16 August – International Day of Homeless Animals

A cat that does not understand why its beloved owner no longer comes home. A dog is standing near a destroyed entrance, unaware that his owners are no longer there. A tiny kitten seeing the world for the first time and lying on the cold asphalt during its initial moments of life... They can all be helped!

Due to the war in Ukraine, the number of homeless animals has doubled. There are hundreds of thousands of them: abandoned, lost, and born in the open air. 84% of animals ended up on the streets because they were simply discarded; 11% were lost; and only 5% were born without a permanent home. In total, this amounts to up to 5 million animals.

Every year, on the third Saturday in August, the world celebrates the International Day of Homeless Animals. This day aims to remind people that caring for animals is a universal human value that is important to all. In Ukraine, volunteers from animal protection organizations continue their efforts during the war and are expanding them.

UAnimals, Happy Paw, 12 Vartovykh, Shelter for homeless animals “Sirius”, and other caring organizations travel to shelling zones daily to evacuate animals from basements and ruins, set up veterinary clinics, and find new homes for homeless animals.

So, what can each of us do? Here are some ideas:

• Adopt at least one animal.
• Support volunteers financially or by providing food.
• Sterilize and vaccinate your pets.
• Don't ignore those who need help:
  • Give water to a homeless animal on hot days.
  • Buy a pack of food and keep it with you in case you see a hungry animal.
  • Allow animals to hide in doorways or let them into your home if they are in danger.
• Repost about adoption or fundraising for treatment.

If you encounter a homeless animal in Dnipro, you can contact Zoocontrol for assistance. With autumn arriving, they urgently need blankets, carpets, bedding, hay, and straw. Today is not just 'another day' on the calendar; it serves as a reminder that we can give a second chance to those around us.

Share a photo of an animal you have taken in or are helping. You could even share a before-and-after photo. You can always see gratitude in the eyes of these animals. Let's start a chain reaction of kindness that will reach many people today!