Dog groomer travels to Ukraine with van full of pet food

Dog groomer Kate Geernaert, from Paulton in Somerset, has set off for Ukraine with a van full of pet food and other items to help those with animals fleeing the conflict.

Geernaert, from The Dog Groomery in Paulton, left for the Polish border earlier this week with her partner Clint Sheppard.

They set off in convoy with vehicles from the charity Dogbus, first taking the Eurotunnel shuttle to France, before driving to eastern Europe. On reaching Poland, one of the vans will venture into Ukraine to provide aid, while others will help those who have crossed the border, reports SomersetLive.

Geernaert left with items including large bags of dog and cat food, jerry cans, medical supplies, leads, carriers, dog coats, and blankets. The couple also received cash donations totalling more than £10,000.

In a Facebook post, she wrote: “As we know, the Ukrainian people and animals are desperate and in need of help. Families are fleeing to safety with their pets and very few belongings and supplies.

“We can’t even imagine how scary this is for these people and pets right now.”