In 2026, Ukrainians continue to move to European countries where they build new homes, find jobs, study, and reunite with family members. Their pets often move with them, creating a growing need for professional international pet transportation.
Where are Ukrainians moving today? This question is closely connected with the international pet relocation market. The larger the Ukrainian community in a particular country, the greater the potential demand for transporting dogs and cats from Ukraine.
Where Are Ukrainians Moving in 2026?
According to Eurostat, at the end of May 2026, around 4.38 million people who had fled Ukraine were under temporary protection in EU countries. Germany, Poland and Spain had the largest numbers of people under temporary protection.
The main destinations include:
- Germany
- Poland
- Spain
- Czechia
- Italy
- Slovakia
- Romania
- the Netherlands
- France
- Austria
Absolute numbers and the concentration of Ukrainians relative to a country’s population are different indicators. Czechia, Poland and Slovakia are among the countries with particularly significant Ukrainian populations relative to their own population.
Where Are Ukrainians Moving Most Often: Germany
Germany remains one of the main destinations for Ukrainians.
A large Ukrainian community also creates sustained demand for international pet transportation. Routes from Ukraine to Germany can be organized by road or by air, depending on the animal and the final destination.
Pet transportation may involve:
- large dogs;
- small dogs;
- cats;
- pets whose owners cannot transport them independently.
For entry into the EU, current veterinary requirements must be checked in advance, including identification, rabies vaccination and the required documentation.
Where Are Ukrainians Moving: Poland
Poland remains one of the most natural destinations for Ukrainians because of its geographical proximity.
For pet transportation, this is particularly important because animals can often be transported by road directly to their destination.
The route:
Ukraine → Poland
can be especially convenient for large dogs for which air travel may be less suitable.
Poland can also serve as an important transit point for further transportation to other European countries.
Where Are Ukrainians Moving: Czechia
Czechia is another important destination.
A significant Ukrainian community has developed there, while the concentration of Ukrainians relative to the country’s population remains notable.
Popular pet transportation routes include:
- Ukraine → Prague;
- Ukraine → Brno;
- Ukraine → Ostrava.
Air transportation may be suitable for smaller pets, while large dogs are often better suited to ground transportation.
Where Are Ukrainians Moving: Spain
Spain is also among the leading destinations for Ukrainians.
The considerable distance between Ukraine and Spain makes the choice of transportation particularly important.
For cats and small dogs, air travel can be convenient, while ground transportation may be possible for larger dogs when the route is suitable.
Popular destinations include:
- Madrid;
- Barcelona;
- Valencia;
- Alicante;
- Málaga.
Where Are Ukrainians Moving: Italy
Italy remains another important destination for Ukrainian families.
When moving with a pet, European entry requirements and the complete route through EU countries should be considered in advance.
Both road and air transportation may be possible depending on the animal and destination.
Where Are Ukrainians Moving and Where Are Their Pets Being Transported?
When the main Ukrainian migration destinations are compared with international transportation logistics, several important routes stand out:
Ukraine → Germany
Ukraine → Poland
Ukraine → Czechia
Ukraine → Spain
Ukraine → Italy
Ukraine → France
Ukraine → the Netherlands
Ukraine → Austria
Ukraine → Slovakia
Ukraine → Romania
This is not official statistics on the number of pet transportation orders. Government migration statistics measure people, not pets. However, the size of Ukrainian communities is an important factor influencing potential demand for pet relocation.
Where Are Ukrainians Moving With Their Pets?
For pet owners, relocation almost always means arranging transportation for their animals as well.
A dog or cat cannot simply be placed in a car or airplane without proper preparation.
Depending on the destination, the following may be required:
- microchip identification;
- rabies vaccination;
- veterinary passport;
- veterinary health certificate;
- rabies antibody testing where applicable;
- declaration of non-commercial movement;
- route documentation;
- transportation arrangements.
For entry into the EU from third countries, specific veterinary requirements apply, and pets may need to pass the necessary checks at designated entry points.
Where Are Ukrainians Moving and Which Transportation Method Is Best for Pets?
The best transportation method depends on the destination and the animal.
Ground Pet Transportation
Road transportation can be particularly convenient for:
- large dogs;
- several pets travelling together;
- animals that do not tolerate flying well;
- routes to Poland, Czechia, Germany, Austria and other nearby countries.
The main advantage is the possibility of door-to-door transportation.
Air Transportation
Air travel can be more practical for long-distance destinations such as:
- Spain;
- Italy;
- France;
- the Netherlands;
- Portugal.
However, the pet must be accepted by the airline and meet its transportation requirements.
Where Are Ukrainians Moving: Why Are Germany and Poland Important for Pet Relocation?
Germany and Poland combine several important factors:
- large Ukrainian communities;
- developed transportation infrastructure;
- relatively accessible road routes;
- numerous destination cities;
- convenient connections with other European countries.
For these reasons, both destinations are particularly important for international pet transportation.
Which Pets Are Moving With Ukrainians?
The majority of international pet relocation involves dogs and cats.
Commonly transported dog breeds include:
- German Shepherds;
- Labradors;
- French Bulldogs;
- Pugs;
- Yorkshire Terriers;
- Pomeranians;
- Maltipoos;
- Huskies;
- large mixed-breed dogs.
Commonly transported cats include:
- British Shorthairs;
- Maine Coons;
- Sphynx cats;
- Scottish cats;
- Bengal cats;
- domestic cats.
Each breed requires an individual assessment based on its size, health characteristics and airline requirements.
Where Are Ukrainians Moving: What Should Be Checked Before Pet Transportation?
One of the most common mistakes is purchasing a ticket first and checking the veterinary requirements afterward.
The safer approach is:
country → city → requirements → documents → route → transportation → departure date.
Rabies vaccination and any additional veterinary procedures should be checked well in advance.
The European Commission publishes current requirements for travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets from non-EU countries.
Pet Transportation from Ukraine to Europe with Delivery Animal
Delivery Animal organizes international transportation of dogs and cats from Ukraine to European countries and other destinations worldwide.
Depending on the route, services can include:
- ground transportation;
- air transportation;
- airport collection;
- door-to-door delivery;
- document preparation;
- veterinary coordination;
- transport crate preparation;
- transit arrangements;
- route coordination.
Each route is planned individually based on the departure city, destination country, breed, size, age and veterinary history of the animal.
Expert Conclusion
Where are Ukrainians moving in 2026 is directly connected with the geography of international pet transportation: Germany, Poland, Czechia, Spain and Italy remain important destinations, while the specific veterinary requirements should always be checked before each journey through the official European Commission pet travel guidance.
Delivery Animal coordinates international transportation of dogs and cats from Ukraine to Europe and other countries, including veterinary preparation, documentation, route planning and delivery.
