From our September 2023 Ukraine support archive.
When Australian Animal Aid returned to Ukraine in September 2023, the visit built on relationships established during our first deployment in 2022. Alongside the continuing need for food and shelter, our local partners had identified another priority: practical knowledge and equipment to help people care for animals during the war.
Our team brought together AWAMO President Nigel Allsopp, Alan Watson and Barrie Gerbich. Their experience with military, police and other working dogs helped shape a programme of animal first-aid training, supported by local organisations and interpreters.
The deployment had two main priorities: supporting animal identification through microchipping and sharing canine first-aid skills. Both responded to needs raised during our earlier work in Ukraine.
For displaced animals, identification could improve the chance of being reunited with their owners. For people caring for injured dogs, first-aid knowledge could help them provide immediate assistance until veterinary care was available.
We worked alongside Ukrainian partners, including Nowzad and Pet Friendly, whose local knowledge helped connect the team with animal carers, veterinary students and canine personnel.
At Lviv Veterinary University, our team delivered sessions for third-year veterinary students. Training also reached civilian carers, search-and-rescue personnel and Border Force and military canine teams. Alan and Barrie taught during the day and in evening sessions, helping different groups take part.
The programme covered canine first aid and emergency-care topics, including bandaging, canine CPR and trauma. Practical demonstrations allowed participants to see techniques and work with training equipment.
Read the full story of our animal first-aid training in Ukraine.
The team left manuals, presentation resources and training equipment for continued use in Ukraine. Selected Pet Friendly staff received further instruction so they could teach locally. A canine CPR manikin was handed over to the Border Force training school to support future handler training.
The visit also provided an opportunity to return to a dog sanctuary outside Lviv and see its ongoing needs. Working with local partners helped us understand where practical improvements, including water infrastructure and shelter support, could make a difference.
This 2023 deployment followed the 2022 visit by Nigel and Peter Kotzur, who helped oversee emergency food relief. Each visit formed part of our continuing work with the people caring for animals affected by war.
We are grateful to our Ukrainian partners, interpreters, volunteers and supporters. Their contribution made it possible to share skills and leave useful resources with the people who would continue the work.
Learn more about AWAMO’s work for Ukraine’s animals and how you can help.
Read Ukraine Report 2, Nigel Allsopp’s account of the September 2023 deployment.
ANOTHER WAY TO SUPPORT
Choose from two Ukraine animal pins, with purchases supporting AWAMO’s work in Ukraine and beyond.
$10
A dog and cat design in Ukraine’s colours, supporting AWAMO’s charitable work.
$20
A numbered limited-edition dog and cat pin, supporting AWAMO’s charitable work.
Help animals affected by war. Visit our Ukraine appeal to learn more and make a donation.
