UAnimals conducted a veterinary mission in Sumy region: 386 animals received help

At the beginning of March, the UAnimals team, together with veterinarians from the Affordable Sterilization project, worked in Konotop, Sumy region. This was already the fourth veterinary mission since the beginning of 2026.

People came to the city with animals from nearby villages and communities — places where access to veterinary care is limited or unavailable. Over the course of several days, we managed to help 386 animals.

What kind of help was provided?

Most requests were for sterilization, vaccination, and basic preventive care. During the mission, 361 animals were sterilized, vaccinated against rabies, microchipped, and treated for parasites. Another 16 animals were vaccinated separately. The veterinarians also provided consultations and additional treatment in cases where it was needed.

Stories behind the numbers

Behind every veterinary mission lie dozens of different stories and often complex cases. This time, a cat was brought in with urinary problems—three days earlier, it had been neutered elsewhere, and this appeared to have triggered bladder issues. The veterinarian inserted a catheter, flushed the bladder, and prescribed treatment. However, sand was found during the flushing, so the cat likely has kidney stones. But an ultrasound is needed for an accurate diagnosis, and we don’t have one in the field.

We also saw a cat in an extremely emaciated condition with several tumors. The person who found her couldn’t provide treatment, so we took the animal to a partner clinic to conduct a full examination and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Another story involves Sonya, a 13-year-old dog. She lives under the care of a local volunteer. A year ago, a tumor began to grow on the dog—local veterinarians prescribed treatment that initially worked but eventually stopped being effective. After examining Sonya, the doctors said a biopsy was needed. Her caretaker must take her to the hospital: depending on whether it is an autoimmune disease or cancer, further treatment will be determined.

We sincerely thank the veterinary team of the Affordable Sterilization project, with whom we have been working for more than two years. Led by Nataliia Sokolova, the team regularly joins trips to frontline regions and works in difficult conditions.

If you would like to support our work, please make a contribution on the UAnimals website or cover a specific veterinary procedure for a stray animal. This helps us continue traveling to regions where veterinary care remains inaccessible for many animals.