On 14 November 2025, the IV “Four-pawed Defenders” awards ceremony took place at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War — an event honoring service dogs and their handlers who carry out critically important tasks for the security of our country every day.
These canine heroes support the military, rescuers, border guards, police, and other services: they detect explosives, mines, weapons, and narcotics, search for missing persons, work on the front line, and save lives.
This year, 27 service dogs and their handlers were recognized in five categories:
• Explosive detection
• Mine search dog
• Special purpose dog
• Narcotics detection
• For a life saved
K9 units from ten Ukrainian security and defense agencies were invited to participate, including the Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Guard, National Police, State Emergency Service, State Border Guard Service, Security Service of Ukraine, Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence, State Guard Department, State Customs Service, and the State Criminal-Executive Service. Handlers from Ukrzaliznytsia and the Pavlohrad Rescue Dog Unit “Antares” also took part.
The BRAVECTO® brand proudly supported this important initiative of the Ukrainian Kennel Union together with Royal Canin Ukraine. For us, it is an honor to be a partner of an event that brings together people and dogs who work daily for the safety of Ukraine.
To mark the occasion, all nominees received a one-year supply of flea and tick protection from BRAVECTO® — our gesture of support for the four-legged heroes who require reliable protection during their service.
This year’s ceremony also coincided with the 35th anniversary of the Ukrainian Kennel Union — the largest professional community of dog experts in the country.
“Four-pawed defenders” is an initiative that, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, has become a symbol of gratitude and recognition for service dogs and their handlers. Over four years, 88 canine heroes have been awarded — each of them a part of the story of our nation’s resilience.
BRAVECTO® honors all who serve, save, and protect.
And those who stand beside them — on two legs and on four.
