UNBROKEN ANIMALS is launching in Lviv as Ukraine’s first systemic emotional support program for veterans, service members, and their families, involving companion dogs and people who go through the recovery journey together.

The initiative was developed as a joint effort of the “Companions” project, LСE “Lev,” and the NGO “U-Hearts Ukraine.”

Photo: Lviv City Council

A Full-Cycle Approach to Emotional Rehabilitation

UNBROKEN ANIMALS offers a comprehensive approach — from developing training models and ethical protocols to preparing certified “handler + companion dog” teams and organizing регуляр therapeutic visits to medical and social institutions.

The program is based on best European and Ukrainian practices and promotes a new culture of rehabilitation, where a companion dog becomes a safe emotional mediator. These dogs help reduce stress, rebuild trust, and enhance emotional resilience and motivation for physical recovery.

Applications Open in July

The first intake of participants will begin this July. Pet owners of any dogs are welcome to apply — including those who have adopted dogs from shelters or rescued them from the streets.

Organizers emphasize that the core idea of the program is to build a community of mutual support, where people and their dogs go through the path of recovery and adaptation together.

Ready to take this journey with your companion? Stay tuned for updates and join the program.

The project is implemented by NGO “Pro Lviv” in cooperation with LCE “Lev,” UNBROKEN, NGO “U-Hearts,” LCE “Lviv Bureau of European Integration,” and the Investment and Projects Office of the Lviv City Council (Invest in Lviv), as part of U-LEAD with Europe.

U-LEAD with Europe: Local Empowerment, Accountability and Development Programme is a multi-donor action of the EU and its member states Germany, Denmark, France, Austria, Poland and Slovenia to support Ukraine on its path to strengthening local self-government. U-LEAD promotes transparent, accountable and responsive multi-level governance in Ukraine and empowers municipalities.