Veterinarians Without Borders Usa

In ukraine, vwb provided a dual response: addressing urgent humanitarian needs while strengthening long-term resilience. Emergency relief included the distribution of nearly 1,000 tons of pet food to 80 shelters across 20 regions, ensuring survival for companion animals in high-need areas. Under "operation safe paws," 1,790 dogs and cats were evacuated from frontline zones, sterilized, and provided with veterinary treatment, often for serious injuries such as shrapnel wounds, burns, and fractures. Vwb also supported a partner clinic in mykolaiv, treating 650 dogs and cats. To expand shelter capacity, vwb rehabilitated facilities at the patron pet center in kyiv, constructing 40 new enclosures to accommodate war- traumatized pets. Beyond physical care, vwb provided 1,825 virtual veterinary consultations to displaced pet owners and refugees, ensuring continued access to advice and treatment. Recognizing systemic needs, vwb supported 1,104 spay/neuter surgeries in 13 underserved communities to reduce stray overpopulation. At the same time, rural resilience was strengthened through the distribution of poultry kits to 440 households and training for 2,500 farmers in animal health, husbandry, and business development-equipping families to rebuild sustainable livelihoods amid displacement and disruption. Vwb usa's funding directly contributed to companion animal care and rehabilitation, particularly at the patron pet center in kyiv, where improved facilities and veterinary support enhanced conditions for rescued pets. Vwb usa's support also enabled access to virtual veterinary care, providing lifesaving consultations for displaced pet owners and refugees. These targeted contributions ensured that even within the broader emergency and recovery effort, displaced families and their animals received immediate, tangible benefits.

Through the northern animal health initiative, vwb delivered veterinary services to remote and underserved northern communities, where year-round access is limited. Over the reporting period, 27 clinic days were held, providing direct care to 487 animals (467 dogs, 22 cats, and 2 birds). Preventative health was prioritized: 92 spay/neuter surgeries reduced overpopulation and improved animal welfare; 452 vaccinations and 450 rabies vaccines protected both animal and public health, reducing risks of zoonotic transmission. To build sustainable local capacity, eight lay vaccinators (five men and three women) were trained and equipped to provide frontline services, extending care between clinic visits. Three community training sessions further strengthened knowledge on animal health, responsible pet ownership, and zoonotic disease prevention. Youth engagement reached 352 participants, fostering early awareness of animal welfare and one health. These efforts were supported by 23 volunteers, whose technical skills and community engagement helped embed trust and partnership. Vwb usa's contribution supported the community training and youth engagement components of this work, ensuring that education on animal health, responsible ownership, and disease prevention reached households and schools. Vwb usa's support complemented the clinical services, empowering northern communities to sustain animal health and public health resilience long after clinic days concluded.

Wildfires, crisis and volunteer deployment