The war and forced emigration have become a severe trial for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian families. Unfortunately, due to various difficulties associated with moving, the number of abandoned pets has increased. The U-Hearts Foundation constantly emphasizes that every life matters. We must all work together to help stray dogs and cats in these difficult times. Knowing the number of requests to rehome animals left behind by owners moving abroad, and understanding the objective difficulties of finding new families for adult pets, we can confidently say that the effort spent on relocation is absolutely worth a saved life. By choosing to take your pet with you, you help homeless pets. In this article, we will detail how to properly organize your trip so your most loyal friend stays by your side forever.
Basic Kit for Crossing the Border: Do Not Leave Them Behind to Help Homeless Pets
To ensure crossing the border with animals goes smoothly, you must prepare a complete document package in advance and comply with veterinary requirements of the European Union. Preventing abandonment is the best way to provide aid to shelter animals, as it keeps shelters from becoming overcrowded. According to EU legislation for the non-commercial movement of pets, the basic kit includes:
- International passport (veterinary passport of the established format).
Microchipping. - Comprehensive vaccination against major infectious diseases and a valid rabies vaccination.
- Parasite treatment (especially against the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm, which is required by many EU countries).
- Rabies antibody titer test.
- Form #1 or an International Health Certificate.
- Certified travel box or carrier that meets international transport standards.
- Organizing a pet-friendly transfer.
If you adopted your pet recently, you already know how crucial it is to help stray dogs and cats, so please ensure their paperwork is perfectly organized.
Proper Preparation as the Best Aid to Shelter Animals
When planning your departure, you must consider the strict time limits for veterinary procedures. If you fail to meet them, your pet might be denied entry.
- Parasite treatment must be administered 2 days before departure.
- The rabies antibody titer test can only be obtained in state clinics or certified laboratories, taking 5 to 7 days.
- Form #1 can cause problems during processing because it requires a 3-month quarantine after the blood sampling date for titers. Instead, the International Health Certificate can be issued 1-2 days before departure, which is much simpler for Ukrainians under current conditions.
Financial Costs of Relocation and Aid to Shelter Animals
The estimated cost of preparing your pet can vary. All certificates, documents, and procedures will cost from 3,000 to 5,000 UAH, depending on the prices in your city and clinic. The trip’s overall cost depends on your destination. If you travel to countries close to Ukraine and use private ground carriers or even Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) trains, the transfer can cost up to €250.
What if Immediate Relocation is Impossible? Ways to Help Stray Dogs and Cats
If critical circumstances force you to leave immediately and your pet is not ready for a long journey, never leave them on the streets. The U-Hearts Foundation strongly advises considering humane alternatives:
- Reach out to friends and family. Emigration can be financially burdensome, so raising funds for your pet’s ticket can ease this process. If your pet originally came from the streets, your community might rally to help stray dogs and cats stay safe by supporting your fundraiser.
- If you cannot postpone the move, leave your animal at a trusted foster home or with someone your pet knows and trusts. This gives you time to find new housing abroad and accumulate funds for transporting your pet in the future. Currently, licensed carriers operate in Ukraine and Europe who can safely deliver the pet to you later without you needing to return to Ukraine. This prevents your pet from ending up on the streets and is the ultimate way to help homeless pets.
