Oct 06, 2025 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.