Galaxy Vets, the first employee-owned veterinary healthcare system in the U.S., launched a non-profit arm — Galaxy Vets Foundation. With a mission to improve access to care for underserved communities, prevent economic euthanasia, and provide animal disaster and humanitarian response solutions, Galaxy Vets Foundation is prioritizing its efforts in Ukraine. It is now raising funds and collecting supplies to deliver to the areas in greatest need. There are three ways to help: financially, by donating supplies, or by volunteering telehealth services.

“Ukraine is my motherland. We want to aid the best way we know how – helping animals,” Dr. Ivan Zak, CEO of Galaxy Vets, said. “Russia’s barbaric invasion murders thousands of people, wipes out entire cities and forces millions to flee their homes in search of safety. As savage shelling leaves whole families without a roof, thousands of pets become homeless and in desperate need of food, shelter, and veterinary care. Blocked from humanitarian aid, animals in zoos are freezing, starving, and dying. Shelters, veterinary clinics, and volunteers are striving to save every life but they are running out of resources and need support. We encourage individuals and organizations to donate to this good cause. This war is not just about the future of Ukraine. It is about the future of humanity.”

Galaxy Vets Foundation will also provide free telehealth services to aid the people impacted by the war and the animals in their care. It is now seeking veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are willing to spare any amount of time to volunteer for this initiative without leaving their homes.

“We thoroughly assessed all the information we could get. We talked with volunteers, zoos, pet owners and veterinarians in Ukraine to understand the need and the gaps we could fill,” Andrew Ciccolini, Galaxy Vets Foundation Director, said. “Currently, there is an acute shortage of funding and resources, primarily medications, pet food and supplies. Lack of access to veterinary care and professional advice on pet health is another issue we will address by providing free multi-lingual telehealth services and informational resources on our website. We want to ensure continuity of veterinary care in these difficult times.” 

Donate or sign up to volunteer at https://galaxyvets.foundation/.