Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in Ukraine, the number of stray animals has increased, more than doubling in frontline areas. These are rough estimates, but the extent of the problem is enormous.
When people get evacuated, they may not be able to bring their pets with them. Sometimes pet owners pass away. Abandoned animals grow in number, suffer from hunger and disease, and are frequently victims of Russian shellings.
The animal protection organization UAnimals and the carpooling service BlaBlaCar have launched virtual evacuation tickets to save animals from combat zones.
"Frequently, we evacuate animals upon the request from soldiers. It is the military men and women who find the animals in need, care for them, and seek ways to rescue them. UAnimals rescues cats, dogs, tigers, lions, camels, horses, cows, raccoons, wolves, donkeys, hedgehogs, lemurs, sheep, and other animals. We appreciate every life and save all animals regardless of their breed, size or age."
Tickets for the "evacuation flight" can be purchased through the BlaBlaCar app. A link will appear on the screen where you can donate for the trip and receive a symbolic ticket via email. People who buy a ticket do not need to travel to dangerous areas. Donations for animal evacuation can also be made here.
The UAnimals team conducts six to ten trips each month, evacuating approximately 300 animals. Since the full-scale invasion, volunteers have completed around 200 trips and rescued over 4,500 animals from frontline towns and villages.
