Operation Ukraine
Ukraine
The aim of this outreach is to carry out mass sterilization and vaccination in the West of Ukraine, where there are many abandoned dogs and cats. Qualified vets with high volume sterilisation experience who are comfortable operating on +/- 20 to 30 animals per day join our mission serving stray animals, shelter animals, and pets in low-income areas.
If you want to discover more about our work in Ukraine since 2022, you can head to this page.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Help sterilize stray animals abandoned due to the war
Provide care to owners needing support for their pets
High volume spay and neuter
Make an impact where it is really needed
Work in a dynamic field environment
A chance to explore beautiful Ukraine on days off
Immerse yourself in Ukrainian culture and society
Evenings at leisure to enjoy the beautiful areas surrounding our location
Work with a welcolming team of likeminded veterinarians
Project video
This project is for vets who have worked in high volume clinics (HVHQ TNR) in the past, as the pack of work is fast and impactful. We are seeking volunteers with the following skills for this project:
Comfortable sterilising +/- 20 to 30 animals per day
Carrying out a single dog spey in 20 minutes
Utilising small incision sites (generally <1cm for cat, <3cm for bitches)
If you feel your skill set suits this workload, please do apply through our site, and a member of our team will reach out to you in order to receive your CV which will demonstrate:
Relevant skills
Licence number
2 references who can attest high volume sterilisation work.
This is not a traing course, and we are not able to teach during these missions, so we are seeking those already comfortable to operate unassisted. You will be expected to be comfortable operating on all sizes of cat and dog, as you may get big guard dog types on your table. The whole team works together and gets stuck in to assist one another. We require volunteers to be flexible, open minded, and with a good sense of humour. You may need it pick up the occasional poop and help catch or move animals. Everyone prepares, maintains and cleans thier own surgical area each day. As with all of our project locations, we perform medicine and surgery to the highest standards. We utilise intramuscular induction of anaesthesia, propofol top-ups, place intravenous cathaters, and provide suitable analgesia. Whilst we are high volume, there are no egos here, and we are always ready to help or scrub in with a team member in the case of a challenging surgery. We never compromise quality for quantity.
So if you enjoy fast paced, high volume sterilisation, and want a chance to explire beautiful Ukraine as part of a dynamic team who are making a real difference, this is for you!
KEY VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
During your stay you may have the chance to operate in our mobile veterinary clinic trailer, or be based in a static building. It is important to note that most of the time we do not work in a vet clinic, but rather in buildings like schools, hospitals and outhouses which have been temporarily set up for our use. Your surgery table may be a school desk, counter top or kitchen table! As such we require vets who are confident and competent at providing surgical intervention in a field setting.
Surgery preparation
Sterilisation (dog and cat)
Pyometra surgery
Critical care of injured animals
Diagnostic work up of sick or injured animals
Vaccinations
Consultations
Post surgery/consult cleaning
Project Photos
ACCOMMODATION
You will be accommodated in single or shared same sex accommodation, close to where we will be carrying out our veterinary clinic. The rooms are clean and comfortable with ensuite bathrooms and hot and cold running water. Your bedding will be provided for you, and laundry can be done at an extra personal cost. Three meals a day will be provided. Breakfast will be eaten at the residence, lunch is normally a packed lunch and eaten on-site at the clinic, and dinner will either be at the residence or provided for us at a local eatery.
We enjoy local Ukrainian food whilst carrying out our mission, and can accommodate alternative diets for vegetarians and vegans if notified in advance. Wi-Fi is not guaranteed however getting a local sim card is possible, or roaming from your home provider.
LOCATION
We operate across multiple rural villages in Ukraine, bringing essential veterinary care to areas where no clinics or services exist—particularly for stray animals. Our efforts are concentrated in underserved regions, primarily within Lviv (West), Kyiv (Center), and Uman (Center). These locations are selected based on need and safety, and volunteers must be flexible, as travel routes and destinations may be adjusted in response to real-time local intelligence. While rare, itinerary changes may occur to ensure we remain in the safest zones.
Although the conflict in Ukraine means the entire country is technically within missile range, we take your safety seriously. Volunteers are stationed only in quiet, carefully vetted areas, far from active conflict. We do not place first-time volunteers near frontlines. However, returning volunteers who are interested in more advanced deployments may discuss expanded roles with our team once on the ground.
