Visiting a veterinarian

Little Seren, a frisky puppy, was recently rescued from a life on the streets in MSQ...Last month, she was adopted by a loving family in Muscat. One year old Lola, another puppy, was rescued from street life in Sohar last year. She went straight into a foster home and was adopted by a family in March. Malcolm, a one year old dog, was rescued with the remainder of his pack from near the airport, some of them seriously injured, until he was adopted by a compassionate man a few weeks ago.

Given the current uncertain situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with expatriate families leaving Oman for good - often in a hurry - innocent pets are being left stranded or abandoned near residential areas or commercial establishments by their owners. While many citizens and residents in Oman feel for these animals, who often are left to suffer hunger and disease, or attacks from strays as well as road accidents, only a few have been coming forward to lend a helping hand.

There are a few organisations toiling for the welfare of abandoned pets and other animals in Oman by way of providing them with medical treatment as well as foster homes. However, with the rising number of cases of abandoned pets, most animal shelters and foster homes are full to capacity. In such a scenario there is a clarion call for people in Oman to reach out to rescue as well a provide care to these hapless pets.

Rescue, Muscat Animal Rescue Team and many more groups popularised on social media, all of which are either providing rescued animals with foster homes in Oman or making arrangements to send them to willing individuals/homes in Europe, USA, UK and other countries. One can either attempt to rescue the pet and take it to a veterinarian or call up any of these organisations to intervene to do the needful.

Before you take an injured animal to a private veterinary hospital for treatment, be willing to assume financial responsibility for the animal. Good care for animals is not cheap in any country. Anyone who is committed to trying to save injured animals should discuss these issues in advance with the veterinarian. Veterinarians can also provide information/guidance about animal shelters and rescue organisations, in case you do want to hand over the pet and not take it to your own home.

Omani Paws Rescue, an all-volunteer, fos

Rescue organisations

ter-based rescue organisation in Muscat, focused on improving the lives of stray cats and dogs in Muscat, has a diverse group of dedicated volunteers to help animals in need in many ways. They trap, neuter and release cats and dogs, rescue injured, sick or abandoned cats and dogs and provide full medical rehabilitation, vaccinations and preventatives, they foster cats and dogs, and raise awareness about the plight of the voiceless animals by encouraging adults and children to interact with them, besides arranging and assisting for import/export of companion pets.

Omani Paws calls on individuals to help by either being a volunteer or provide financial assistance via various outlets including those at Mackenzies at The Wave, My Cupcake in Qurum, Al Qurum Vet and Capital Vet. One can also donate household items, furniture, clothing, accessories, or anything else which can go towards raising funds for the organisation, or provide a foster home or adopt an abandoned pet.

Muscat Dog Adoption says it had effected a total of 53 successful adoptions in 2020 with some of the rescued dogs going to homes abroad in the UK, USA and the Netherlands. Three were also sent to adoption groups in the US while many others were handed over to families willing to adopt pets in Oman till March 2021./

MDA says, if you are not in a position to adopt a dog why not sponsor one. It can make a great present for someone special. You can make a one-off donation or a regular donation and help to make like easier for one of our dogs. Donations are also accepted in the form of bedding (blankets and quilts), dog food (wet and dry), dog treats, collars, leads and toys. MDA volunteers regularly hold car boot sales and table top sales to raise money towards this end. Adult volunteers are also needed to help with socialising the dogs, walking them and giving them some attention.

The Wave Cats & Dogs Rescue (TWCDR), which started with just three volunteers, has gone from strength to strength, and now boasts of 55 committed volunteers. In partnership with Al Mouj Muscat, they work tirelessly managing the stray cats and dogs within the community, compassionately and humanely.