Authorities reminded Ukrainians of the rules for visiting shelters with animals

During an air raid alert, Ukrainians have the right to go down to shelters together with their pets. The owners must control their pets and ensure the safety of other people.

This was reminded by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection.

The right to stay in protective structures together with pets was secured in 2024. Then the Ministry of Internal Affairs made appropriate changes to the requirements for the maintenance and operation of civil protection structures.

The State Food and Consumer Service explained that the ban on taking animals to shelters often forced people to ignore the alarm or leave pets unattended. Now the presence of an animal cannot be a reason to deny the owner access to a safe place.

At the same time, responsibility for the pet's behavior rests with its owner. It is recommended to keep a dog on a leash, and to carry cats, small dogs, and other animals in special containers or carriers.

Owners are also advised to take with them a supply of water and food, a veterinary passport if available, necessary medicines, and cleaning supplies. Leaving an animal unattended in a shelter is prohibited.

Separate requirements apply to dogs of breeds recognized as dangerous. In public places, including shelters, they must be on a short leash and muzzled. The list includes, in particular, the American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman, Caucasian and Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, Bullmastiff, Argentine and Canarian Mastiffs, as well as their crossbreeds.

The agency emphasized that even a calm and socialized animal can change its behavior due to explosions, loud sounds, and a large crowding of people. Therefore, owners should take into account the presence in the shelter of children, elderly people, people with disabilities, allergies, or fear of animals.

Based on materials from: State Food and Consumer Service