LI's Paws Of War Providing Relief To Ukrainian Refugees & Their Pets

NESCONSET, NY — More than 10 million people have fled Ukraine in the last three weeks because of the Russian invasion of their country. Many of the refugees have taken their beloved pets with them, according to Paws of War, a Nesconset-based nonprofit.

The majority fled with just a few possessions and nothing to care for their pet, according to Paws of War. The organization has teamed up with its overseas partners to be there at the border, ready to provide refugees with what they need to care for their pets. The organization said it is "desperately" seeking financial donations from the community to help support its refugee relief efforts.

"The flood of refugees crossing the border has overwhelmed the limited resources available," Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War, stated. "Many organizations have come together to help with the crisis, Paws of War has focused on caring for people pets. For some their pet is all they have left, and it would be devastating for them if they could not care for their pet or were forced to leave it behind. We are glad that we are able to help bring some comfort and relief to the people fleeing Ukraine, clutching their pet in their arms. Being a refugee with a pet makes everything 10 times harder. We will do everything we can to help them."

For those who would like to donate to help Paws of War assist Ukrainian refugees and their pets, you may do so here.

Paws of War volunteers have been scrambling to get the supplies they need and are rushing them to the aid stations they have set up on the border. The volunteers provide people with pet food, water, crates, leashes, toys, and give out critical vaccines for dogs that would otherwise be stopped at the border.

Volunteers are also providing help getting the animals travel passports, which includes the necessary vaccines so they can continue their journey to the European Union. Some refugees are asking if they can foster their pet or have made the heartbreaking decision they cannot care for their pet and hope that Paws of War can relocate them to a great home in America. Volunteers have also aided with the set up of an emergency animal makeshift shelter near the border, which has already taken in more than 50 dogs and numerous cats.

Paws of War is seeking financial donations to help support the humanitarian crisis and bring relief to those fleeing Ukraine. Getting supplies to the area has been extremely challenging, and the only option has been to obtain them in the surrounding countries. Every donation collected will be used to help Ukraine refugees care for their pets.

Currently, they are not collecting supplies as there is no readily available way to get them where they are needed the most, and the situation on the ground is constantly evolving, according to the organization. Paws of War hopes to have a supply drive once a more permanent location is set up for this ongoing crisis.

"We are already low in supplies and are getting many requests for help, as the refugees are desperate, and more keep arriving each day," Misseri said. "Our mission is to be there at the border to provide some much-needed relief. We can't do it alone, though. We would love and appreciate every person reading this to make donations to help support the mission, no matter how much it may be."