Sloboda Zvierat
The love of animals inspired the decision to establish Sloboda Zvierat (or Freedom for Animals) almost 30 years ago. Based in Bratislava, Slovakia, the organization works to prevent animal cruelty and promote a healthy coexistence between humans and animals. Today, Sloboda Zvierat has 23 regional centers across the Slovak Republic.
Annually, we rescue more than 2000 street animals who have been lost, abandoned, or abused. We treat, feed, and care for these animals intending to find their original home or place in a new forever home. About 200 animals are in our daily care. We also operate an emergency call line and investigate cases of abuse.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, we treated hundreds of Ukrainian dogs and cats who escaped the violence with their owners at our shelter in Bratislava. We provide free veterinary services, including microchipping, vaccination, and issuance of pet passports. We also supply these owners with pet food and more and occasionally help them find pet-friendly accommodations. Moreover, we have sent financial, food, and veterinary aid to areas most affected by the war. In the coming days, we will be supporting organizations in Kharkov, Lviv, Odessa, and Uzhhorod, caring for dogs, cats, and farm and wild animals remaining in Ukraine.
From Kharkiv to Bratislava: The First Journey
Early one October morning, a van crossed from Ukraine into eastern Slovakia carrying five dogs from the Barbos shelter in Uzhhorod. This was the first transport organized by Sloboda Zvierat, a coalition partner of Ukraine Rescue, Relief and Rebuild, beginning a route to bring animals from conflict zones to safety in Slovakia.
The dogs were first headed to Sloboda Zvierat’s regional center in eastern Slovakia, then to Bratislava. They were selected because they had little chance of adoption or proper care where they were. The goal is to relocate animals to safer places where they can receive veterinary attention and eventually find homes.
This effort is part of a larger initiative that began in July, when Animal Rescue Kharkiv (ARK)—which cares for 300 dogs in its shelter and another 1,500 across the region—reached out. That same day, a missile strike shattered their shelter windows, one of many attacks since the invasion began. In 2022, seven dogs at the shelter were killed in another strike.
Earlier this month, the first 11 dogs from Kharkiv arrived safely at the Polianky shelter in Bratislava after a three-day journey. Twelve had been planned, but one could not travel after shelling hit her foster carer’s neighborhood. The arriving dogs are now receiving veterinary care, socialization, and time to recover. Staff and volunteers, including Pavla Dugovičová, chairwoman of Sloboda Zvierat, and colleagues Jozef, Braňo, and Nastia, who provided translation support, welcomed them.
Photos show cautious but curious dogs stepping from crates into safe enclosures with clean bedding and food. Despite their varied conditions—some thin, some shy—they quickly calmed under gentle handling.
The organization plans another transport of 13 dogs from Kharkiv at the end of October, bringing the total to 20 relocated animals. Each transport requires funding for fuel, veterinary care, and temporary accommodation. WellBeing International (WBI), a founding partner of the Ukraine Rescue, Relief and Rebuild consortium, raises funds to support Sloboda Zvierat, helping cover these costs and sustain the rescues.
The first journeys have already provided relief to overburdened shelters and new prospects for animals that would otherwise face unsafe conditions. As the next transport is prepared, the dogs are settling into temporary homes in Bratislava. Some are already matched with potential adopters, while others adjust to walking on a lead, trusting new hands, and resting without fear.
The path from Kharkiv to Uzhhorod and Uzhhorod to Bratislava is long, but each step brings recovery, safety, and hope for lasting homes.