Ukraine itself is based on the Western Edge of Europe. Before 2022, Ukraine was the 8th most popular destination in Europe.The country is steeped in history being a crossroads for many conflicts over the centuries. Whilst the war often feels far away from where we work, most people know someone in active service and across the country people carry a sence of pride in what they are fighting for. This beautiful country has sweeping farms, snowcapepd mountains, sandy beaches and much in between. You will see glittering golden churches, mighty monuments to independance, and rustic little cottages as you travel across the country.
A strong culture shines through every aspect of daily life here. People proudly wear traditional clothing, bright blouses called "vyshyvanka" and Ukrainian food carries rich traditions through dishes like Borscht (soup), Varenyky (dumplings), Deruni (Potato Pancakes), each rooted in local ingredients and centuries-old cultural heritage.
Project Fee:
This is a sponsored outreach mission and as such we cover most of the cost of your time in Ukraine. Volunteers are asked to reach Warsaw under their own means and from there we will provide your train tickets, accommodation, and food.
What's included
Pre departure assistance with planning your trip from one of our destination specialists
Train to and from Ukraine
3 meals a day
Accommodation (shared)
Scrub top for working
What's not included
Flights to Warsaw
Alcohol or soft drinks
Visas (if required)
Required: Personal medical insurance. Optional: trip/flight/luggage insurane.
Project specifics
AGE: maximum 65 years old
QUALIFICATIONS: open to qualified vets.
Fitness Requirements
Due to the isolated nature of our locations, and the demanding nature of our work, a certain level of fitness is required to join this project. While we try to make our work as comfortable as possible, there are times when physical tasks are necessary to ensure safety and efficiency.
As such, you should be able to:
Climb up and down from a high pickup truck
Comfortably run 50 metres
Walk 3 kilometres over rocky and uneven ground
Not suffer from severe or unmanaged depression or anxiety
If mental or physical challenges prove problematic to safety, attendees will be required to sit out of activities, and in severe circumstances, we reserve the right to terminate a stay based on incorrectly or undisclosed disabilities. If you have a history of physical injuries, disabilities, or mental health conditions and would like to discuss your fitness to attend, we encourage you to apply and highlight this in your application form. We’re more than happy to have a conversation with you, and always do our best to be inclusive and accommodating.
START DATES
2025 and 2026 dates are currently being confirmed. Please do apply now if you feel this proejct is suitable for you.
Arrival
You will fly in to Warsaw the day before the mission starts, and take a train to Ukraine. We will provide you with the train ticket in advance. The train may take anywhere between 4 and 12 hours depending on your destination which will be the nearest large city to our current work. Here we will collect you by car and tak you to the accommodaiton (anywhere between 10 minites to 3 hours).
Departure
We will finish early on your last day and allow time to pack and rest. On departure day you will be taken to the train station (we provide the train ticket) and guided to the train. Once in Warsaw, Poland, your onward journey is at your own planning and cost.
WHAT NEXT?
We want you to join us in Ukraine helping animals affected by the war. If you have the time and experience to join us, please head to the apply now button and speak to one of our team.
Project Fees
Volunteering is a rewarding experience that makes a real impact on animal welfare and provides a chance to learn and travel to beautiful places....
booking conditions
Worldwide Vets aims to provide you with an easy booking experience and the a trip of a lifetime. As such, we have terms and conditions we ask you to abide by when booking a project with us...
PAST feedback
Sarah Stephenson
September 2023
"Going to the Ukraine to spay and neuter cats and dogs left behind from citizens fleeing the conflict was truly a blessing of a trip! I can not wait to return! We were well trained in the event a combat situation occurred near where we were working. The motto of Worldwide Vets is, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you,” and this is truly the case with this trip. We worked all day for several days at a shelter with 3200 dogs and 6 employees! These folks are hard working, delightful to know, and completely dedicated to the animals! I encourage you to jump in and go if you are interested, you will not be disappointed!"
Jon Geller
September 2023
"My recent experience working with the Worldwide Vets team in Ukraine was the highlight of my veterinary career. The spirit of collaboration, hard work, with plenty of fun to go around, made the experience unforgettable. Working elbow to elbow with Ukranian veterinarians in the wartime environment created strong bonds despite the language barrier. Dr. Campling proved to be an excellent leader and worked hard to create a safe and positive experience for volunteers.!
SUGGESTED PROJECTS
