The Ukrainian refugee crisis: Unpacking the politics of pet exceptionalism

Abstract

The rescue of pets soon became part of the humanitarian narrative of the attack on Ukraine. The open‐door policy on companion animals from Ukraine—a high‐risk country for rabies—in terms of regulatory modifications and the provision of services could be described as one of ‘pet exceptionalism’. While the influx of pets and the response to it has significance for the international refugee regime, there has been scant scholarly engagement with the movement of pets across borders during emergencies. To bridge academic knowledge gaps and suggest policy lessons, the article discusses how the management of the Ukraine pet influx fits with existing regulatory regimes and policy priorities governing companion animals, and the tensions involved. Drawing on a 6‐month desk study (March–August 2022)—the article considers the events, interactions and policy choices which shape how companion animals are received. Using the UK and Norway as examples, it suggests that the aim of the resources and procedures directed at caring for pets and helping owners is pragmatic—to safeguard biosecurity and enforce regulations while also protecting animal health and psychosocial well‐being. The term ‘pet civic consciousness’ is used to consider the notion of pets as family members, and how trust in government and understandings of biosecurity and regulatory requirements are filtered through cultural and linguistic lenses. The article identifies biosecurity, juridification, resource allocation and ethical issues of fairness across refugee populations and the intrinsic value of companion animals as central topics for future discussion.

Risk of rabies reintroduction into the European Union as a result of the Russo‐Ukrainian war: A quantitative disease risk analysis

“…Additionally, Napp et al (2010) showed that by implementing stricter controls, there was a 270-fold decrease in disease risk. This highlights the Sandvik, 2022;Silverwood, 2022b). In order to better understand the risk via this scheme, future research should focus on surveying official veterinarians on the guidance issued as well as questioning Ukrainian refugees on the information they received and their levels of compliance with the guidance.…”

“…On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was invaded by Russian troops, leading to the ongoing conflict in the country. To date, nearly 5 million refugees have fled to the EU from Ukraine (UNHCR, 2023) with many bringing their pets with them (Sandvik, 2022). In response to this crisis, the European Commission (EC), on 25 February 2022, declared a relaxation to the rules on importation under the Article 32 derogation within Regulation (EU) No.…”

If ‘it all breaks down’: The Norwegian refugee crisis as a geography of chaos

“…At present, Norway, and Europe more broadly, may be seen as a de-escalated chaotic geography. By activating the temporary protection directive for Ukrainian refugees, the region has proactively used regulatory tools to de-escalate an ongoing emergency (Sandvik, 2022). Chaos has not ensued.…”

Domesticating Responsibility: Refugee Hosting and the Homes for Ukraine Scheme

“…Indeed, across Europe and North America, the warm welcome to a white European, Christian population, consisting predominantly of women (53%) and children (32%) (DLUHC 2023), contrasts starkly with entrenched racialised Fortress Europe bordering practices and "stop the boats" kinds of discourses (Hyndman 2023;Moise et al 2024). Even Ukrainian pets are being accommodated within usually draconian and Kafkaesque European bio-bordering and visa regimes (Sandvik 2023). This adds a new iteration to the real and discursive filtering of "foreigners" employed through domopolitics (Gunaratnam 2021;Walters 2004).…”

“…2024). Even Ukrainian pets are being accommodated within usually draconian and Kafkaesque European bio‐bordering and visa regimes (Sandvik 2023). This adds a new iteration to the real and discursive filtering of “foreigners” employed through domopolitics (Gunaratnam 2021; Walters 2004).…”