Vets for Ukrainian Pets: scheme launched to help pets who fled war

Ukrainian refugees who have will now be able to access free veterinary treatment in 38 European countries through a  programmed called Vets for Ukrainian Pets.

Launched by animal charity (HSI), the programme will cover the treatment costs of up to five dogs, cats, horses or other pet animals, up to 250 Euros per animal, for acute care and medication, rabies and other vaccinations as well as microchipping and medical examination required for safe passage through the EU.

“REIMBURSEMENTS FOR PARTICIPATING VETERINARIANS WILL BE AVAILABLE WHEREVER THE FECAVA HAS MEMBERS”

HSI states, “Vets for Ukrainian Pets is being fully funded by HSI, with the generous support of Mars, Incorporated, in collaboration with Federation of Veterinarians in Europe and the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations.

“Reimbursements for participating veterinarians will be available wherever the FECAVA has members, including in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Romania and Poland, as well as Ukraine.”

Within days of the start of the war, the European Commission .At least 13 EU member states have since temporarily lifted or modified their import restrictions on companion animals, including rabies requirements. However, HSI says, “there is no standardized policy across the EU regarding the entry of pets from Ukraine. While vaccination and microchipping of animals is being provided at some border crossings, not all animals receive such services and therefore fail to meet the national requirements for entry”.

Ruud Tombrock, executive director of HSI/Europe, says, “In Europe’s biggest refugee crisis since WWII, millions of Ukrainians have had to take the decision to leave their country and flee the war. Along with a few possessions, many are also taking their Pet Animals, who they cherish as family members.

“The trauma of war as well as the stress of the evacuation journey, can make Animals vulnerable to a variety of illnesses and so HSI’s Vets for Ukrainian Pets program aims to eliminate barriers to accessing veterinary care for the Pets of refugees. It will provide a much-needed safety net for those families fleeing with their beloved Pets so that at no point they feel compelled to leave their Pets behind due to concerns about being able to care for them.”

Vets for Ukrainian Pets will run until 21 May 2022 and is open for all licensed veterinary clinics to apply throughout Europe, whether owned privately or as part of a corporate group. Clinics wishing to join the program can apply at