This information is intended for veterinary professionals only. This scheme applies to all companion animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, horses and other pets accompanying refugees from Ukraine.
!! The scheme will end on 31 December 2024.
Applications for expenses which occurred before 31 December 2024 can be submitted until 31 January 2025.
What can the scheme be used for?
This scheme can be used to cover the cost of veterinary care, where this is considered necessary in the professional opinion of a licensed veterinarian. Care for one pet will be refunded up to a maximum value of €250 per pet, and each veterinarian may submit up to five claims for reimbursement per veterinarian.
By way of guidance, we would anticipate support to be used for:
Certification/Licensing Requirements – costs associated with legalisation of a pet in a European country where these costs are not being funded by national authorities. This may include rabies vaccination, rabies serology, parasite treatment, microchip implantation/registration and official documentation.
Standard Preventive Care – costs of standard vaccinations and parasite treatments that would normally be given as a basic level of protection, particularly if certain diseases are more prevalent in that country or region.
Medication (up to 4 months’ supply) – costs of any medication previously prescribed by a licensed veterinarian and considered necessary on an ongoing basis. Primarily for animals with chronic conditions in which medication did not accompany the pet during evacuation or supplies have been depleted
Acute Care – Treatment for acute conditions where the prognosis following treatment is good. Examples might include treatment of wounds, otitis externa or alleviation of pain. Whilst the decision to treat a patient is entirely at the discretion of an individual veterinarian, we advise exercising caution where the prognosis is poor, or where beginning a treatment course is likely to lead to ongoing costs which may be unaffordable by client.
What if the cost of treatment exceeds the €250 limit?
We hope that the Humane Society International scheme will be used as part of the European veterinary professions’ collective effort to provide assistance to Ukrainian Refugees. In many instances, clinics can find ways in which to help, by providing discounted or free of charge care where other funding or charity contributions are insufficient to cover the full cost. We respectively ask that vouchers are not used as part of a full fee service; the goal is to provide care to as many animals as possible, and budgets are limited.
If a patient requires ongoing treatment, can an owner request additional support?
No. Ongoing care and associated costs are beyond the scope of the Humane Society International scheme which is specifically intended to be used for legalisation, preventive care, short term medications and acute care with a good prognosis.
How can we be sure the pet belongs to a Ukrainian refugee?
The war has displaced people from Ukraine at short notice and in some instances without documentation. Where available a passport, pet passport or border crossing documentation should be inspected by the veterinarian. Where not available, we ask that you exercise your best judgement – the veterinarian will be required in the payment verification process to certify that, to their best knowledge, each pet family served are Ukrainian refugees.
What clinics qualify to participate in this scheme?
All licensed clinics throughout Europe, whether owned privately or as part of a corporate group are eligible to participate.
Can more than one claim be made for a single pet?
No. To spread the benefit to as many animals as possible, we will only be able to support a single claim of up to €250 per pet. This remains the case should an owner present with multiple pets where only one pet requires treatment.
Can I submit a claim in another currency than Euro?
Yes, that is possible but clearly notify the currency after the amount.
The maximum amounts in different currencies are:
– Albania 30000 ALL
– Bulgaria: 500 BGN
– Czech Republic: 6000 CZK
– Denmark: 2000 DKK
– Georgia: 850 GEL
– Hungary: 115000 HUF
– Norway: 2500 NOK
– Poland: 1500 PLN
– Romania: 1500 RON
– Sweden: 2500 SEK
– Switzerland: 300 CHF
– Ukraine 8000 UAH
– United Kingdom: 200 GBP
How does my clinic submit a claim for reimbursement?
Payment claims can be submitted via an online portal which will be found at: www.vetsforukraine.com
This simple process will collect the required information about the veterinarian, their clinic and the financial details required to provide a refund. We also ask that a picture is taken of the veterinarian and the pet. Please do not take a picture of the refugee, only their pet.
What if I have more than five pets requiring care?
We understand that in exceptional circumstances some clinics because of geography or other exceptional factors my see larger numbers of pets requiring care. If this is the case, please contact Humane Society International at VetsUkrainePets@hsi.org to discuss what options may be available; with the understanding that there is no guarantee that the Humane Society International scheme will be able to cover more than five pets per veterinarian and no veterinarian should rely on the scheme to cover costs of care for more than five pets without prior exceptional approval by Humane Society International
How long does processing take?
We estimate payments will be processed within 4-8 weeks and are working hard to shorten that timeframe.
Who is responsible for taxes on payments made under the Humane Society International scheme?
Veterinarians have sole responsibility for payment of any applicable taxes and filing of any required tax and related returns or filings with relevant tax authorities. Humane Society International shall have no liability for payment of any such taxes or filings with tax authorities.
Who is liable for veterinary services provided under the Humane Society International scheme?
Humane Society International and veterinarians are independent parties. Humane Society International is not liable for the consequences of any error or omission on the part of any veterinarian or any of its employees or other persons deriving authority from the veterinarian or for any damage caused by negligence on the part of the veterinarian.