The war upended life for millions of people, and their animals. It s impossible to know how many pets have escaped Ukraine alongside their owners. Sources vary, but Ukraine was home to anywhere between 5.5 to 7.5 million cats, and at least 750,000 dogs.
Millions of refugees from Ukraine have fled to neighboring countries, bringing with them their pet dogs, cats, rodents, snakes and more. Ukrainian officials have accused Russian troops of targeting animals in the invasion.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, over 5 million refugees have left the country, with millions more internally displaced. Most Ukrainian refugees are now in Poland, and groups like the UNHCR are working with the Polish government, and regular civilians, in what is the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II.