“Popularising the topic of pet adoption”

Family for a Four-Legged Friend, a mural dedicated to the topic of pet adoption, has opened in the centre of Ukraine’s capital Kyiv. The project was created by Suziria Group, a family group of pet supplies companies which includes the largest pet store chain in Ukraine, MasterZoo. The mural aims to draw public attention to the problem of homeless animals and the need for caring Ukrainians to adopt four-legged friends. 

The photo seen on the mural was captured by the well-known photographer Christopher Occhicone. It went viral not only in Ukraine but also around the world and became a symbol of the courage of Ukrainians who, even in the most difficult times and when risking their lives, do not forget about their pets.

It is currently estimated that there are around 150 000 animals in need of help in Ukraine. In the frontline regions, the number of four-legged animals in shelters has doubled. The level of adoption is also gradually increasing, thanks to caring Ukrainians like animal volunteer Anastasia Tykha. Together with her husband, she has saved roughly 30 animals, including dogs with disabilities, from war-torn Irpin.

"As one of the leaders in the pet market, we understand all the challenges shelters face. In addition to providing regular assistance to animal volunteers, we strive to solve the problem systematically. With the help of the mural and our other adoption projects, we want to popularise the adoption of four-legged friends so that as many pets as possible find loving families,” comments Polina Kosharna, co-owner and head of the supervisory board of the Suziria Group.