Essential supplies are being sourced to keep animals safe and warm.

As the second winter since the full-scale Russian invasion fast approaches, animal shelters across Ukraine are preparing for the coming cold weather.

Between December and March, the average temperatures in the country range from -4.8°С to 2°C, making it a challenge to keep pets safe and warm as the war continues.

To help prepare, the non-profit organisation U-Hearts Foundation has conducted a survey of shelters to find out exactly what they will need for this winter.

Food was the biggest need identified, followed by heating: twenty shelters said they were in need of electric heaters and five shelters said they needed generators. Last winter, electricity supply in Ukraine was limited owing to attempts by the Russian military to destroy the country’s power infrastructure.

Insulated outdoor shelters are also in demand to help protect rescued pets from the elements, with about 100 needed. The survey also revealed that around 30 shelters need assistance in treating animals for parasites and providing vitamins to keep animals healthy.

In response, U-Hearts has begun stocking up on food supplies to be able to support shelters with free food this winter.

Last year, the foundation ran several initiatives to help animals during the coldest months. Generators, electric heaters and wooden doghouses were distributed to shelters, and a blanket collection scheme in the UK led to a large number of donations of blankets and quilts.

Operation Paw-pose, a Christmas appeal run in collaboration with the PR agency Spottydog Communications, allowed the charity to purchase 113 gift hampers for animals in Ukraine, including 50 hampers for cats, 23 for small dogs, and 40 for large dogs to help spread festive cheer.

Anzhelika Babii, communications co-ordinator at U-Hearts, said: “Now that we anticipate the situation in winter may be identical, we are preparing in advance to provide shelters with the necessary supplies and are looking for partners to help with this.

“If you are a pet food manufacturer, and are willing to be part of a large chain of assistance by donating your products to us, please contact us at info@u-hearts.com.

“Individuals can make a donation to support our work by following this link: https://app.payhere.co/u-hearts/u-hearts-foundation. Sharing information about us on your social media pages is also a great way to help spread the word!”

Image (C) U-Hearts Foundation