Ukraine Project update: Sterilising for change

238 animals treated in 4 Days

In the shadow of the conflict in Ukraine, a quiet crisis continues. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, millions of families have been displaced, some within Ukraine and others seeking refuge across Europe. Amid fleeing, beloved cats and dogs were left behind, many living among the rubble of what was once their home. This has resulted in an explosion in the number of stray animals living without care, shelter, or safety.

In March and April 2025, Wildlife and Welfare proudly collaborated with Worldwide Vets to begin addressing this urgent issue with compassionate, targeted action. The April 2025 Mission had a clear goal: sterilise and vaccinate 300 animals across two rural villages in Ukraine’s Odesa Oblast – Sarata and Tatarbunary.

Animals sterilised

The Worldwide Vets team worked diligently and compassionately to provide 476 life-saving treatments. Across the four-day period, 238 animals were sterilised and vaccinated against Rabies. In support of this crucial mission, Wildlife and Welfare donated £3,098, covering 103 sterilisations and vaccinations.

Challenges along the way

Thanks to the tireless work and excellent standard of care provided by the veterinary teams, the mission was a resounding success, seeing no complications. However, there are some key factors that ultimately influenced the final number that was below the intended 300. The determining factor is the number of animals presented in the four-day period was lower than 300. This is likely due to two predominant factors. Firstly, a decrease in the stray population, highlighting the success of earlier efforts. Secondly, this mission was brilliantly coordinated by a new local volunteer Vladamir. Managing a mission like this is challenging and ultimately depends on the development of relationships with the local community, one that is healing from the devastating impacts of the war. Our hope is that through Vladimir and the team building on experience and developing relationships with locals, more animals can access lifesaving preventative care.

Looking Ahead

In light of the success of the April 2025 mission, Worldwide Vets proposed a second mission, with the aim of sterilising and vaccinating a further 207 animals within the region. With the learnings of April 2025 mission in mind, this effort will include hiring a professional dog catcher to access more animals that are either feral or proving harder to catch. This intends to bring our total mission goal up to 414 animals treated.

Every sterilisation acts as a domino effect. This mission is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Sterilisation prevents thousands more animals being born among the rubble, in turn preventing further suffering and disease. This aims to sustainably and humanely manage the stray population, striving for safer communities for the animals and humans who are recovering from the impacts of this humanitarian crisis.

Read more about our Ukraine Emergency Response project

How you can help

Each sterilisation costs approximately £30, accounting for medications, supplies, transport and staff expenses. Your financial support can contribute to providing essential, life-saving care, crucial in the development of safe communities across recovering Ukraine.