Solutions from Ukraine: Care Without Borders initiative concludes, sterilizing over 1,000 animals across multiple cities

The charity project "Care without Borders: Free Sterilization of Cats and Dogs" by Royal Canin Ukraine and the NGO "Dog&Duck" has ended in Ukraine.

Royal Canin Ukraine reported this.

What is the problem?

During the war, the issue of homeless animals in Ukraine intensified, with thousands left abandoned or having run away. This situation exacerbated homelessness and posed risks to both people and animals, as without proper care, animals can spread infections and cause road accidents.

What is the solution?

The project's goal is to help guardians and pet owners care for animals and their health, and to contribute to solving the problem of homeless animals in Ukrainian cities using a humane method.

"At Royal Canin, we strive to make the world a better place for animals and support initiatives that help achieve this goal. Sterilization is not only a humane way to control the population of stray animals, but also an essential procedure for their health. It reduces the risk of developing dangerous diseases and improves adaptation to life with people. The Care Without Borders project has demonstrated a high demand for affordable veterinary services and a responsible attitude towards animals on the part of Ukrainians.

Behind each sterilized animal is a story of caring people, volunteers, owners, and veterinarians who strive to improve the lives of cats and dogs. We thank the team of the Dog&Duck NGO for their professionalism and sincere care for the health of animals," Viktoriia Vozniuk, Public Relations Director of Royal Canin Ukraine LLC, says.

How does it work?

In total, 1,018 animals were sterilized, 830 of which were cats and kittens, and 188 were dogs. A significant part of them, 667, were homeless. At the same time, 238 sterilized animals had owners who, thanks to the initiative, could take care of their pets' health, and another 113 were four-legged friends from local shelters.

The project covered six regions of Ukraine, and its implementation was made possible thanks to cooperation with 15 veterinary clinics. In particular, free sterilization was carried out in the following cities:

• Zaporizhzhia
• Hostomel and Pereiaslav (Kyiv region)
• Mykolaiv and Pervomaisk (Mykolaiv region)
• Odesa and Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi (Odesa region)
• Kharkiv and Barvinkove (Kharkiv region)
• Poltava, Horishni Plavni and the village of Dykanka (Poltava region)

Special attention was paid to preventing rabies, a dangerous viral disease that remains relevant in Ukraine. According to the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection, 1,214 cases were recorded in the controlled territory in 2024 alone. That is why 739 cats and dogs received the appropriate vaccination within the project's framework.

In some cities, the charitable initiative had a particularly tangible result. The largest number of animals was sterilized in Kharkiv (225), followed by Odesa (193), and the third place went to the village of Dykanka in the Poltava region (95).

Stories from project participants:

Yurii Zbyranyk from Kharkiv says:

"I brought a cat that I have been feeding on the street. I'm as happy as a little child because my wife allowed me to take it home, but only on condition that it be sterilized. Thanks to you, we've saved the cat, which has become a pet!"

"I try to sterilize everyone I can, because there are so many abandoned animals. I am very grateful to the project for this opportunity!", Sorokina Yana from Kharkiv said.

Yana is a volunteer and owner of a mini-shelter from Kupiansk, a record holder for the number of animals sterilized during the project.

Ihor Lysenko from Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky has been caring for dogs in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky district for a long time, saving those on the verge of life and death.

Thanks to the program, he was able to sterilize two of his wards: Laska and Mila. Laska was found abandoned in a bag with a crippled paw at a summer house, while Mila was pushed out of a car as if she were unwanted. Ihor's efforts have given both dogs a chance at a new life.

For reference:

Rubryka reported that on January 6, the charity project "Care without Borders: Free Sterilization of Cats and Dogs" was launched in Ukraine. The initiative included both homeless and domestic animals.

It was also reported that the humanist movement UAnimals and the chain of pet stores MasterZoo launched a collection "Paw of Care" for the sterilization of animals in front-line cities and villages where there are no veterinary clinics.

In addition, Zoopatrul UA is a unique shelter for animals in Ukraine. It offers treatment for the most challenging cases in its own veterinary clinic, arranges for animals to be sent abroad, and features heated floors in the enclosures, setting it apart from others. Rubryka explored how a Ukrainian producer and his team established this special shelter during seven months of war. Read more in our article: "How a unique Ukrainian shelter provides animals a first-class home."

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