Animalcouriers recently transported our first Ukrainian pet passenger, Funtik the chinchilla. Funtik and his owner, Daria, fled from Ukraine at the start of the Russian invasion. They crossed the border into Poland and made their way by train to Düsseldorf in Germany, where Daria has a family member.
There, Funtik received a clean bill of health and was issued with a small animal export certificate, allowing him to travel to the UK. Courier Anthony collected Funtik in Düsseldorf and brought him to the UK, while Daria hopped on a flight in order to be ready to greet him.
Funtik has some feeding problems, so courier Anthony had to hand feed him during the transport. After everything Funtik had been through, we made sure he had a safe and speedy journey to the UK.
Big hugs for adorable little Funtik
An evolving situation
We’ve had requests for pet travel advice from a number of Ukrainian families — we’re impressed at the lengths they’re going to to get their beloved animals to safety. We’re also trying to help a German organisation that’s working hard to bring a shelter’s worth of cats out of Ukraine.
In a couple of weeks we plan to travel to Poland with pet supplies and bring back several Ukrainian family pets who meet Great Britan’s (GB) entry requirements. As more pets become eligible for GB entry, we expect to make further trips to collect them.
Currently, the British government requires Ukrainian dogs, cats and ferrets to meet the usual formal requirements: the pet must have a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination, and must have undergone a serum titration with a favourable result three months prior to importation. A valid pet health certificate or EU pet passport is also needed.
There are indications, however, that the government may change its stance and make it easier for Ukrainians bringing their pets to the UK. This article in The Independent tells you more.
We strongly advise Ukrainian pet owners heading to GB against breaking the rules, as their pets could be confiscated at the border and put into lengthy (and expensive) quarantine.
More information
IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) verified information for people fleeing Ukraine with their pets: https://www.ifaw.org/news/resources-flee-ukraine-pets
Current government information about bringing pet dogs, cats and ferrets to GB: https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain
So happy Funtik and his owner are safe. So happy that you all are able to help with transporting those pets out of danger. So many people are being displaced maybe never to return to their country and having their beloved pets with them must be so comforting!
Hugs, Pam
Such a relief to have finally started to have some success!
Funtik is adorable.
A sweetie.
Funtik is an admirable “first” from Ukraine. He has spunk – much like his people. Bless them all, and may you have safe journeys as you bring them to safety.
He did well as he does have issues but all happily together again.
Deer Miss Annie an Courierss how can wee beegin to meow how wudnerful all of youss’ are???
Wee watch Mewss nitely an BellaSita Mum criess alot fore peepss an 4 leggedss!
Thanx from our ehartss that you took Funtik on an gotted him safelee to Miss Daria inn U-Kay….
Pleese give Miss Daria an Funtik our warm reegardss an purrayerss……
***purrss*** BellaDharma an {{huggiess}} BellaSita Mum
Animal Couriers are doing their bit to aid in this horrific situation. Bless you and all you do!
Slowly but things are looking up!
Please be safe
Thanks
Funtik is a little sweetie! I hope all your trips go smoothly.
It was lovely to have our first traveller from the Ukraine. Let’s hope many more follow on in Funtik’s furry footprints 😉
What a sweetheart, and so well taken care of for his health needs while getting him safely to the UK. What an exhausting journey Daria has had going to Poland, then Germany then the UK. I hope they feel safe and welcome here.
It’s a wonderful thing for you to do with going to Poland with supplies and aiming to bring back pets. Our government has just announced people can come in on visas but they have to apply online, with a 50 page document and scan in proof of ID, address, etc. I don’t know how people who’re fleeing war are able to get to a computer with internet and submit documents they likely won’t have. The same goes for animals if they don’t have a microchip, certificate or required vaccinations and they can’t get them elsewhere before coming here. There should be an allowance to get any shots on entry, as well as to help people with any necessary paperwork when they get here. xx
All the announcements are great but the practicalities are frightful. Time seems to be ironing out some of the issues…