Oct 28, 2024 Recognizing the Impact of Partners and Donors in Ukraine’s Rescue, Relief, and Rebuilding Efforts

Helena who escaped Kherson with only her dog Kuzma gets a pet carrier from Save the Dogs. Dated 3/20/22. | Photo credit: Save the Dogs & Other Animals.

As the Ukraine Rescue, Relief, and Rebuild (U3R) coalition prepares for another year of challenging but rewarding projects, we want to take a moment to celebrate the exceptional contributions of our current and past partners. Their efforts have significantly helped animals and people in Ukraine and the refugees in Slovakia and Romania. We also want to express our gratitude to our donors, as their support is essential to achieving our mission.

Save the Dogs and Other Animals (STD) Romania has had a tremendous impact on animals in Ukraine. Their two-year commitment to Ukraine has led to significant achievements, including providing over 1,100 tons of pet food, feeding over 9,000 animals, and performing nearly 5,500 sterilizations, microchipping, and vaccinations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the STD organization and its teams for their outstanding work. We wish the organization every success as it focuses on its Italian and Romanian operations.

Supplies provided in a cooperative effort by Slovakia-based shelters and transportation of supplies into Ukraine provided by Sloboda Zvierat.

Sloboda Zvierat (SZ) in Slovakia has directly provided food, supplies, and veterinary support to animals in Ukraine. SZ continues to treat, feed, and care for hundreds of Ukrainian dogs and cats that have escaped the violence at its shelter in Bratislava. It also reaches out to Ukrainians who have fled to Slovakia with their pets, offering free veterinary services, vaccinations, food, and supplies.

In collaboration with WellBeing International, SZ is starting its part of the U3R rebuild efforts by developing a pilot project aimed at helping children who have experienced trauma and displacement due to conflict or other life disruptions. This project seeks to create a safe space where children can reconnect with their communities, learn about and care for the animals around them, and explore the natural world. We hope this pilot project will be replicated in Ukraine and other areas where Ukrainian refugees reside.

Photo credit: The Street Dog Coalition

Street Dog Coalition (SDC) USA has partnered with the U3R coalition since its establishment in March 2022. Founded and led by Dr. Jon Geller, SDC has played a pioneering role during the early stages of the Ukraine conflict. Dr. Geller was instrumental in setting up the “Blue Tent” at the Ukraine-Romania border, where they provided veterinary services, vaccinations, microchipping, and pet passports for animals belonging to refugees crossing the border. Additionally, SDC was crucial in funding the purchase of a mobile veterinary clinic currently operating in Ukraine. This clinic has now been transferred to Worldwide Vets, U3R’s newest partner.

Tigers in America (TIA) USA was founded in 2011, focusing on rescuing captive tigers within the United States. Since then, TIA has expanded its efforts to include all big cats, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, cougars, and jaguars. TIA is also involved in rescuing animals outside the United States.

Rescuing big cats requires extensive coordination and specialized skills. This includes conducting initial medical evaluations and care, arranging for transportation and temporary housing (often in other countries), locating and securing sanctuaries, obtaining necessary government permits for both temporary and long-term care, and ultimately transporting the animals to their permanent sanctuaries. These rescues are not for the faint of heart.

TIA assisted with rescuing lions from Odesa by helping with logistics, permitting, and sanctuary location. TIA has collaborated with other partners to support the rescue of other large animals in Ukraine.

Credit: Worldwide Vets

Worldwide Vets (WWV) UK is the newest partner of U3R. Dr. Gemma Campling, the founder and CEO of Worldwide Vets, has extensive experience in veterinary medicine, particularly in high-risk areas like Ukraine. In May 2022, Dr. Campling led an impressive veterinary operation during a daring rescue mission to save nine lions from the Biopark in Odesa. British army veterans from Breaking The Chains provided essential security and logistical support, while the evacuation of the animals was carried out by Warriors of Wildlife, an organization led by Lionel de Lange. The nine lions were at risk of starvation, and there were concerns that any damage to the animal enclosures could endanger civilians due to the possibility of loose predators. The team traveled thousands of miles across three borders over 72 hours to complete the rescue. This operation marked the largest evacuation of carnivores from an active war zone.

WWV currently operates a mobile veterinary clinic in Ukraine, which the Street Dog Coalition donated. Dr. Campling oversaw the transport of the mobile clinic from the U.S. to Europe, equipping it with vaccines, medicines, and essential supplies. The clinic began its operations in Ukraine in early 2023. WWV has established a permanent team in Ukraine, including Ukrainian veterinarians, nurses, and support staff. Additionally, international veterinary volunteers and local charities contribute their services. Recently, Dr. Campling received the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s 2024 Future Leader Award for her contributions to international veterinary efforts.

WellBeing International (WBI) USA established the Ukraine Rescue, Relief & Rebuild (U3R) in March 2022 and continues to provide U3R partners with funding, website coverage, social media and news outreach. WBI also connects its partners with potential funders and projects to support the Ukrainian people and their animals in and outside Ukraine. WBI continues to build a communication network for the rebuilding effort in Ukraine.

WellBeing International sincerely appreciates the U3R partners’ efforts and the many donors who have supported the coalition, from individuals to foundations and corporations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and commitment to the Ukrainian cause. Your contributions have significantly impacted the lives of animals and people in Ukraine and the surrounding regions, and we look forward to your continued support.