Three Clinics, One Mission: UVMF and FOUR PAWS Working Together for Animals in Ukraine

During the war, veterinary care has become inaccessible for many animals. Clinics may close, people are forced to leave their homes, and the number of stray and abandoned animals can grow. That is why it is important not only to help individual animals in urgent situations, but also to create places where professional veterinary care is available on a regular basis.

This is the goal behind the partnership between UVMF and FOUR PAWS, an international animal welfare organization.

Through this partnership, three charity veterinary clinics have been established and supported in Ukraine — in Nikopol, Irpin, and Zaporizhzhia.

These are not temporary aid points. They are veterinary clinics working with local communities and providing ongoing care for animals that need it most.

Veterinary care where it is needed most

Nikopol, Irpin, and Zaporizhzhia have each experienced the consequences of the war in different ways. For local residents, caring for their animals remains an important part of everyday life, but not everyone has the ability to cover veterinary expenses.

That is why UVMF’s charity clinics focus on making essential veterinary care more accessible.

Their patients include companion and stray animals, animals cared for by volunteers, and animals belonging to people who have found themselves in difficult circumstances because of the war.

Depending on their needs, animals can receive veterinary consultations, diagnostics, treatment, vaccinations, sterilization, and other essential services.

Why permanent clinics matter

A single mobile visit can save an animal today. But a permanent clinic makes it possible to provide care every day.

This is why the development of charity veterinary clinics is an important part of UVMF’s work. They help create long-term veterinary infrastructure within local communities, allowing animals to receive care on an ongoing basis.

A clinic is also a place people can turn to when their animal becomes ill, is injured, or needs preventive care.

Support that creates lasting change

Providing treatment is important, but preventing future problems is just as essential.

Sterilization helps reduce the number of unwanted litters and, over time, the number of animals living on the streets. Vaccination protects animals from dangerous diseases. Identification helps establish a connection between an animal and its owner or caregiver.

This means that the work of charity veterinary clinics goes far beyond treating individual patients. It contributes to the long-term health and welfare of animals and the communities that care for them.

A partnership that turns support into real help

The establishment and ongoing support of these three clinics has been made possible through the partnership between UVMF and FOUR PAWS.

For us, this partnership is an example of how international organizations and Ukrainian veterinary professionals can work together to create meaningful, long-term change at the local level.

Behind every clinic are veterinarians, veterinary assistants, volunteers, partners — and, most importantly, the animals who receive a chance at a healthier and safer life.

We are grateful to FOUR PAWS for their trust, support, and commitment to improving the lives of animals in Ukraine.

Together, we are creating more than veterinary clinics. We are creating places where animals can receive the care they need when they need it most.

And this work continues.