Protecting animals and communities in Ukraine: Our Autumn 2025 update
Written by Sam Thomas
Between October and November 2025,we were proud to work alongside Worldwide Vets on a vital animal welfare mission in Odesa Oblast, southern Ukraine. Together, we delivered large-scale sterilisation and rabies vaccination for stray and community animals in rural areas where access to veterinary care remains extremely limited.
Despite the ongoing challenges faced by the country, this mission demonstrated what is possible through collaboration, careful planning, and sustained commitment to animal welfare.
Mission
The aim of the mission was to sterilise and vaccinate 500 dogs and cats across several rural locations in the Odesa region, including Sarata, Tatarbunary, Artsyz, Reni and Zatoka. These communities are home to large populations of unowned animals, where uncontrolled breeding and the risk of rabies present serious welfare and public health concerns.
Between 21 October and 12 November, the joint team successfully sterilised and vaccinated 518 animals, exceeding the original target. Every animal treated received a rabies vaccination alongside sterilisation, helping to protect both animals and people.
Just as importantly, the mission was carried out with zero complications, reflecting the experience of the veterinary teams and the careful standards applied throughout.
Impact
Over the course of this mission:
518 animals were sterilised and vaccinated
This included 290 dogs and 228 cats
518 rabies vaccinations were administered
The average cost per animal was £37.26
In total, 76 animals were humanely caught by trained dog catchers and safely transported for treatment, ensuring that even the most vulnerable animals could be reached.
The full cost of the mission was £19,305, which Wildlife & Welfare and Worldwide Vets shared equally.
Why sterilisation matters
Sterilisation is one of the most effective and humane ways to improve animal welfare long-term. By preventing the birth of unwanted litters, it reduces suffering, eases pressure on already stretched shelters, and helps communities coexist more safely with animals.
Combined with rabies vaccination, these interventions also protect human health — particularly important in rural areas where medical and veterinary services are scarce.
This mission did not just treat individual animals; it helped stabilise entire local populations and reduce future welfare crises.
Looking ahead
Despite the achievements of this mission, and those before it, there is still more work to be done. Our plans for 2026 are already underway, and we will share further details in due course.
It is important to remember that every animal treated represents a life made safer and healthier, and a future population spared from suffering.
Thank you
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supports Wildlife & Welfare’s work, whether through donations, partnerships or advocacy. Your support enables practical, measurable change for animals living in extremely challenging conditions.
Together with trusted partners like Worldwide Vets, we remain committed to protecting animal welfare in Ukraine, not just in moments of crisis, but through long-term, responsible action that puts animal wellbeing first.
