Key points
- Since 2022, the Ukrainian Red Cross, in partnership with Humane World for Animals, has been implementing a programme to support domestic animals.
- More than 72,000 owners and 155,000 pets in 22 regions of Ukraine have received assistance.
- As part of the programme, over 544 tonnes of food and more than 79,000 essential items, including carriers, litter trays and care products, have been distributed.
- Pets help to maintain the emotional well-being of children and adults in wartime conditions.
Since 2022, the Ukrainian Red Cross, in partnership with Humane World for Animals, has been implementing a programme to support families affected by the war, with a particular focus on helping the pets of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, more than 72,000 pet owners and 155,000 pets across 22 regions of Ukraine have received assistance.
As part of the programme, over 544 tonnes of pet food and more than 79,000 essential items, including carriers, litter trays, grooming products, and other basic necessities, have been distributed.
For many families, pets are full members of the household. Even when forced to leave their homes due to hostilities, people did not abandon their animals, rescuing them and continuing to care for them under difficult conditions.
– Ukrainian Red Cross.
The URC emphasised that the ability to stay with pets positively affects the emotional well-being of children and adults and helps to cope with the effects of experienced stress.
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