We are proud and excited to share this year’s results with all our donors and supporters! These are your personal accomplishments as much as ours. Staying empathetic and compassionate in the face of tragedy is arduous, but together we can overcome anything.
In 2023 Nova Ukraine allocated $483,820 to animal welfare in Ukraine. We are incredibly proud of what we were able to achieve together with our supporters, volunteers, veterinarians, shelter staff, rescuers, behaviorists, trainers, and adopters. Every piece of the animal welfare support chain is a vital component that makes this life-saving work possible.
52 separate grants went to 86 animal shelters and volunteers to fund housing improvements and expansions, preventative treatment, urgent medical interventions, evacuations, and basic needs. 30,336 animals benefited from these projects.
Shelter Improvements and Expansions – $57,769:
$57,769 was allocated to improving conditions of existing shelters and creating more housing for the continuously growing number of animals. 17 projects received funding, providing shelters in the Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kropyvnytskyi, and Zaporizhzhia regions with basic necessities like electrical work, refrigeration, roof reconstructions, and creating 652 new housing spaces. These completed projects now provide at least 1,049 animals with basic housing needs at any given time.
Preventative Veterinary Treatments – $111,984:
$111,984 was allocated to creating herd immunity by preventing the spread of bacterial, viral, and parasite epidemics, and controlling the animal population through spay/neuter procedures. In addition to our existing spay/neuter programs, we launched an antiparasitic project this spring. With the help of our dedicated and diligent volunteers, we were able to provide over 1553 vaccines, 10313 dewormers, tick and flea treatments, and 3252 spay and neuter procedures throughout all regions in Ukraine.
Urgent Veterinary Interventions – $156,846:
$156,846 was allocated to surgical interventions, rehabilitation, ICU treatments, and other care for injured animals. We accepted animals suffering as a direct result of warfare, as well as abused, neglected, and accidentally injured animals. 6,447 animals received extensive care and rehabilitation within this section of the animal welfare budget. It is crucial for us to be able to offer lifesaving interventions to animals in dire need.
Evacuations – $36,680:
$36,680 was allocated to support rescue teams in evacuation efforts from hot zones and disaster areas. Funding was used for gas, vehicle maintenance, and necessary equipment for catching and transporting animals. As a result, over 4,312 animals were evacuated this year.
Major purchases that made this work possible include a timely purchase of a boat to conduct evacuations in Kherson, 85 cages, and 23 crates and carriers for animals of different sizes. The boat alone helped save over 250 animals from drowning following the Kakhovka Dam flood.
Basic Needs – $120,541:
$120,541 was allocated to cover daily needs for animals. This spending includes food, delivery logistics, kitty litter and puppy diapers, cleaning supplies, bowls, leashes, collars, and more.
With this allocation, we managed to purchase and deliver over 71 tons of food to shelters, rescues, and volunteers. 4,322 dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, and many other species benefited from these purchases.
Providing food for companion animals has been a product of cooperation and collaboration with United for Animals and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Together with these organizations, we have been able to deliver truckloads of donated food and purchase tons of kibble from Ukrainian manufacturers.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS from Shelter Improvements & Expansions:
The Dvornyashkam Dom Shelter (Home for Strays) in Kyiv is one of Nova Ukraine’s long-standing partners in animal welfare. They are a responsible and forward-thinking shelter with a steadfast commitment to prioritizing animals’ wellbeing and addressing their physical and emotional needs.
Within its walls, Dvornyashkam Dom provides a sanctuary for nearly 200 animals from all over Ukraine. Many of the current residents were evacuated from the frontlines and arrived in critical condition. We work closely with the shelter to make sure all animals receive essential veterinary care, spay/neuter procedures, and vaccinations in order to go through their thorough and responsible adoption process.
In 2022, Nova Ukraine provided the shelter with basic supplies and funded an air conditioning system and insulation for the shelter’s main space. In 2023, Nova Ukraine was able to make substantial improvements to the shelter by expanding housing by 168 new spaces, making it better equipped to handle wartime challenges and emergencies like shelling, power outages, and evacuations. This effort was especially timely, as it was completed prior to the onset of this year’s harsh winter. These transformative improvements became a reality thanks to the generosity of our individual donors and our valued partner, IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare). Combined with the expertise of the Nova Ukraine Animal Team and our close relationships with partners in Ukraine, this funding has enabled us to secure a warm and secure future for the animals at Dvornyashkam Dom.
Our collaborative efforts resulted in critical upgrades to the shelter’s basement, which now boasts 18 spacious dog kennels with high-quality thermal insulation. This renovated space serves a dual purpose, functioning as both a bomb shelter and a treatment area for animals requiring isolation and quarantine. In emergencies, each kennel can house 2-4 animals, offering safety for 72 animals.
