Background

As the war in Ukraine continues, life remains perilous for both people and animals. Millions have been displaced, leaving behind their homes and pets. With many shelters destroyed or overwhelmed, countless animals now struggle to survive on the streets without food, shelter, or care. Those who remain in Ukraine are doing their best to help abandoned animals, despite financial hardship and limited resources.

Our Partnership

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Wild at Heart Foundation has collaborated with multiple project partners across neighbouring Romania and Poland to provide critical welfare support. Currently, we are working closely with animal welfare experts Gregg Tully and James Florence from Wildlife and Welfare, who have established an extensive network of aid across southern and northeastern Ukraine.

Gregg and James play a vital role in coordinating partnerships among animal shelters, veterinary clinics, volunteers, and pet food suppliers to deliver emergency relief where it is needed most. Their efforts focus on five essential programmes: feeding abandoned pets, controlling the stray dog population through sterilisation, rebuilding and repairing shelters, providing emergency veterinary care, and supplying dog houses to help animals endure the harsh winter conditions.

The Difference Made So Far 

Thanks to generous donor support, we have helped sterilise over 400 dogs since the start of the war, provided food for thousands of animals, and funded essential medical treatment and equipment for countless injured and sick dogs. These efforts have saved lives, prevented suffering, and brought hope to communities and rescuers working in extraordinarily difficult conditions. 

Building the Future with Your Support 

The most urgent need remains securing sustained funding for ongoing sterilisation campaigns, especially in villages and remote areas with high-density dog populations. Equally critical is providing welfare support, including food aid for up to 1,000 dogs and emergency veterinary care for the most vulnerable animals discovered during welfare and sterilisation efforts. 

A dedicated veterinary clinic on-site at one of the local shelters would be truly transformative. It would offer life-saving treatment to both shelter and street dogs, many of whom are struggling to survive the devastating effects of war and abandonment. 

Every contribution plays a vital role in ensuring that dogs in Ukraine and beyond receive safety, compassion, and a fighting chance to survive against unimaginable hardship.