Career
Since 2016, the AsstrA Polska Sp. z o.o. customs agency in Kuźnica has been helping German organizations like Hundehilfe Russland e.v., Kesha E.v., and Hundeherz Russland e.v. find owners for homeless Russian dogs and cats.
In Russia, there are more stray dogs and cats than households willing to take them in. Although there are numerous charities and family festivals organized to help these animals find homes, many of them still live on the streets. That is why the initiative supported by Asstra Polska is so important.
In Germany, there are many people eager to take in these animals. Future owners are verified by foundation members who ensure that the animals go to homes where they will be loved and cared for.
"The AsstrA Polska customs agency in Kuźnica has been supporting the adoption of homeless animals for 4 years. On behalf of the these German foundations, AsstrA specialists help the animals clear customs and pass the veterinary inspections necessary for their entry into the European Union.
We make sure that the necessary documentation is in order for each vehicle to pass through veterinary and customs controls. This is often challenging, and not just in terms of complying with the regulations. Nevertheless, we don't give up because we know that a better life is waiting for the animals on the other side of the border.
It took us 12 hours to clear customs with the last group of dogs. We were afraid the vehicle would have to return to Russia. Big thanks to everyone involved for your help, support, and patience,” says Jolanta Plichta, Customs Clearance Specialist at the AsstrA Customs Agency in Kuźnica.
"These animals go to new homes thanks entirely to the involvement of people who wish to prevent their suffering. The route from Russia to Germany is several thousand kilometers long, so it is important to settle all formalities as quickly as possible.
There are beautiful moments when all formalities can be completed smoothly and efficiently. But there are also challenging cases that last several hours due to documentation errors. This is what happened with the last vehicle, which was weighed incorrectly and was therefore at risk of being sent back to Russia.
Checking and re-weighing the vehicle took several hours, and time was running out for the dogs who had already been on the road for two days and still needed to travel on to Germany.
Fortunately, we received a helping hand from the Customs Department in Białystok. Thanks to the efforts of the AsstrA team and the veterinarian at the border, the Head of the Kuźnica Customs Department authorized the onward journey. Thus the pets were able to continue on to their new homes,” emphasizes Dorota Klim-Siemieńczuk, Head of the AsstrA Polska’s Kuźnica Customs Agency.
The German charities expressed their deep thanks and gratitude for the help the AsstrA team provided for the animals. This good work inspires more in the future.