Gratitude on Paws: Traumatized Dogs from Ukraine - War-torn Ukraine's rescued animals find hope in a German sanctuary

A sanctuary near Berlin continues to provide refuge for animals rescued from Ukraine's war zones. Since Russia's invasion four years ago, Rendez-vous mit Tieren has taken in hundreds of dogs, cats, and even horses, offering them medical care and a chance at recovery. Among them are cases like Mina, a paralysed dog now relying on a wheelchair, and Sophia, a mother rescued with her eight puppies from an air raid shelter.

The German Animal Welfare Federation has also played a key role, rescuing around 30,000 animals since 2022, with many finding safety in Germany.

The sanctuary's team, led by veterinarian Hasan Tatari, treats animals with severe medical needs. Mina, a paralysed dog, now moves with the help of a custom wheelchair. Others, like Sophia and her puppies, have recovered well after being pulled from dangerous conditions in Ukraine.

Not all rescues have such smooth outcomes. Many dogs remain deeply traumatised, fearful of humans, and sometimes unadoptable. Despite this, about 70 percent of the Ukrainian dogs brought in have found new homes, mostly in Brandenburg and Berlin.

Anne Zinke, Brandenburg's state animal welfare commissioner, supports relocating animals from war zones but stresses the need to assess each situation carefully. The German Animal Welfare Federation also pushes for local solutions in Ukraine to prevent future generations of stray animals from suffering.

Since the war began, Rendez-vous mit Tieren alone has taken in 456 dogs, 65 cats, and 2 horses from Ukraine. Their work highlights both the immediate relief for rescued animals and the long-term challenges of rehabilitation and adoption.

The sanctuary's efforts have given hundreds of animals a second chance, though many still face lasting trauma. With ongoing support, more may eventually recover and find permanent homes. Meanwhile, organisations continue to call for sustainable solutions to protect Ukraine's stray animals in the years ahead.