Dodo Pizza Founder Apologizes After Employee Firing Over Stray Dog

The founder of Dodo Pizza, Russia’s largest pizza chain, has issued a public apology after a delivery driver in Chelyabinsk was fired for providing a blanket to a stray dog during freezing temperatures. The incident sparked widespread outrage and calls for a boycott of the company.

The Incident and Initial Backlash

Mikhail, a delivery driver at a Dodo Pizza location in Chelyabinsk, was dismissed over the weekend after wrapping a stray dog, nicknamed “Dodobonya” by staff, in a blanket to protect it from the severe cold. The dog had reportedly been a familiar presence near the restaurant for approximately a year. A newly appointed manager had previously warned employees against assisting the dog, citing company policy and threatening disciplinary action.

Following Mikhail’s firing, the dog was taken to a local animal shelter. Dodo Pizza’s mobile app was flooded with one-star reviews, and social media platforms erupted with criticism of the company’s decision.

Dodo Pizza’s Response and Apology

Fyodor Ovchinnikov, the founder of Dodo Pizza, publicly apologized to the fired employee on Tuesday, February 25, 2026. He stated that the company would reinstate pet-friendly policies across all its pizzerias in Russia and announced plans to provide long-term support for animal shelters.

Ovchinnikov also expressed a willingness to rehire Mikhail, potentially in a role focused on animal welfare initiatives. He appealed to the public to cease harassing the local manager who initiated the firing, while acknowledging that she had been temporarily suspended from her position.

Company Relocation and Ongoing Criticism

The controversy unfolded after Dodo Pizza’s parent company, Dodo Brands, relocated its headquarters to Kazakhstan in the previous year. Initial company statements attempted to justify the firing by citing pre-existing concerns about Mikhail’s attendance and alleged property damage, but these explanations failed to quell the public outcry. Charter 97 reported that the Belarusian branch of the network also commented on the situation.

Further Details

The temperature in Chelyabinsk has been well below zero in recent weeks, exacerbating concerns for the stray dog’s welfare. Hindustan Times reported the temperature was around minus 20 degrees Celsius at the time of the incident. The manager, Yulia, reportedly issued an ultimatum to employees forbidding them from assisting the dog.

Key Takeaways

• Dodo Pizza faced significant public backlash after firing an employee for helping a stray dog.
• The company founder issued a public apology and announced policy changes to address the situation.
• The incident highlights the growing sensitivity towards animal welfare in Russia.
• Dodo Pizza’s parent company recently relocated its headquarters to Kazakhstan.