Hope for animals in Ukraine
Since early 2022, Nowzad has been operating in the heart of Ukraine to provide aid and care to abandoned animals affected by the conflict with Russia.
Every month a staggering 20 tonnes of dog and cat food is distributed by Nowzad across the country. This vital supply is a lifeline for at least 4000 vulnerable animals every month, reaching shelters and volunteers amidst the chaos and destruction in cities like Odessa, Dnipro, Kyiv and Kharkiv, even to the very front lines of fighting.
But our efforts to aid these dogs and cats extends beyond mere sustenance. To provide a safe refuge for rescued animals and those displaced by the conflict, Nowzad has constructed kennels and purpose-built cat care facilities in devastated areas like Kramatorsk, Hostomel and Borodianka, and David from team Nowzad along with a few brave volunteers, are doing the same in Podilsky as we write.
Border guards here are also being equipped with tactical gear for their dogs and receiving agility training to enhance their capabilities in handling animals in extremely challenging environments.
Beyond these initiatives that make an immediate difference, Nowzad has also been implementing a crucial Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release programme since early 2024, to manage stray and abandoned animals for the long-term. This October we’re proud to say that over 500 dogs and cats have been sterilized and rabies-vaccinated since this project began, in cities like Kramatorsk, Yuzhnoukrainsk, Kherson, Sumy and Liubotyn.
One of the most inspiring individuals leading these efforts is our volunteer veterinary technician – Angela – whose tireless dedication has made a profound impact. With Nowzad’s support, she has successfully vaccinated over 800 animals against rabies in Kherson this year and microchipped almost 400 of them, to help rehome or reunite them with their owners.
In the face of constant adversity, we have met so many compassionate individuals along the way like Angela or Alex, our vet in Kherson, who are unwavering in their commitment to protecting the lives of innocent animals, caught up in war.
Please keep checking in for updates on our work across the country. Pen will be returning to Ukraine this winter and will be reporting back on how our programmes are going, and where we need to focus support the most.
Your generous donatons do make a very real difference. You can donate here to support our vital work in Ukraine in these darkest of times for the country.