to abandon the dogs left behind by war, and to reinforce a commitment not just to respond, but to remain present, accountable, and active. 

Bearing Witness on the Ground 

Nikki travelled through communities where the realities of war are visible in everyday life. From damaged infrastructure to abandoned spaces, the environment tells a story of disruption and survival. 

But within that, she encountered something equally powerful: local rescuers who continue their work despite limited resources, ongoing uncertainty, and personal risk. 

What stood out most was the unwavering dedication of local volunteers. Every day, they feed, transport, sterilise, and advocate for animals who would otherwise be forgotten. 

A tonne of essential food, along with other welfare supplies, was delivered directly into these areas, urgent needs were assessed, and medical care was funded in real time. Conversations focused not only on immediate relief, but on how to build something more enduring, particularly through expanding sterilisation initiatives.  

In response, we pledged £10,000 to facilitate multiple sterilisation campaigns in the coming months, recognising that sustainable population control must take priority. 

Women Leading Change 

Across our global work, women are at the heart of sustainable animal welfare systems, and nowhere is this more evident than in Ukraine. 

Despite the realities of conflict, the women Nikki met are leading extraordinary efforts: feeding dogs in high-risk areas, delivering veterinary care, coordinating evacuations, and rebuilding damaged shelters. They do this while navigating their own personal challenges, yet continue to show resilience, leadership, and compassion. 

Supporting them is not just about funding; it is about reinforcing the people already doing the work. When women on the frontlines of animal welfare are empowered, the impact extends far beyond animals, benefitting entire communities. 

The Scale of the Crisis 

As Nikki travelled from Odesa to Mykolaiv and Zatoka, the scale of the crisis became increasingly clear. 

In towns marked by destruction and silence, dogs remain behind. Some are chained in abandoned yards or crumbling compounds. Others, particularly puppies, roam service stations and cemeteries, scavenging for scraps and searching for safety. 

Zatoka, once a bustling Black Sea holiday destination, left a lasting impression. Now eerily empty, it has become home to large roaming packs of dogs simply trying to survive, breeding uncontrollably in the absence of intervention. 

The urgency is undeniable: catch, sterilise, and protect, before the cycle of suffering continues. 

Stories from the Frontline 

In the Odesa region, Nikki met Zhanna, a local rescuer dedicating her life to stray dogs. Alongside a small group of volunteers, Zhanna travels daily into some of the harshest environments, bringing food and arranging sterilisations for dogs with no one else to care for them. 

Joining her on feeding rounds, Nikki witnessed firsthand both the scale of the need and the relentless commitment required to meet it. 

Further east, in regions like Kharkiv, areas heavily impacted by ongoing conflict, it is often women and older men who continue this work. Despite severe supply shortages and extremely challenging conditions, they feed and protect stray and abandoned dogs every day. 

Turning Compassion into Action 

Thanks to the support of our community, our vital work in Ukraine is already making a tangible difference. 

Essential dog food has been delivered directly to frontline caregivers in Kharkiv, helping sustain feeding programmes in the most affected regions. In Odesa, food distribution continues alongside sterilisation efforts beginning, addressing both immediate suffering and long-term prevention, whilst creating a balance of necessary support.  

A Commitment to Stay 

This trip was, in many ways, heartbreak and hope intertwined. It revealed immense need, but also extraordinary courage and determination. 

It strengthened our resolve to continue our work in Ukraine, not as a short-term response, but as an ongoing commitment. Because meaningful impact requires both immediate intervention and sustained support. 

We all have a role to play in building a kinder, safer world. Whether through partnership, advocacy, funding, or raising awareness, every action contributes to something larger. 

To everyone who has supported this mission so far, thank you. Your engagement, generosity, and belief in this work are helping create real, lasting change where it is needed most. 

Image credit: Wild at Heart Foundation