In Ukraine, dogs are more than pets, offering comfort and help to people struggling with the war's lasting effects.

Kyiv

In Kyiv, Ukraine, animal-assisted therapy and pet companionship are playing a significant role in supporting individuals affected by the ongoing war. Therapy dogs such as Chelsea, Freya, Barcelona, and Sanya help people cope with trauma, anxiety, and fear, while pet ownership has become increasingly important for emotional well-being. 

Retail data indicates a 137 percent rise in dog food sales, reflecting the growing reliance on pets for comfort. Rescue centers, like the Patron Pet Center, have found homes for thousands of animals rescued from conflict zones, providing both the animals and their new owners with emotional relief. Despite the ongoing violence and uncertainty, the presence of dogs offers moments of hope and positivity for many Ukrainians.

How dogs help Ukraine's war victims

Chelsea, Freya, Barcelona and Sanya are providing animal therapy to help people in Kiev cope with the trauma of war. 22-year-old Maria was born in Donetsk and grew up in Mariupol, both cities now occupied by Russia. When Russia invaded, she was already living in Kiev and didn't experience the occupation and destruction of Mariupol first-hand, but she's been suffering panic attacks since the war began. She's easily upset and finds it difficult to concentrate at work. We're all tense and afraid and have trouble sleeping. I come here to escape my problems. The dogs really help. The animals act as a support aid in this form of therapy, explains trainer Daria Resnichenko. The dog fosters an atmosphere of trust and relaxation. That makes it easier and quicker for the therapist to connect with patients. Pets have become increasingly important to Ukrainians since the Russian invasion. Sales of dog food have risen by 137 percent, according to retail figures. This growing demand is something Valeria Lukyanenko has also noticed in her specialty store. Many have begun to see animals as a source of comfort. Having something to look after and something to do is a welcome distraction. Ami the Maltipoo enjoys only the best food, toys and grooming. Katerina, her owner, is here for advice. Caring for Ami gives her the strength to keep going. I want to stay here and the dog gives me a reason to go on living and makes me feel positive. We don't often feel very positive under these circumstances. At the patron pet center, dogs and cats rescued from the front lines are waiting for new owners. Natalia Bobir and her team have already found homes for around 1,800 of them. I don't know who helps more, them or me. I come home physically tired, but I feel so emotionally fulfilled. I recognize that my work is important and forget what's going on around me. Irina wants to forget too, even for the shortest of moments. She's come here with her daughter and granddaughters to walk the rescued dogs. I do it to enjoy life a little and to give some of that warmth to those around us. This war has taught me that you have to live in the moment. Now in the fourth year of the war, Russian attacks on Kiev are more intense than ever. Nine-year-old Adriana says she hides in the hallway under a blanket. Walking the dogs helps distract her. Then it feels like the war is over. Back to Maria in Mariupol. She doesn't just work with dogs in animal therapy. She also has her own dog, a Doberman named Marek. She dreams of being able to walk him in Mariupol someday. Looking after Marek helps structure her day. He's my personal therapist. He's also terrified of explosions. When the attacks start, he comes to me and we cuddle. The constant air raids and the loss of life and territory are nerve-wracking. But the dogs' unconditional love and pure zest for life bring hope.

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