There are countless men and women in Ukraine who chose to stay in dangerous areas to care for the homeless and abandoned animals. As the war continues, some of these courageous caretakers are being forced to leave the area they called home in order to survive – but they refuse to leave the animals they rescued behind. 

Meet just a few of the animal heroes in Ukraine who are opening their hearts and homes to innocent animals left to fend for themselves on the war-torn streets.

Photo: Greater Good Charities

While they spend their days caring for the animals and helping save more, your donations are providing the pet food and supplies they need to survive.

Yuliia

Yuliia, coordinator for Greater Good Charities’ partner United for Animals (UFA) has been rescuing and caring for animals since 2014 in Druzhkivka. It was her dream and calling to help animals in need, so she started a shelter which housed numerous dogs and cats. When the war started, she was on the frontlines rescuing animals. 

As her hometown was targeted repeatedly, she made the tough decision to flee for the safety of her family and her animals. They found a large, old home in a safer area of Ukraine that could house all the animals, including other animal rescuers and their animals. 

Photo: United for Animals

UFA shared, “She also took with her an elderly man, Viktor Ivanovych, along with his nineteen dogs. Because there was no other way. Because if you leave, you leave together. Another volunteer, Anya from Chasiv Yar, moved in with them too, bringing her five animals.”

She said that while it is crowded, they are all safe and that is what really matters. Yuliia continues to help from a distance by looking for homes for rescued animals, helps people find housing and supports anyone trying to evacuate with their animals. 

Photo: United for Animals

They received relief kits as well and pet food that will help care for her family and all the animals at her home. She is hopeful that one day they will all return to their hometown and live in peace, but until then she will continue to help those in need. 

Viktor

Viktor has lived his life caring for homeless dogs who found their way to him, especially since the war began. He is the proud caretaker of nineteen dogs who he knows all by name. The dogs are not “strays” but his family who helped him through hard times. 

Photo: United for Animals

That is why when the attacks increased near his home, he refused to leave any dog behind. He said, “How can I abandon them? They won’t survive without me”. Yuliia who was assisting with food for the rescued dogs understood and invited him and his pack to evacuate the area and live with her. 

His love for his dogs has only increased during this difficult time. UFA states, “He often says that he did not save them they saved him. Because in every wagging tail and every joyful bark he finds a reason to keep going. And that is true. Nineteen dogs became his greatest quiet victory.”

Anya

Anya stayed behind to care for animals until it became too dangerous and her only option was to evacuate. She loaded up her five animal companions and left for a safer area. 

Photo: United for Animals

UFA shared, “The road was difficult and filled with uncertainty, but she had no other choice.” She finally arrived at the home of fellow rescuer Yuliia where she was welcomed to stay with her animals. 

Without the explosions and smoke, the animals and Anya were finally able to relax. She doesn’t know if her home is still standing or if she will be able to return to it. She has what really matters – her animals. “Together, they are slowly rebuilding the sense of peace that the war took away.”

Yana 

Yana and her husband stayed as long as they could in Kupiansk feeding, rescuing, and finding homes for animals left behind. When the time came to leave, they took their thirty rescued animals with them – mostly cats. 

Photo: United for Animals

They found a home with an area large enough for all the animals and continue to help those in need. The goal is for each animal to have a safe and loving home. 

Yana and her family also received relief kits and pet food that helped them settle into their new home and focus on their animas. UFA told us, “Every story of a rescued cat or dog is a small victory and a source of inspiration for them.” 

How You Can Help

Photo: United for Animals

Animals

Animal heroes, like the ones above, rely on donated pet food to care for all the rescued animals. With pet food supply running low, they need our help now more than ever. Donate today to help feed hungry dogs and cats in Ukraine. 

People

Photo: Greater Good Charities

People near the frontlines trying to survive are need supplies as well. Join us in lending a helping hand by purchasing a relief kit for those in need.  

We stand with Ukraine.