The pet culture in Qatar

Member since 30 May 2013

PriscillaViP06 March 2019 09:25:47

42358

Hey everyone,

Pets are an integral part of a lot of families. So much so that they would never consider moving abroad without them. Before doing so, it would be important to know the pet culture in Qatar just to make sure that their little 聯expets聰 feel welcomed in their new homes. Would you give our expats-to-be an insight of what it is like to have a pet in Qatar by answering the following questions?

What part do pets play in society in Qatar? Are they generally accepted in rentals and public spaces more generally?

Is it common for families to have pets?

What animal is the most often kept as pets? Are there some animals that cannot be kept as pets? Do some animals have specific significations when kept as pets?

How about the infrastructure needed to cater for pets? Can you find everything you need for your pet in terms of pet food, veterinary services, accessories, pet grooming etc...?

Do people generally spend a lot of money on their pets?

Please share your experience,

Priscilla

T.E.Lawrence New member

Member since 20 November 2016

T.E.LawrenceNew member11 March 2019 06:23:21

Doha is not a town for fur covered mammals
Dogs are hated and mistrusted by the local people
Most compounds have a collection of wild/feral cats which are a miserable collection of animals.
I am a dog lover and I would ask you not to bring dogs here.

T.E.Lawrence New member

Member since 20 November 2016

T.E.LawrenceNew member11 March 2019 06:38:10

(OK David Attenborough, I get that mammals are de facto fur covered)

Thomas Wallace New member

Member since 21 December 2018

Thomas WallaceNew member11 March 2019 12:12:15

Well I can say that I have just re imported my Egyptian Mau Cat Alex to Doha for the 3rd time since 2012 馃お he is purely a house cat, that needs just the minimum TLC. Dogs are a handful due to requiring exercise and it must be difficult for folks in the hotter months however, each to their own and if you love your pet you will ship it wherever you go.

Most importantly remember and be prepared to take it with you, as many are left behind, often dumped in the street by those without a conscience. People such as Kimmy Clarkson who is a Doha Angel are left to pick up the pieces and rescue these, often in a poor state animals and try rehome them here or abroad.

KhanMo Member

Member since 09 December 2018

KhanMoMember11 March 2019 22:58:15

Very true. Dogs and cats are kicked and thrown rocks at. There was a time when the municipality was hunting and putting them down (dogs). There aren't any shelters for them except one which is being run by a group of expats.

Paraglider New member

Member since 13 June 2009

ParagliderNew member12 March 2019 10:29:23

A lot depends on where you are living. If you are in one of the gated compounds among ex-pat neighbours, your dog might be accepted, but if you are in an inner city apartment block or even in a villa with local neighbours, it is best not to think about having a dog. Remember that dogs are unclean in Islam so it is at best insensitive to add to their numbers. Cats are less of a problem but should be strictly controlled and never allowed to roam free. Feral cats are abundant in the city so you will be fighting a constant battle against diseases, fleas and worms.聽 If you are interested in them, tropical fish and terrapins are popular and easily available in the pet shops, as are cage birds of all shapes and sizes. And if you have hundreds of thousands to spend, you could even take up falconry which would win you much respect with the Qatari people. Prize birds change hands for upwards of a million Riyals. Then there are racing camels. . .