This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Digital Economy, aims to streamline the registration and management of pets across the nation.
Introduction of the Unified State Register of Pets
The Unified State Register of Pets is a collaborative project designed to enhance the safety, health, and well-being of pets in Ukraine. The register’s first phase involves the authorization of state and private veterinarians, setting the foundation for the subsequent stages of the project. In the next phase, pet owners will be able to register their animals during veterinary visits, leading to the creation of electronic veterinary passports accessible through the Diya application.
Key Objectives
The primary goals of the Unified State Register of Pets include:
- Preventing Disease Spread: By maintaining accurate records of pets’ vaccination statuses, the register aims to curb the transmission of dangerous animal diseases such as rabies.
- Facilitating Pet Recovery: Enhanced tracking and registration processes will simplify the search for missing pets.
- Simplifying Bureaucratic Processes: Pet owners will benefit from streamlined procedures for document restoration and easier travel with their pets within Ukraine.
- Harmonizing Legislation: Aligning Ukraine’s pet ownership regulations with European standards to ensure consistency and improved animal welfare.
Financial and Operational Framework
Remarkably, the project was implemented without any budgetary expenditure from the Ukrainian state. Instead, it has been made possible through the generous financial support of international donors. Denys Bashlyk, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformations, and Digitalization, announced the initiative on Facebook, highlighting the donor-funded nature of the project.
Stages of Implementation
Stage 1: Veterinarian Authorization
The initial phase focuses on authorizing veterinary clinics and doctors—both public and private—to participate in the register. This involves:
- Training Webinars: Specialized training sessions for veterinarians to familiarize them with the platform.
- Technical Support: Ongoing assistance via phone and chat to help veterinarians navigate the authorization process.
Stage 2: Pet Registration
Once the infrastructure is in place, pet owners will be able to register their pets during routine veterinary visits. This registration will generate an electronic veterinary passport within the Diya application, containing comprehensive information about the pet’s health and vaccination history.
Benefits for Pet Owners
The Unified State Register of Pets offers numerous advantages to pet owners, including:
- Electronic Veterinary Passports: Digital records that store all pertinent information about the pet, ensuring easy access and management.
- Simplified Document Restoration: Quick and efficient processes for recovering lost or damaged pet documents.
- Facilitated Travel: Enhanced ease of traveling with pets across Ukraine, supported by up-to-date veterinary records.
- Increased Safety: Better monitoring of vaccination statuses reduces the risk of disease outbreaks.
Enhancing National Safety and Responsibility
Denys Bashlyk emphasized the broader implications of the register:
“The Unified State Register of Pets is about increasing safety and forming a responsible attitude towards keeping animals in Ukraine. For the first time in the history of independence, the state will receive real data on the number of pets and will be able to control their vaccination status. Such information is extremely relevant for effectively reducing the risk of spreading dangerous infections, such as rabies.”
Future Prospects
Following the successful authorization of veterinarians, the second stage will see the mass registration of pets. The goal is to reach a milestone of 100,000 or more registered animals and to fully populate the Electronic Veterinary Register Database (EDRDT) by 2025. This will enable the comprehensive issuance of veterinary passports and further integration of pet management into digital platforms.
Recognition and Awards
In recognition of the vital role pets play in supporting Ukrainian resilience, recent awards were given to four-legged heroes in Kyiv. Rem and Finch, service dogs of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), were honored by the Cynological Union of Ukraine during the event titled "Four-legged Defenders." These awards celebrate the invaluable contributions of service animals in protecting Ukraine from aggression.
Conclusion
The launch of the Unified State Register of Pets signifies a pivotal step towards modernizing pet ownership in Ukraine. By leveraging digital technology and international support, Ukraine is setting new standards for animal welfare, public health, and bureaucratic efficiency. As the project progresses into its second stage, pet owners can look forward to enhanced services and greater peace of mind, knowing that their beloved animals are better protected and managed.
