UKRAINE - ANIMAL ADOPTION PROCESS

War paws are not simply living safely on the streets or waiting in shelters for adoption — they are exposed to constant danger and stress. At any moment, they can be injured or killed by shelling, explosions, or direct attacks from the Russian army. By choosing to help or adopt, you are not only offering compassion — you are offering safety and a chance at life. Please don’t be discouraged — the adoption process is not as difficult as it may seem at first, especially with the support of dedicated volunteers and animal lovers across Ukraine.

1) Select a Shelter: Choose from the list we have or find one yourself. Ensure they are willing to handle the rigorous international paperwork. Most of them are willing to help with it, especially if they have a cat or dog they cannot find a family for for a long time.

2) Verify Approved Importer Status: To commercially import a pet from Ukraine, the UK/EU-based importer (you or a rescue organisation) must have Approved Importer status from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Visit UK Government website for more information.

3) Arrange Approved Transport: The cat/dog must travel via an approved route (e.g., Eurotunnel or Dover if coming to the UK) and enter as manifested cargo if flying. If you want to use a plane, please note that unfortunately you cannot bring a commercial animal in the cabin if you are flying to the UK.

4) Obtain Documentation: Pet Health Certificate: Issued by an Official Veterinarian in Ukraine within 48 hours of departure for commercial movements. IPAFFS Notification: You must notify APHA about the import through the IPAFFS system at least one working day before arrival.

5) Unlike refugees, British/European adopters must pay all costs:

Veterinary Prep (Ukraine): ~3,500 – 6,000 UAH (£65 – £115).

Transport (EU to UK): £300 – £1,500 for professional road transport.

6) Mandatory Medical Prep (Same as Travel):

- Microchip: Must be done first.

- Rabies Vaccination: Must be recorded in the passport.

- Titer Test: A blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and sent to an EU-approved lab.

- If you live in the United Kingdom, your pet should wait 3 calendar months in Ukraine since the blood was drawn before it could enter the country. The EU has different rules and in many cases they are easier for pet adoption from Ukraine. Please check with your local authorities.

COSTS IN PET ADOPTION FROM UKRAINE

There are animals that are already spayed and had basic vet check-ups, but some of them still need to go through full medical preparation. Volunteers prioritise finding new pet parents locally in Ukraine, but there are always animals they struggle to rehome inside the country. Sometimes volunteers decide to find a new forever home in Europe or the UK. The most common reasons why some animals cannot travel abroad are lack of funding for medical preparation and transportation, or because the animal is too old or has health issues that make travel unsafe.

To meet international travel standards, the following procedures must be completed in Ukraine.

A full preparation package generally costs between 3,000 UAH and 10,000 UAH (£60–£200).

- Microchipping: 500–700 UAH (£10–£14).

- Rabies Vaccination: 150–300 UAH (£3–£6).

- Rabies Antibody Titer Test: 2,500 UAH (£50) for standard service; 5,000 UAH (£100) for urgent results.

- European Standard Passport: 50–400 UAH (£1–£8).

- Final Export Certificates: Form 1-VET (state vet) costs up to 50 UAH (£1).

Remember, volunteers try to help as much as they can by taking animals to vets as many times as needed and finding ways to transport animals safely within Ukraine so they can reach the border with EU countries.