Vets4Pets‘ clients have helped to raise more than £100,000 through an online fundraiser set up by the Pets at Home Group to support pets and the people who love them impacted by the crisis in Ukraine.
It follows a pledge of £100,000 by the Pets at Home Group and brings the total amount to be donated to more than £200,000.
The funds are already helping charities to support pets and people caught up in the crisis, including some of those supporting on the ground and at key border crossings such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), FOUR PAWS and the Blue Cross.
James Sawyer, Regional Director at IFAW, commented: “Our veterinarians, volunteers and responders are working in 12-hour shifts to provide constant access to pet food, triage veterinary care and animal supplies. We’re seeing hundreds of refugees per day and have helped an estimated 1,400 animals since March. These donations are making a real impact on the ground, and so we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed.”
Sonul Badiani-Hamment, UK Country Director at FOUR PAWS said: “Sadly, more and more pets are being found on the streets of Ukraine, most likely because they have become distressed during attacks or got lost during the evacuation of their families. Our team is currently focusing on reuniting these lost pets with their owners or placing them into loving foster homes. This work wouldn’t be possible without such generous donations.”
Dr Robert Walker, Veterinary Surgeon and Chair of the Vets4Pets Joint Venture Council, said: “All of our Partners and veterinary colleagues are incredibly proud of being able to lend our support to the Pets at Home Group’s campaign. Thanks to our generous practices and clients, we have been able to raise an incredible amount in such a short time and we are incredibly grateful for their support knowing it will help so many pets and their owners.”
To find out more and make a contribution, please visit the website.