How to Foster Pets in Qatar

New In Doha is happy to feature this guest post by Tracy Kassandra, a Doha-based photographer and marketer.

In Qatar, there are several rescue centres, organisations and of course volunteers that go above and beyond to ensure as many animals as feasibly possible have good homes. Because space is limited at these facilities foster parents are always needed even for short periods, like a few days.

Fostering means you decide to take in a homeless pet into your home, where you will give him or her attention, love and care for a period of time or until the pet is adopted.

Of course, fostering does mean you are committing your attention and time to save the life of another animal, however, with the efforts of these charities, the duties are somewhat reduced, making it all that much easier to foster or even adopt. If necessary, vaccines, X-rays and regular check-ups are scheduled & paid by the sponsoring organisations. If you don’t have a car, there are willing volunteer drivers who are all too happy to help where possible. 

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Having fostered two dogs this year through PAWS and Desert Hound Express Foundation, we found the general process is as follows:

Steps to foster a pet in Qatar

1. Declare interest in either fostering or adopting through social media. It usually starts with just a comment or a private message from you.
2. Contact is made with the organisation for availability. Generally it’s more comfortable for the pup to stay with a long term foster parent, however, often only a few days may be required.
3. WhatsApp group created for general updates and movements.
4. Drop off arranged including the provision of necessities (such as food, leashes and bowls), if required. Let the organisation know what you do have to take care of the foster pet.
5. Schedule veterinary appointments, if needed. Foster parents are not expected to pay vet bills.
6. Search for a permanent home. Pets are normally sent to the US or Europe if a home in Qatar is not found. 
   • The sponsoring organization will search for a flight buddy (a volunteer flying to the nearest destination of the adopter, who is willing to take the pet during their journey). The pet ticket and all paperwork are paid by the sponsor, whether an organisation or individual.
   • Coordinate delivery of the pup to the new parent or organisation abroad- YAY! 

Overall fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience; to see an injured, sick and wearing dog or cat revitalised with love, trust, energy, and affection is truly a gift. Not to mention the benefit of socialisation if you have other dogs or cats. Our two German Shepherd dogs have learned to live and play with a puppy and a recovering dog, an experience they would not have otherwise.

Additionally, the thought of providing a safe environment for the pets is reason enough to take on these extra, temporary commitments.

To get started join one of the many Facebook groups where you will often see posts asking for assistance with fostering, adopting, being a flight buddy, or supporting financially. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Dogwalkersindoha/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/734875506531428/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/554325194695607/

I also recommend, following and supporting these organisations :

• PAWS Qatar
• Desert Hound Express Foundation
• Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS)
• 2nd Chance Rescue
• Evenstar Charitable Organisation
• BarkinQ
• Cat Lovers Qatar
• Fur Bae Rescue
• TNR Qatar

If there are other groups or animal rescue organisations please share them below!