From Preventive Care to Emergency Treatment: How Deutscher Tierschutzbund e.V. Helps Animals in Ukraine

Every animal that comes to a veterinarian has its own story. For some, it is a routine vaccination or sterilization. For others, it is urgent treatment after an injury, poisoning, or serious illness.

This is why the partnership between the Ukrainian Veterinary Medicine Foundation (UVMF) and Deutscher Tierschutzbund e.V. is so important.

Thanks to our partners’ support, we are able to provide veterinary care to animals whose owners may not always be able to cover the cost of treatment themselves, as well as to stray animals and those cared for by volunteers and members of the military.

Throughout our joint program, dozens of dogs and cats have received help. Behind every case is an individual life that has become safer and healthier.

Ryzhyk: Complex Treatment and a Return Home

One of our patients is Ryzhyk, a cat who lives with his owner, an elderly pensioner with a disability.

For his owner, Ryzhyk is much more than a pet — he is a true friend and constant companion.

When Ryzhyk needed serious treatment, covering the cost independently was difficult for his owner. At our charitable veterinary clinic, the cat underwent the necessary examinations and surgery to remove an eye that could no longer be saved.

He was also neutered and vaccinated against rabies. After completing his treatment, Ryzhyk returned home to his owner.

Sterilization, Vaccination, and Microchipping for Stray Dogs

Another important part of our work is disease prevention and humane population control of stray animals.

In Avanhard, Odesa region, volunteers brought four stray dogs to the clinic.

The animals were sterilized, vaccinated, and microchipped.

These procedures help prevent uncontrolled breeding, reduce the risk of dangerous infectious diseases, and make it possible to identify the animals in the future.

Chernusha: From Severe Injuries to Full Recovery

Sometimes veterinary care is needed immediately.

A stray dog named Chernusha, approximately 8–9 years old, was brought to the clinic after being attacked by a pack of dogs.

She had multiple deep bite and laceration wounds, injuries to her skin and ear, as well as old scars suggesting that this was not the first time she had suffered trauma.

Our veterinarians performed surgical wound treatment, removed damaged tissue, placed sutures, and prescribed antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relief therapy.

Her recovery required regular wound care, veterinary monitoring, and time to heal.

Today, Chernusha has fully recovered. Her wounds have healed, and the treatment was completed without complications.

A Cat from a Military Unit

Another patient came to us from a military unit.

The cat was diagnosed with acute urinary retention — a condition that can quickly become life-threatening without prompt treatment.

Our veterinarians placed a catheter, performed an ultrasound examination, and carried out a complete blood count. The cat received the necessary care in time and successfully completed treatment.

Maliuk: Treatment After a Road Accident

A stray dog named Maliuk was brought to the clinic after being hit by a car.

He received an initial examination, an ultrasound scan, and a veterinary consultation.

After receiving the necessary treatment, his condition was stabilized.

Support That Makes Systematic Help Possible

These stories are very different. In some cases, the focus is on prevention and sterilization. In others, animals need complex surgery, treatment after trauma, or emergency care where every hour matters.

But they all have one thing in common: these animals received the veterinary care they needed, completed their treatment, and are now doing well.

This is the true value of our partnership with Deutscher Tierschutzbund e.V. — the opportunity to help not only in individual cases, but systematically.

With our partners’ support, we can provide sterilization and vaccination, diagnose illnesses, treat injuries and emergency conditions, and support pet owners, volunteers, and animal caregivers who may not be able to afford veterinary services on their own.

We sincerely thank Deutscher Tierschutzbund e.V. for supporting the Ukrainian Veterinary Medicine Foundation and for helping us make veterinary care more accessible to animals in Ukraine. 🐾❤️