Gratitude on Paws: Traumatized Dogs from Ukraine - War-Torn Pets Find Hope at a Berlin Sanctuary for Ukrainian Animals

A sanctuary near Berlin is providing refuge for hundreds of animals rescued from Ukraine since the war began. Located about 50 kilometres southeast of the city, Rendez-vous mit Tieren takes in dogs, cats, and even horses fleeing the conflict. The shelter focuses on healing traumatised animals and finding them new homes.

Since Russia's invasion four years ago, the shelter in Markgrafpieske has taken in 456 dogs, 65 cats, and two horses by the end of last year. Many arrived injured or deeply distressed, like Mina, a paralysed mixed-breed dog now relying on a wheelchair. Veterinarian Hasan Tatari and his team handle complex medical cases, while others, such as Sophia—a dog who gave birth to eight puppies in an air raid shelter—recover from the horrors of war.

The facility avoids traditional kennels, instead housing dogs in repurposed rooms of an old farmstead. This approach helps fearful animals rebuild trust more quickly. Around 70 percent of the Ukrainian dogs brought in have already been adopted, mostly by families in Brandenburg and Berlin.

Meanwhile, PETA reports rescuing roughly 30,000 animals since 2022, with some transported to Germany and others reunited with their owners. Yet, the German Animal Welfare Federation stresses that long-term solutions should focus on supporting animal care within Ukraine itself.

The shelter continues to offer a lifeline for animals displaced by war, with many now thriving in new homes. While adoption rates remain high, advocates highlight the need for sustainable support systems in Ukraine to prevent future suffering.