FREE VET CARE TO UKRAINIAN ANIMALS
We believe every animal should be able to receive treatment and stand a chance at a happy and healthy future. Many animals have been abandoned and are living on the streets, scavenging for food and fighting for survival. The lucky ones are in shelters or under the care of those who have stayed behind despite the risks. In some circumstances owners are struggling to pay for veterinary care due to the war effecting the economy, employment, and cost of living. We strive to provide the best treatment possible by:
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Providing veterinary care totally free of charge
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Working with animals right up to the frontline
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Bringing in veterinary donations
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Supporting vets and owners with training and case support
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Working with other Ukrainian and international organizations
Thanks to you, we are able to continue this work. Despite being in the headlines less, the war continues to rage and advance across Ukrainian territory putting innocent lives at risk. Russian missiles rain down every day in the South East, and this shows no signs of stopping. If you can spare any donation towards this cause, please follow the "donate" buttons above. Your support is much appreciated.
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Volunteer in Ukraine
Would you consider giving up your time to help animals affected by the war? We are looking for qualified vets and nurses or technicians with 2 or more years of experience to join our outreach. to be considered you need to be confident operating (or nursing) independently for a high-volume spay/neuter. This mission will be in the West of Ukraine where there are many abandoned dogs and cats. You will be hosted by Dr Gemma Campling and the permanent ground team. All costs (food, accommodation) will be covered. Flights to Poland are at your own cost. Dates requiring support:
7th -18th April 2025
28th April - 9th May 2025
2024 international Missions
On the 9th April - 12th April and 29th April - 11th of May 2024 we hosted 2 large international groups of volunteers who came from USA and Europe to provide help to the animals of Ukraine. Over these 2 missions we sterilised a total of 210 female dogs, 50 male dogs, 304 female cats and 89 male cats, totalling 653 sterilisations in a month. This takes our 2024 count to 1089 sterilisations and 4755 treatments when accounting for the large number of rabies and core vaccines, flea and worm treatments given. This work focused on the West of Ukraine, where there are a large number of abandoned animals, and we also treated a number of dogs evacuated straight to us from the frontline. With our international teams departing, the core team returns to the East of Ukraine to continue our frontline work.
Summary of 2023
In 2023 we launched the most ambitious effort yet to provide veterinary care to pets in the Ukraine. Alongside The Street Dog Coalition we developed a mobile vet clinic to further our impact with Operation Ukraine. The clinic, a towable trailer, has 3 surgery tables, 16 cages, surgery lighting, anesthesia machines, heating, vaccine fridges and more.
Lovingly produced by Magnum Mobile Specialty Vehicles, it travelled 5,000 miles by sea to Southampton in the UK, arriving early 2023. The clinic then made a long journey from England to Ukraine, driven by Dr Campling, covering a total of 2,900 km. It is now busy serving animals around the country. The clinic allows us to provide care to stray animals, pets, shelters and rescuers, whilst having all of our gear close to hand. Thanks to your support, we finished 2023 having completed over 10,000 treatments which include:
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2558 sterilization surgeries consisting of 1587 female dogs, 55 male dogs, 860 female cats and 56 male cats.
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2404 vaccines against rabies
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816 annual vaccinations
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2267 parasite treatments (tick/flea)
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1430 dogs and cats dewormed
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101 additional procedures including consultations, medical workups, x-rays, and critical care
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237 horses vaccinated for flu and tetanus
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225 horses dewormed
Our total procedure count was 10,038, exceeding our goal of 10,000 treatments and we traversed over 10,000 km in the new unit as we drove into Ukraine and around the country. In 2024 we aim to considerably increase this, and have set a target of 15,000 treatments of which 4000 will be sterilizations. In 2024 we will be working through the whole year, supported by international volunteers and a full-time employed Ukrainian vet and nurse. We are proud to provide local employment and capacity building in this manner and look forward to a great year of service.
Presenting our work
We feel very privileged to have the opportunity to discuss our Ukraine outreach work at various conferences since we began our involvement, in February 2022. Dr Campling has presented at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Being able to utilize these platforms to further highlight the reality of life on the ground, the good work occurring, and updating our supporters on the developments of our outreach work is a privilege, and we want to give thanks to the organizers and associations who have hosted us these conferences.
Speaking about this topic is always a daunting task; to relay the terrors of war, as well as the hope, gratitude and optimism for the future. A huge thank you to everyone who comes to hear our talks, and to those who have pledged their support.
RESCUING WILDLIFE
Many of our team have a background in wildlife translocation and medicine. This has been utilized on numerous occasions in Ukraine to help with moving and treating wild species threatened by the war. From advising on immobilization drugs and movement protocols for ostrich, antelope and carnivores, to carrying out the rescues of animals under attack from Russian forces.
Our largest evacuation was the movement of 9 lions out of Odessa from under the Russian’s noses. It took many people, weeks of planning, military convoys and a cool disposition in the face of pressure. Moving these lions was an important course of action. With advancing Russian forces, not only were the lion’s lives in danger, but if the zoo was bombed and the cage compromised, the escaped lions would pose a huge risk to public safety. Lifting a 250kg lion on to a head height truck with make shift stretchers takes some skill, but it’s nothing compared to the muscle and nerve needed to do 4 days nonstop travel across 2,000 km, with 6 international borders in a high risk area. Thankfully we were in and out of the frontline as fast as possible and the whole procedure went smoothly.
Our director Dr Gemma Campling managed the darting and immobilization of the whole pride. Breaking The Chains provided logistics, manpower and vehicles, and Warriors of Wildlife took on the legal responsibility and care of these beautiful cats as they left the zoo. The pride of 9 have now found their forever home at The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, USA, where they can live out their days in peace and safety.
