Ukrainian pets are being reunited with their owners.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has now reached its first anniversary, and during that time the Blue Cross have been providing support to pets left in Ukraine and for pet owners fleeing the country with their animals.

The charity have provided quarantine for several animals arriving in the UK at its Hertfordshire animal rehoming centre, and can now share news of pets being reunited with their owners.

Ukrainian pet owners Dmytro and Iryna Kubov fled the city of Mariupol after their home was destroyed. They left with their two cats, Mars and Tor, and a dog called Bulochka. After weeks of travelling, and once they got visas, their cats were quarantined at the Blue Cross. Their dog was sent elsewhere.

Dmytro said: “Our cats Tor and Mars were so well cared for. We were constantly sent reports on their condition, mood, photos and videos. We saw that they have a lot of toys, beds and very good care.  We are very grateful to Blue Cross for such a good attitude towards our animals. When we came for them they recognized us. They are a part of our life and we can’t imagine our life without them”.

The charity launched an urgent appeal after the war began, and has since raised in excess of £350k for the ‘Blue Cross Ukraine Pet Welfare Fund’. This has been used to support four charity partners in Ukraine and over the border, as well as providing:

    •    Over 500 tons of pet food for homeless cats and dogs
    •    More than 450 dog houses
    •    Thousands of dog jackets and blankets

Blue Cross public affairs manager Anna Wade said: “The war is having such a devastating effect across Ukraine and of course our thoughts are with all those suffering and struggling at this terrible time. As a pet charity, we immediately stepped in to help wherever we could. Both in providing quarantine for those who managed to flee with their pets and for those who have stayed with their pets and rely on support from charities. We are also helping the charity partners to care for hundreds of pets without owners fending for themselves in sub-zero temperatures.”

Anna continued: “It is such a happy ever after for those pets reunited with their loving owners in the UK but there is still so much work to do overseas. The compassion and dedication of the charity partners on the ground, heading into Ukraine to rescue pets and care for them day to day is overwhelming. We are so grateful to anyone who can donate to our Fund which really is helping so many vulnerable pets in need.”

 Image (C) Blue Cross