Ukraine Emergency Fund: They ran away together, they have to stay together
Organization information
Save the Dogs and Other Animals
Location: Milan, Italy
Summary
In the first ten days alone, 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled to EU territories to escape the war zones.
Thousands of Ukrainian refugees have crossed the border points with Romania since the bombing in Ukraine first began. There are lengthy queues of up to 15 kilometres of people on the move at all border points in the country, mainly composed of women, elderly people and small children. All of them are trying to take refuge from the conflict and are carrying with them the bare necessities, along with their beloved animals. These pets are family members; they too are victims of this war.
In the days immediately following the outbreak of the conflict, Save the Dogs was immediately active in providing relief aid in Romania, assisting people fleeing the bombs with their pets in tow.
The very first steps we took concerned those fleeing from the bombardments and travelling with their pets. We collaborated with the civil rights and local authorities straight away so that we could set up a fixed base directly at the border point of Isaccea, given that the number of refugees there was likely to increase exponentially over the coming weeks. Isaccea is a border crossing on the Danube River and many refugees are arriving into Romania by boat. Our team based here has been able to distribute essential supplies such as medicine, food, pet carriers, blankets and coats for animals travelling with their fleeing Ukrainian owners.
One of the major difficulties faced by refugees leaving their destroyed homes behind them is how to transport their pets. To resolve this problem, in addition to distributing food, bowls, coats and blankets for the animals, our team members have also been handing out pet carriers. This basic but essential item can make a world of difference for those wishing to continue their journey and taking their pets with them. With this same objective in mind, we have also been collaborating with the Bucharest airport authorities to ensure we can continue delivering pet carriers that can be stored at the airport.
In addition to supplying necessary emergency supplies, Save the Dogs is also offering its shelter in Cernavoda in southeast Romania for temporary or permanent accommodation of cats and dogs that are not able to continue their onward journey with their owners; assisting people travelling with their pets with their required documentation and offering support for individuals who are authorised to enter the European Union with their dogs and cats, even if they are not travelling with documents and intend to validate them at a later date; providing veterinary care for animals with diseases or special needs.
Furthermore, we offer the possibility of sheltering animals evacuated from refuges in southern Ukraine or other areas by setting up a dedicated area at our sanctuary which can accommodate up to 50 animals.
What is needed:
Fixed presence at the border point of Isaccea, including 3 people from the Save the Dogs team and volunteers on a rotating basis.
Room and board for the staff members.
Travel, board and lodging for the volunteers.
Supplies of basic necessities: food, dog coats, harnesses, leashes, muzzles, food bowls, pet carriers, waterproof blankets.
Tents and cages for 50 animals.
Daily maintenance (food, required veterinary expenses)
Save the Dogs and Other Animals is an international charity based in Italy and Romania, developing integrated projects to tackle the overpopulation of dogs and cats.
TGE Partner: Fondazione Donor Italia ONLUS
Project locations
Romania, Ukraine