THIS WEBSITE WAS CREATED BY VOLUNTEERS AND ANIMAL LOVERS

At least 140 000 dogs and cats in Ukraine need homes or ongoing care. We who want to make pet adoption and animal transport clearer, safer, and more achievable.

This website was built by volunteers who care deeply about animals affected by war and displacement. It has been four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Many regions of Ukraine are under daily shelling and missile attacks.

As people are forced to flee the country, many must leave their pets behind. Thousands of pet owners have been killed, and countless animals are left on the streets to survive alone. There is little to no food, constant danger from explosions, and extreme conditions. During harsh Ukrainian winters, temperatures can drop to −20°C, leaving animals exposed to freezing cold, bombs, and ongoing destruction.

We would like to raise awareness about animal ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Animal shelters across Ukraine are severely overcrowded with cats and dogs. Many families already care for three, five, or even more animals in their own homes, yet this is still not enough to provide safe and loving families for all animals in need. Animals are often temporarily sheltered in public places such as shops, bacements, and underground stations.

Some Ukrainian cities or part of cities do not exixt anymore. People lost their homes, jobs, moved to other countries or regions within Ukraine trying to cope with their own war situation.

Countless reports confirmed. Whereever Russian army is present, animals are suffering the most, including being tortured. Evidence of animal cruelty by Russian soldiers keeps emerging. Animals are being used as bait, shot, burned alive, and killed in horrific ways. Mariupol, Bucha, Irpin, Kharkiv, Borodyanka are just some of the cities wherene such atrocities have been already reported. With every passing day, more evidence comes to light. If Russian manage to occupy more territories, more innocent animals will suffer the same fate.

WHO CAN FIND THIS WEBSITE HELPFUL

This website is for people from different parts of the world who want to adopt animals from war zone like Ukraine, as well as for Ukrainians who need guidance on how to travel safely with their own pets.

We bring together essential documents, trusted contacts, and real examples in one place. Many animals are left behind during evacuations, and this platform focuses on practical steps, not just stories.

Through this website, we also aim to draw greater attention from animal protection organisations and encourage them to speak more openly and consistently about the animal crisis in Ukraine. This is a humanitarian and environmental tragedy that our planet has not witnessed on this scale for decades.

Human life is vital — and animal life matters too. We hope to inspire and engage more people who have the influence to elevate the animal crisis in Ukraine to the highest level of attention, working through organisations that may not be able to end the war, but can help reduce the suffering of animals caught in it.

War Paws Europe (WPE) provides links and guidance. Please verify shelters and volunteers independently before sending money or sharing personal information.