Information for Ukrainian refugees with animals

In the European Union (EU), animal health provisions are in place to protect against rabies and apply to dogs, cats and ferrets brought into the EU from third countries (Ukraine). Refugees bringing animals of the above-mentioned species with them are required to take their animal to one of the veterinary control offices at the border or at the listed arrival locations. Each animal must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. The success of the vaccination must be reviewed with a blood test (titers) in an EU-authorised laboratory. When the animal is taken to a veterinary control office at the arrival location, proof that these conditions have been fulfilled is shown with an official animal certificate of health. These regulations apply for up to five pets that are not intended to change owners.

You can find more information about bringing pet animals and the list of arrival locations and authorised laboratories on the website of the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture.

Enquiries can also be sent by e-mail to the Senate Department for Justice, Consumer Protection and Anti-Discrimination.

Help offered by the Berliner Tiertafel

People who have fled to Berlin from Ukraine with their pets can get free food for dogs, cats and rodents from the Berliner Tiertafel, as well as free initial pet supplies (leashes, bowls, beds, etc.). In addition, a veterinary consultation is offered for the basic medical care of animals on site with a personal contribution of 50% of the costs. The costs of castration, prophylactic vaccinations and medication for chronic illnesses can only be covered three months after you have registered with the Tiertafel if you are a resident of Berlin. Please bring your notification from the social welfare office or job centre as well as your identity card and the animal’s ID. You can find the upcoming appointments at www.tiertafel.org.

Veterinary care in the Berlin animal shelter (in individual cases)

The animal shelter’s veterinary practice offers assistance in acute emergencies. Free spaying and neutering are also offered for cats if they are already vaccinated, have a microchip, and have been officially registered in the proper manner. You can arrange an appointment by writing to the email address praxis@tierschutz-berlin.de . Please bring your passport, a police registration if applicable, notification from the Social Services Office (Sozialamt) or the Job Center as well as proof of the cat’s registration, vaccination pass and any medical records.

The animal welfare organisation Tasso e.V. has set up the help.tasso.net platform to help refugees with animals find suitable accommodation. The platform offers temporary accommodation for refugees and their pets or temporary accommodation for pets only. Accommodation is located mainly in Germany.