The San Diego Humane Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have teamed up to help Ukrainian refugees' pets cross the border.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (CNS) – The San Diego Humane Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched a partnership on Monday that will allow Ukrainian refugees crossing the US-Mexico border to bring their dogs with them.

The first dog from Ukraine was taken across the border this weekend at the San Ysidro Point of Entry, and humane officers are ready to transport more pups as needed.

Late Saturday, the dog was transferred to the San Diego Humane Society. SDHS' veterinary team examined the dog the next day and offered immunizations and flea medicine.

Overall, the dog is in terrific health, according to the organization's doctors. She will now receive enrichment and socialization at SDHS' Behavior Center while undergoing a 28-day rabies quarantine before being reunited with her family.

Pets are family, and families should never be separated, said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society. As soon as the conflict in Ukraine erupted, we began looking for ways to assist pet owners and animals left behind by the disaster.

We immediately wanted to help when we heard that Ukrainian pets were being stopped at the border — right in our own backyard, he said. As swiftly as possible, we want to send these creatures safely across the border and back to their homes. We'll do everything we can to assist the animals and humans who have been affected by this awful tragedy.

Weitzman traveled to Poland with Greater Good Charities last month to give veterinary care and assist the International Fund for Animal Welfare in establishing a border crossing veterinary clinic to help pets affected by the Ukraine conflict.

SDHS stated that it will continue to collaborate with the CDC and US Customs and Border Protection to transport and quarantine Ukrainian dogs as needed.

Details Here