Qatar becomes more receptive to pet adoption as awareness of animal welfare rises

Pets

In recent years, Qatar has seen a notable shift in attitudes towards pet adoption, reflecting broader societal changes and a growing awareness of animal welfare.

This change is evident through the increase in adoption events, the establishment of animal rescue organizations, and the enhancement of public education initiatives, all of which contribute to a more compassionate stance towards animals.

Central to this evolving landscape have been the collaborative efforts of local and international animal welfare groups.

Organizations such as the Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) and Paws Rescue Qatar have been instrumental in advocating for and promoting pet adoption.

These groups rescue abandoned and stray animals, provide necessary medical care, and facilitate the adoption process. Their efforts have significantly reshaped public attitudes, encouraging more individuals to consider adopting pets.

Adoption events in Qatar have grown in popularity, providing a platform for potential pet owners to connect with animals in need of loving homes.

These events are often organized in partnership with shopping malls, community centers, and parks, ensuring they are accessible to a wide audience. Social media campaigns and collaborations with local influencers have also played a key role in promoting pet adoption.

Efforts to educate the public about the benefits of pet adoption, the responsibilities of pet ownership, and the challenges faced by stray animals have led to greater awareness and empathy within the community. Schools and youth groups actively promote a culture of respect and compassion towards animals from an early age.

The government has shown support for these initiatives through policy changes and financial backing for animal welfare projects. Measures to enhance animal protection from cruelty and neglect have been strengthened, and there are ongoing discussions about establishing more comprehensive legal frameworks for animal rights. Speaking to The Peninsula recently, Joseph Jeffin, founder of My Pet World app, Qatar’s first innovative multi-lingual all-in-one pet app, expressed his excitement about the positive trends in pet parenting in Qatar. “When we did a trial run of our business idea two years ago, we had very few community members. Today, the My Pet World community has grown significantly with over 5,000 app users and 100+ passionate pet parents meeting monthly in Qatar to share experiences and insights.

The response to My Pet World has been overwhelmingly positive, with more people creating pet profiles to manage their pets' data, shop for products, and book services through our centralized platform. We believe we are trendsetters in this vibrant and growing pet care community in Qatar," he said.

Recently, there has been a notable shift in Qatar's approach to pet adoption, reflecting broader societal changes and an increased awareness of animal welfare issues. Qatar's significant expatriate population has also influenced changing perspectives on pet adoption.

Many expatriates come from places where pet ownership and adoption are customary, bringing these beliefs with them. The transient nature of the expatriate community has, interestingly, highlighted the need to provide secure and caring environments for pets, as many animals are abandoned when their owners leave the country.

According to Dr. Tawakalitu Abdulsalam – Akanji (DVM, rcsi), a veterinarian practicing in Qatar for the past few years, the bond between humans and their pets in Qatar is remarkable, and it’s a joy to be part of a community that values the well-being of its furry companions so highly. "In Qatar, the love for pets, particularly dogs and cats, is evident in the lengths to which owners go to ensure their animals lead happy, healthy lives. From regular check-ups to specialized treatments, the commitment to providing the best possible care is unwavering. It is not uncommon for pet owners to seek out advanced medical procedures and holistic treatments, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of and concern for their pets’ health," she said.

"One of the most striking aspects of pet ownership in Qatar is the emphasis on preventative care. Pet owners are proactive in scheduling routine vaccinations, dental cleanings, and wellness exams. They understand that these measures are crucial in preventing diseases and extending the lives of their beloved pets. This proactive approach reflects a broader trend in Qatar towards health and wellness, extending naturally to the care of pets."

She added that the rise of pet-related services in Qatar, such as grooming, training, and pet-sitting, highlights the holistic approach that pet owners are taking.

"These services not only cater to the physical needs of pets but also contribute to their emotional and behavioral development. It is heartening to see such a comprehensive approach to pet care becoming the norm," she told The Peninsula.

Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Sara, a pet parent who recently joined a My Pet World meetup in Qatar, said, "Having lived in Qatar for over 20 years, I am delighted to see the positive trends in pet parenting. Connecting with other pet parents has provided a sense of community and support that makes me feel relaxed and confident as a pet owner. I love this new trend and am grateful to all the stakeholders involved in fostering this vibrant pet care community."

With countless heartwarming stories of rescued animals finding homes with caring individuals, often shared on social media to raise awareness, the dedication to pet care in Qatar is a wonderful illustration of the deep relationships between pets and their owners in the country, and this development is poised for further growth.

 

Source: The Peninsula Qatar