Since  the  start  of  the  war,  a number of organisations have stepped in to coordinate relief  measures and efforts to support those affected, both people and animals.

The European Commission advised all EU member states to ease the process for non-commercial movement of companion animals into the EU territory. The swift reaction of  the Commission was welcomed as an expression of European solidarity to those forced to  flee without having to leave their dogs, cats and ferrets behind.

However on the ground, there is still confusion in respect of the applicable rules, with resulting practical problems in supporting the safe evacuation of companion animals and equines from Ukraine. 

In the letter, the undersigned organisations called upon the European Commission and all Chief Veterinary Officers:

• To develop recommended harmonised import protocols for the different types of animals applicable in all EU Member States to avoid confusion
• To remove all purely administrative, non-risk-related hurdles for importing animals from Ukraine e.g. extra fees for customs, VAT, etc. 
• To all work together to make it possible to import animals in a safe way through the establishment of quarantine facilities e.g. for animals coming from shelters and logistic centres in the bordering countries to ensure supplies
• To provide access to animal feed and veterinary care as part of the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism

Read the full letter here. 

Learn more about how you can help support animals in Ukraine.