08.12.25
Naturewatch Foundation has been running effective animal welfare projects in Eastern Europe since 1994. In 2013, we kicked off our first spay-and-neuter programme in Kharkiv, providing free sterilisation for dogs from low-income families. Back then, local laws didn’t allow free-roaming dogs, and many pets ended up abandoned simply because affordable care wasn’t available.
Our programme quickly grew to help homeless, rescued, and fostered dogs and cats too. By teaming up with local vets and volunteers, we were able to manage the stray population in a humane way – setting the stage for long-term, compassionate animal care in the region.
Sterilisation is a key part of our work that would not be possible without Eastern Europe’s caring and committed veterinarians.
Oleksii Chyzhenko is Head Veterinarian at VetExpert Clinic in Cherkasy, Ukraine. Although the region has seen fewer direct casualties than frontline areas, there have still been local injuries, and Cherkasy Oblast has faced repeated drone and missile attacks that damaged the power grid and residential buildings.
To mark International Day of Veterinary Medicine on December 9, Natalie, our Ukraine-based campaign coordinator, chatted with Oleksii about his lifesaving role.
“How important is sterilisation during wartime?”
“Sterilisation and castration are always important – regardless of whether it’s war or peace. But since the start of the full-scale invasion, we’ve been receiving many more unsterilised animals, often with litters. They’re brought in by military personnel, volunteers, and evacuation groups.
In some frontline towns, when veterinarians are available, soldiers sometimes sterilise their own pets. But overall, most animals that arrive at our clinic are unsterilised. Because of this, the number of abandoned and stray animals is not decreasing. The situation is complicated by the fact that many people are simply not used to sterilising their pets. We saw this among many internally displaced people from the East. Some even left their pets behind when moving further west or abroad.
Sterilisation is absolutely critical. Uncontrolled reproduction on the streets leads to outbreaks of infectious and parasitic diseases, including rabies. In eastern regions, almost no one vaccinates animals against rabies. That’s why we regularly supply vaccines to the military so they can protect both their animals and themselves.”
“How else do you support the military?”
“We send food to the animals cared for by soldiers on the front line. Anyone can bring food to our clinic – we send it together with medicines and vaccines.”
“Do you encounter particularly emotional stories?”
“Yes. Soldiers often bring their animals to us for treatment during rotations. Recently, a young woman came with two cats for vaccination. One of them belonged to her husband, who had been killed in the war. That cat was the only thing she had left of him. These moments are very moving.”
“What is a typical working day for you?”
“We usually work by appointment, but there are always urgent cases. We never turn anyone away. People can wait in a live queue, and those with scheduled appointments often let urgent cases go first. Work is always dynamic: new cases, new stories, new challenges.
We see not only cats and dogs – people bring wild birds, hedgehogs, chickens. It’s heartwarming to see how much people care for any living being, domestic or wild.
Since the war began, days have become even less predictable. People from different regions have moved into our city, each with their own attitudes toward animals. You have to find the right approach for everyone.”
“Do you work with evacuated animals and rescue organisations?”
“We cooperate with the charity Dobrokit and other volunteer groups. We take in animals evacuated from frontline areas, provide treatment, sterilisation or castration at minimal cost. If an animal is sick or has no temporary home, we keep them in our inpatient ward until they are fully recovered and rehomed.
Not all animals arrive in good condition – especially those from combat zones. I remember a cat evacuated from the Bakhmut area: wounded, concussed, terrified. It took a long time for her to start trusting people again. She was older, underwent treatment and sterilisation, and spent about six months with us. Sadly, she eventually passed away. But most animals we treat do find loving homes – and that’s the greatest joy of this work.
At the beginning of the invasion, we took in two large evacuation groups from Mariupol – about 40–50 animals. Some were in good shape, others exhausted. Many were adopted by our clients, and others gave birth at our clinic. All the kittens and puppies eventually found homes.”
“Can you tell us about any unexpected or unusual cases?”
“There have been many. Once a soldier walked in – stern, in full gear – and said, “Please help my comrade.” Inside the box he handed me was an injured crow.
Another time, soldiers brought a dog completely covered in hedgehog quills – we removed them together right there.
There are also funny names. One cat was called “Oleh” – because she reminded her owners of a friend named Oleh. People love when I guess their pet’s name, and they immediately open up and tell the story behind it.”
“Do you have animals yourself and what’s your favourite part of being a vet?”
“Every staff member at our clinic has rescued animals at home. I have six cats myself – some from Pokrovsk, some from Izium, some from frontline villages. One cat arrived pregnant; she gave birth the next day. The kittens were rehomed, and the mother is still with us, waiting for her family.
My favourite part of the job is when an animal you treated years ago comes back and recognises you. That moment is priceless.
I remember asking one client how her cow was doing. She burst into tears – the cow had passed away years earlier. But she was deeply moved that I remembered. These connections really matter.”
Oleksii Chyzhenko – Head Veterinarian, VetExpert Clinic
Our deepest gratitude goes to Oleksii for taking the time to speak with us. Veterinarians like him – working under extraordinary pressure to support local rescue groups – are the reason so many of Ukraine’s animals still have hope.
What can YOU do?
- Find out about Naturewatch Foundation’s sterilisation work in Eastern Europe.
- Read about the other ways we help dogs and cats in the region.
- Follow us on social media or share this interview on your own channels.
- Join our mailing list for updates.
- Please donate to help fund our work, which includes supporting Ukraine’s incredible animal welfare organisations. As always, thank you for your kindness.
