There are vaccinations, chips and accessories for refugee animals

Many refugees do not come alone, but also with their beloved, comforting pets. A big challenge. Up to 100 pets land in Berlin every day

By Hildburg Bruns, Mary-Lou Künzel and Johannes Malinowski

Up to 100 animals arrive at the main train station every day with the people from Ukraine, often without a vaccination card or identification chip.

“None of this can be demanded in a war situation, so the animals are currently only allowed to enter the EU, where they are then examined and treated accordingly,” says State Animal Commissioner Dr. Catherine Herrmann. The risk of rabies is low.

Tomcat Sam (17) came to Berlin with his mistress from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv (Photo: Tierschutz Berlin)
Tomcat Sam (17) came to Berlin with his mistress from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv (Photo: Tierschutz Berlin)

Your authority, together with the animal protection association and animal board, has set up an aid base for refugees with animals at Tegel Airport.

“There is the necessary initial equipment for pet owners, who have often fled with their darlings in their arms – without a basket, without a leash, without food. Not only dogs and cats are among them,” says Herrmann, “but also ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters and other pets.”


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Veterinarians examine and treat the new arrivals, vaccinate and microchip them and provide them with an EU vaccination certificate. The Berliner Tafel has also compiled a list of veterinarians who treat Ukrainian animals free of charge or against reimbursement of consumables.

Chihuahua female Sonja (3) has a long journey behind her: her family fled from Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine to Germany (Photo: Tierschutz Berlin)
Chihuahua female Sonja (3) has a long journey behind her: her family fled from Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine to Germany (Photo: Tierschutz Berlin)

The small animal clinic Düppel and the practice in the Berlin animal shelter also treat animals from refugees free of charge.

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