Qatar Expat-run Dog Shelter Fears Being Overwhelmed With Dumped Pets

Published:  8 Jul at 6 PM
Want to get involved?

Become a

Featured Expat

and take our interview.

Become a

Local Expert

and contribute articles.

Get in

touch

today!

As the expat exodus from Qatar gathers pace, the emirate’s Paws dog shelter is fearing a surge in dumped pets.

There are no accurate statistics on the number of abandoned dogs in Qatar, but Paws estimates there are tens of thousands desperately trying to survive in the scorching heat. Given that expatriates make up around 90 per cent of the population, it seems taking responsibility for one’s pet dog when leaving for the home country isn’t high on their agendas at the present time.

Co-founder of the Paws dog shelter Alison Caldwell told local media the phone calls from expats asking for help in rehoming the family pet have started already. Major oil and gas companies based in Qatar as well as Qatar Airways have warned sweeping cuts in staff are imminent, due to the global economic slowdown caused by the pandemic. The shelter only has space for 30 dogs and 60 cats, a drop in the ocean when compared with the ongoing expat exodus.

In addition, it’s now almost impossible to rehome their rescued pets, although the shelter’s website is now getting a few results from kind people across Europe who’re happy to adopt. Unfortunately, with few flights now in operation, adopted dogs are being fostered until a flight can be arranged. Paws’s scheme for overseas adoption rests with kind-hearted travellers who agree to carry dogs to their country of adoption as excess baggage, with the arrangement costing around $300 rather than the $1,600 charged for air freight.

The shelter has been rehoming stray dogs since its founding in 2013, and has already taken in a large number of pets whose owners erroneously believed dogs and cats can spread the virus. Others arrived due to illness and hospitalisation of their owners, putting a strain on the shelter’s donation-based finances. To date, Paws has rehomed over 1,000 dogs, with the iconic Saluki hunting breed the most popular.



Comments » No published comments just yet for this article...

Feel free to have your say on this item. Go on... be the first!

Tell us Your Thoughts On This Piece:

RECENT NEWS

Celebrating Hanukkah In The Netherlands

As the year draws to a close and more and more of your daily life is conducted in the darkness of winter, the Jewish fes... Read more

Why The Netherlands Is The Best Place For Expats To Start A Business

Practica Coaching offers various coaching programmes, tailored to help you take that next step in your career or to help... Read more

How To Deal With Difficult People At Work

I was brought to tears by my boss once in my life. I was 21, inexperienced and a bit naive - just like a 21-year-old sho... Read more

7 Dutch Christmas Traditions To Incorporate Into Your Festivities

Whether this is your first Christmas in the Netherlands or you just want to start celebrating the festive season the Dut... Read more

How To Get A Car In The Netherlands: A Guide For Expats

Moving to a new country can be stressful. There is a lot to take care of, including transportation such as a car. Mobili... Read more

Dutch Tongue Twisters To Master Your Pronunciation

Learning Dutch is challenging - especially when it comes to the pronunciation - but if you really want to put yourself ... Read more