Stray Cats and Dogs of Chernobyl Vaccinated, Thanks to Your Support
Andrea Powell
Photo: Clean Futures Fund
In 1986 an explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine released radioactive materials and has been zoned off ever since. The only inhabitants are descendants of the dogs and cats left behind after the explosion.
An estimated 700 dogs and 100 cats roam around the plant and surrounding area looking for food and shelter. They gather around the plant to avoid the wolves who linger nearby.

Kindhearted workers at the plant shared scraps of food but as the stray populations grew something had to be done to end the suffering.
In 2017, a U.S. nonprofit called Clean Future Fund (CFF) started Dogs of Chernobyl Program to spay/neuter, feed, and vaccinate the dogs and cats. This life-saving program relies on donations and partners to purchase the essential supplies and food.

A team of volunteers consisting of veterinarians, scientists, and animal lovers from around the world visit the area to provide medical care and food to animals in need.
Your donations helped provide the essential vaccinations that keeps the animals healthier and able to live longer lives. On a recent visit to the area, CFF shared with us, “We traveled to Chernobyl town and the nuclear power plant, where the stray dogs roam. Each one received the care they deserved—sterilization, and vaccinations. At the power plant and its surrounding guard houses, we found more cats in need. They, too, were sterilized and vaccinated, ensuring a healthier future.”

They even had extra vaccines which they administered to shelter animals in Chernihiv and Slavutych.
Your donations are making a huge difference in the lives of dogs and cats in Ukraine. CFF and all the animals are grateful for your support.
“This work wouldn’t be possible without your support. Thank you for being part of this mission,” states CFF.

Their work is far from over at the "site of the world’s largest nuclear disaster." The animals and people who work at the plant are still in need of assistance and resources.
CFF co-founder, Erik Kambarian, states, "We remain committed to the community and population affected by the Chernobyl catastrophe. Our mission is even more important in light of the unjust aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. We will be here for the long term."

Help feed more hungry dogs and cats in Ukraine by donating here.

Andrea Powell is an animal enthusiast who resides in West Michigan. When not writing, she is exploring the great outdoors with her dogs and horses.