4 Ways to Help Animals Affected by War
On February 24 this year, the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. This war is not only causing enormous suffering for humans, but also for animals. Maybe you're wondering how you can best help some of the animals left behind among bombed-out houses and shrapnel? Here’s a list of some of the things you can do to help the many dogs, cats, and other pets affected by the war.
1. Donate money to organizations that work on site
According to the Red Cross, the best way to donate money is to give directly to organizations that are established in the region and that can help mediate the donations in an appropriate way. Some reliable organizations working with the care, protection, and evacuation of pets affected in Ukraine are Veterinarians Without Borders, Four-Paws and Humane Society International.
2. Let pets from Ukraine stay in your home
Do you have contact with people from Ukraine who have traveled here with a dog or cat? You are welcome to receive them into your home, as long as they have undergone the necessary steps for travel into the country. If you have your own pets, it’s always a good idea to keep visiting pets separate until you know more about their health.
3. Help reduce the risk of spreading disease
The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises private individuals not to bring dogs and cats here without documentation. This is because it’s difficult to monitor the health of pets without owners or known origins. The risk of deadly diseases like rabies * causes these regulations to remain strict despite the strained situation.
4. Continue to help people and animals in other vulnerable areas
The eyes of the whole world are on Ukraine, and it’s easy to forget that other countries are also affected by crises. There are many ongoing programs in other parts of the world. For example, SPCA International rescues dogs and cats from the streets of places like Kabul, Afghanistan, Baghdad, Iraq and Damascus, Syria. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) helps animals in areas affected by natural disasters, including the United States, Myanmar, and Australia.
* Rabies is a zoonotic disease. A zoonotic disease is a serious contagious disease that can be transmitted between species from animals to humans. These diseases are monitored by special legislation. Anyone who cares for an animal and suspects that it has been infected with such a disease is obliged to report it directly to a veterinarian.
Read more:
Tips for Preparing Your Cat for International Travel
Domestic Travel Guide for Dog Lovers
How to Introduce Cats and Dogs
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