Why We're Here
In March 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, special measures were introduced by the Government of Canada to help Ukrainians and their family members find safety in Canada. By June 2023, over 162,500 Ukrainian nationals had arrived in Canada--many of them with their beloved pets in hand.
Unfortunately, with entry-level salaries and the high cost of living, newcomers are struggling to make ends meet. In addition, veterinary expenses in Canada are much higher than those in Europe. Pet owners in Canada can spend upwards of $2,000 on each visit to the emergency vet.
What We're Doing
This fund is intended to assist Ukrainian newcomers to Canada with the following veterinary costs:
- examinations
- lab / diagnostic work
- medical supplies
- specialist examinations (to a reasonable maximum)
- prescription medication (incl. supplements, if medically necessary)
- prescription or fortified food (where medically necessary)
- emergency veterinary services (where possible, to a reasonable maximum)
We will attempt to assist the largest possible number of applicants by advocating for reduced fees with the relevant veterinary care provider and by ensuring that pet owners have exhausted all possible means of alternate funding, including by:
- Approaching veterinary care providers that offer (or advocating for) free or reduced-fee services
- Approaching registered animal charities, such as local branches of the Humane Society or the SPCA (where applicable)
- Connecting the veterinary care provider with the Farley Foundation (Ontario only)
Connect With Us
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Contact us using other means
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Contributions of any size are appreciated and will make an enormous difference for people and animals whose lives have already been violently disrupted. Thank you so much for your support.
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We will continue to approach veterinary associations, clinics, and registered animal charities to seek a larger commitment and funding partner(s). This GoFundMe campaign is a stop-gap measure to assist Ukrainian newcomers to Canada with veterinary services until such a time as funding partners can be found. The following measures will be taken to eliminate the possibility of fraud or fraudulent requests: (a) funds to be e-transferred directly to the veterinary care provider; (b) verification of pet owner's identity and ownership documents; (c) verification of pet owner's arrival to Canada as of February 24, 2022; (d) verification of pet owner's status as Ukrainian national
Organizer