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This holiday, have double the impact by helping suffering pets in Ukraine access urgently needed emergency veterinary services, food, and safety. 

Don't let them suffer.

The devastating war in Ukraine has left countless beloved pets lost, abandoned, or unable to escape with their guardians. Now, these frightened animals find themselves trapped in conflict zones throughout the country. Left to fend for themselves amid the destruction, explosions and chaos, they are at serious risk of disease, injuries, health issues, starvation and sadly death.  
 
Veterinarians Without Borders/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières North America (VWB/VSF) is on the ground working with local animal welfare partners in the most dangerous and severely damaged regions (Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk and Kherson) to rescue suffering pets and provide urgently needed emergency veterinary care services, life-saving medications, food and shelter. But we can’t do it without your support.  

Zhulia’s story: A harrowing escape 

Zhulia is one of countless dogs who were left behind when the full-scale invasion of Ukraine happened. She was found during a daring rescue mission carried out by Animal Rescue Kharkiv in the Avdiivka, Donetsk region earlier this year. When the team arrived in the region, the situation was very difficult as there was constant shelling surrounding them. While navigating through the destroyed buildings and debris, they witnessed many abandoned dogs and cats roaming the streets and then scrambling to find shelter when explosions occurred.  
 
Under threat of constant fire, these brave volunteers managed to rescue Zhulia and seven other dogs. When they finally picked up Zhulia, she was shaking and clearly stressed. Knowing that she needed immediate treatment, she was whisked away to the Patron Pet Center, a haven for rescued pets. At the center she underwent a spay surgery, was given food and care to aid in her recovery.  
 
To help her adjust back to a normal life, she was placed into a temporary home. For the first couple of days, she seemed a little shy but well behaved, however by the third day she started showing clear signs of separation anxiety and PTSD, a consequence of living through war. Thankfully a long-time supporter of Patron Pet Center agreed to temporarily house Zhulia and upon meeting her, fell in love with her immediately. Knowing that she was suffering, he was committed to treating her PTSD and giving her a stable home. Today, Zhulia is living a great life side by side with her new owner who takes her everywhere he goes. 

MATCH YOUR GIFT NOW

While this story has a happy ending, Zhulia is just one of thousands of beloved companion animals who have become voiceless victims of the war in Ukraine.

The reality of the situation is critical with hundreds of thousands of animals who need emergency veterinary services to treat injuries, life-saving medications to fight off disease, evacuations from the front lines and loving care right now.  

Every animal counts. Please give to change the lives of animals in Ukraine and around the world and bring veterinary care to animals and communities in need**.

*Donations will be matched up to $10,000 until Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 12 midnight EST thanks to our generous match partners.  
 
**Your unrestricted donations don’t just support one cause—they cover all the vast needs of VWB's programs, ensuring that we can improve animal health, enhance human safety, and build strong, self-sufficient communities across North America and beyond. 

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Canadian Charitable Registration Number: 84146 9547 RR0001

Registered non-profit 501(c)(3) organization: EIN/tax ID number: 92-2618654

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