Additionally, to ensure the safety of the shelter’s residents, we provided 150 modern modular cat boxes. These boxes serve as cozy homes and offer everyday comfort to 150 cats. Importantly, the thoughtful design includes wheels, allows for easy disassembly and relocation in case of emergency evacuation or relocation.
Horse Paradise Social Ranch: A Lifeline for Retired Sport Horses
Horse Paradise Social Ranch is a truly unique and invaluable place in Ukraine. The Ranch is wholeheartedly dedicated to the welfare of retired and special needs horses and provides a lifeline for over 30 horses, offering a second chance at a better life.
The Russian invasion left Ukraine’s equine world devastated, as owners faced the challenges of wartime and, regrettably, were pushed into leaving their beloved horses in uniquely vulnerable circumstances. Unlike companion animals, horses require unique transportation vehicles, large enclosures, access to equine specialists, and passports and vaccinations, making the sudden relocation almost impossible.
Witnessing this fallout, Nova Ukraine stepped in to help establish and support the Horse Paradise Social Ranch. Our supporters’ donations funded the large cleanup effort at the Ranch, taking out dry trees and substantial debris to ensure a safe and unobstructed area spanning 5 acres for the animals to roam freely. We also provided essential care, including nutrition, vaccinations, hoof care, and medical treatments.
In a currently ongoing project, Nova Ukraine is funding the building materials for the construction of winter shelters that will protect the horses from the harsh wind and snow this winter, and from the blazing sun in the summer. We’ve already successfully completed a two spacious, modern shelters designed to accommodate 16 horses. The final shelter is scheduled for construction in early January. With these shelters in place, every horse on the ranch will enjoy the highest level of comfort and protection.
The Ranch not only offers shelter but also advocates for equine therapy and humane treatment. Visitors and volunteers can interact with the horses, fostering rehabilitation and companionship, particularly for those affected by the war. These resilient animals, once on the brink of despair, now serve as a profound source of motivation and inspiration.
By offering a safe and nurturing environment for retired sport horses, front lines evacuees, and those bound for slaughter, the Ranch aspires to become Ukraine’s first charitable horse rescue, emphasizing that retired champions can lead meaningful lives even in the midst of war.
With destroyed and mined fields preventing hay cutting, the Ranch faces a constant food shortage needs support daily. Your contributions to Nova Ukraine enable us to meet the daily needs of the Ranch and ensure the well-being of these cherished animals.
Happy Stories From Our Partner Animal Rescue Kharkiv:
Ryzhik
Ryzhik is an extraordinary cat from Kreminna. He was taken in by Andrei Kasenyuk, a soldier on the frontlines. Despite the horrors of warfare, Andrei opened his heart, shared his provisions, and provided shelter for Ryzhik. In return, Ryzhik gave him his best purrs, and even trusted him with belly rubs. As soon as it was possible, Andrei evacuated Ryzhik to our partner, the Animal Rescue Kharkiv clinic, because what Andrei wanted most was safety for his fluffy companion.
Andrei Kasenyuk died defending Kreminna on April 17, 2023. Ryzhik was not his first rescue; throughout his service, he managed to rescue several animals. Andrei dreamed of a leisurely life for Ryzhik, one where he would never have to experience the horrors of war again. His wish came true. Ryzhik was adopted by a family in Germany where he is treasured and appreciated.
Andrei is a hero that managed to retain his humanity in the darkest times and against all odds. We are grateful for his dedication, and proud to be a part of Ryzhik’s miracle.
Charlie
Charlie is a brave survivor of shelling in Chasiv Yar. He suffered a significant injury from a shell fragment, and needed a rapid evacuation and treatment. Our partner Animal Rescue Kharkiv was able to rescue and bring Charlie to their clinic in Kharkiv. To everyone’s surprise, despite the fear, pain, loss, and heartache Charlie experienced, he was a perfect gentleman and showed incredible patience, respect and perseverance. He was calm, he did not whimper or growl, he was resolved to follow orders and get better.
This kind boy recovered uncommonly quickly. Maybe it was due to the expert care he received, maybe it was his positive attitude, or maybe it was the love he felt from volunteers and staff, but regardless of the reason, he did not stop surprising us there. Shepherds are amongst the most difficult dogs to place – they require vigorous exercise, a lot of space, grooming, and training – but Charlie found a loving family in the Kirovohrad Regionshortly after being put up for adoption.
Animals don’t understand war, they merely suffer the consequences of human conflict. 22 months into the war, with hundreds of heinous stories seen and heard, we continue to be deeply affected and awed by animals that continue to readily trust humans, willingly putting their fates in our hands.
We want to thank every single person that has extended a helping hand to Nova Ukraine this year. We are humbled and honored by your trust and compassion. Every donated cent, every “like” and “share” on social media, every post and conversation you have to spread awareness help us create a safer and kinder world for animals in need. Thank you for being the light.
