IFAW and Ukraine FAQ

How much money has IFAW raised on the Ukraine crisis to date?

We have received enormous generosity during the Ukraine crisis and we’re so grateful for all of that incredible support. IFAW raised over USD $13M. This generosity allowed us to grant funds for emergency aid, deploy teams to the ground, provide critical resources to those who need it most and hopefully soon, also start preparing for the recovery and rebuilding phase. We are still receiving requests for aid daily.

Below is a summary of our topline Ukraine financials as per 30 June 2023:

• Funds raised (gross, all channels): USD $13.3M
• Funds allocated/invested to date (gross):
          General expenses: USD $5.1M
          Grants paid: over USD $2.6M
  
• Planned for future needs and allocation beyond planned activities: USD $1.1M

All our financial information, including donations received, is publicly available in our annual report.

How does IFAW spend the funds raised for Ukraine?

We are grateful to have received a tremendous amount of worldwide support and goodwill. New requests are added daily, but as of 30 June 2023, we have given a total of 127 grants—100 grants to partners inside Ukraine and another 27 grants in surrounding countries. Close to USD $2.6M has been paid in grants issued to support emergency needs for companion animals, wildlife and their owners impacted by the war.

Since February 2022, we are implementing a comprehensive, rescue and recovery plan in Ukraine. Our Ukraine Rescue project is shaped along two main initiatives:

• Feed, Treat, Heat & Reunite: IFAW has been providing support to local shelters and other organizations to purchase and distribute food and pet supplies, and to treat animals through veterinary care since the start of the war. During the winter, we expanded our efforts to ensure pets stay warm by providing support to purchase and distribute beds, mattresses and blankets and to adapt and construct appropriate (thermal/insulated) sheltering.
• Assess, Rescue, Rehome / Rehab & Release: During war time, IFAW’s focus is on working with local organizations to help rescue and evacuate captive wildlife from zoos, sanctuaries, and other locations. When the war is over and landscapes are safe enough (have been demined), we will support authorities in establishing a network of regional centers for the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals.

Under the One Health principle, the health of human beings, animals and the environment are interlinked. By helping animals, we improve the mental health of their owners too as we reduce the stress and psychological impact of the chaos of a disaster and their concerns over their pets’ well-being.

What are IFAW’s deployment activities during the Ukraine crisis?

From late March 2022 to mid-May 2022, IFAW-trained responders and veterinarians managed the only animal care tent at the Medyka border crossing between Poland and Ukraine. We distributed thousands of dollars’ worth of animal food, leashes, collars, pet carriers and clothing to refugees and their pets. Over the seven weeks that IFAW managed the tent, our team cared for 2,425 pets.

We are also partnered with the Chief Veterinary Office of Poland to support veterinary needs and provide pet supplies at the Przemyśl train station. Our veterinarians from Ukraine were funded by IFAW and supported the Polish veterinarians in examining, vaccinating and microchipping 3,355 pets.

Between March and May 2022, 43 IFAW responders, including seven veterinarians, deployed to greet and care for refugees and their pets as they entered Poland and began the next part of their journey. Our responders came from all over the world to help: Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Will IFAW open an office in Ukraine or surrounding countries?

IFAW does not currently plan to open an office in Ukraine or surrounding countries. IFAW has country offices in Germany, the Netherlands, France and Belgium, and various staff members work on disaster response activities in the broader European region.

We do, however, have a dedicated Ukraine Rescue project team to specifically implement recovery and rebuilding activities in Ukraine, working closely with in-country strategic partners. The team consists of four staff members, three of whom are Ukrainians – two currently still living in Lviv and Kyiv and one other who had to flee the country in March 2022 and is residing in the Netherlands.

How many animals has IFAW helped since the beginning of the war in Ukraine?

As of 30 June 2023, IFAW directly helped 151,575 companion animals (most of whom cats and dogs) and wild animals like bears, bats, swans, lions and tigers. In addition to helping animals in crisis, we also supported the incredible families and caretakers of those animals.

Why is IFAW not helping many more animals, also in Ukraine itself?

IFAW mobilized over a hundred people to support this response. Rescuers and veterinarians on the ground worked 24/7 and for several months helping animals and refugees as they came across the border from Ukraine into Poland. Staff in our offices continue to answer emails and questions we receive from around the world. 

We continue to support animal rescue and relief efforts wherever possible. We also keep providing grants to help partners and other organizations who take care of animals in Ukraine and surrounding countries. When the time comes, IFAW will transition into the recovery phase of our crisis response.

What is next for IFAW in Ukraine and the region?

IFAW is known for our frontline emergency response work and long-term recovery commitments. We plan to address the welfare needs of companion animals and wildlife (both captive and native) with the following priorities.

1.   Protect wildlife and native habitats

2.   Include animals in disaster planning and develop infrastructure for animals in crisis

3.   Promote healthy people and animals to minimize disease transmission

How long will IFAW stay in/around Ukraine to support animals?

IFAW will continue to provide critical aid—veterinary care, animal food, emergency funds, pet supplies—where it is needed most. Our current plan for the recovery phase focuses on improving animal welfare standards and practices.

What is IFAW doing to improve animal welfare during future crises?

We build strategic and strong networks across Europe be able to immediately address crisis needs in the region. IFAW’s advocacy and policy work in Europe focuses on Response, Risk Reduction and Preparedness. We promote the inclusion of animals in national and regional disaster preparedness and response plans. We are advocating for animals to be included in European governments’ national disaster plans.

Does IFAW collaborate with other organizations on efforts for Ukraine?

We believe that collaboration with partners magnifies our impact, particularly during times of crisis.

Careful coordination allows us to avoid any duplication of effort and ensures all resources are deployed efficiently. While working on the Ukraine crisis, we have partnered with many organizations, including, but not limited to: EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), EARS, Four Paws, HSI (Humane Society International), Dogs Trust International, WSAVA/USAVA, FVE (Federation of Veterinarians of Europe), ICAM, Greater Good Charities, World Central Kitchen, Vets Without Borders, and the veterinary authorities of Romania and Moldova.

Going forward, we will continue to incorporate strategic partners, including government agencies, to strengthen sustainable interventions and recovery in the region.

We remain transparent about the costs and risks of directing donor funds and managing a major rescue effort. The administrative fees reflect this financial reality and our commitment to direct funds to where they are needed most, along with the costs of managing such an effort.