VWB/VSF has partnered with Veterináři bez hranic ČR, o.p.s./Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Czech Republic (VSF CZ) to help senior people in financial need access veterinary care for their pets. The program, "Aging Together", focused on three cities within the Czech Republic— Brno, Liberec, and Praha. After the outbreak of COVID-19, and the start of the war in Ukraine, the program experienced an influx in applicants due to increased need for seniors in isolation and newly arrived Ukrainian refugees and their pets in the Czech Republic.
Veterináři bez hranic ČR, o.p.s./Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Czech Republic (VSF CZ)
Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, VWB/VSF has been supporting on-the-ground partners, including animal health professionals and animal shelters. As the war goes on, infrastructure – such as access to power and basic supplies – is becoming even more limited, creating increased levels of poverty nationwide. Together with our partners, VWB/VSF is working to ensure that essential veterinary care – including emergency services, spay/neuter surgeries, and vaccinations against diseases like rabies – along with pet food and generators, remain accessible for animals across Ukraine.
Ukrainian Pet Association Worldwide, Happy Paw, Glad Pet
Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord (VWB/VSF) is dedicated to enhancing animal and human well-being in communities throughout Europe. Our current initiatives are focused on regions throughout Ukraine and the Czech Republic.
In Ukraine, we are collaborating with local animal health professionals and shelters to provide essential veterinary services, even in the face of ongoing conflict and limited infrastructure. Our efforts include emergency care, vaccinations, and spay/neuter surgeries to ensure accessible healthcare for animals. We also support animal shelters in securing fundamental necessities like pet food and power generators, helping to strengthen the health of both animals and people.
In the Czech Republic, our local partner is focused on assisting elderly and mobility-impaired pet owners in remote areas. They work diligently to guarantee that these cherished pets receive the life-saving care they require. Learn more about how VWB/VSF is making a difference for animals and their human companions across Europe.
#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Madalyn Nielsen, a Gender Advisor Volunteer who spent 3 months in rural Kenya (May - August 2024).
Thousands of stray animals, many of which were previously cared for by animal welfare groups, individuals, or shelters, are now going unvaccinated – creating dangerous situations for people who encounter them. It’s estimated that over one million dogs in Ukraine are homeless – many living in frontline areas that are increasingly difficult for animal health providers to visit.
In partnership with Action Against Hunger USA, VWB recently completed a 14-day vaccination campaign in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, South Sudan, vaccinating over 57,000 livestock and empowering communities.
