Rising regional tensions are compelling some UAE pet owners to make tough choices, with rescuers reporting that many are leaving their animals behind when traveling.
Animal welfare groups and veterinarians in the UAE report receiving numerous requests from residents seeking assistance with pets, as regional tensions have led some people to travel or rethink their plans.
Rescuers noted that in some instances, pets were abandoned as owners prepared to leave the country, while veterinarians received inquiries about euthanasia for animals that were otherwise healthy.
According to animal welfare groups and veterinarians in the UAE, the recent escalation in regional tensions has led to a rise in pet‑related distress calls from residents facing travel uncertainty, with some owners struggling to arrange travel for their animals or reconsidering their plans as a result of the situation tied to the ongoing US‑Israel‑Iran conflict.
Rescuers reported that in some cases, pets were being left behind as people prepared to leave the country, and veterinarians even received inquiries about euthanising otherwise healthy animals.
Animal rescuer Chiku Singh said the issue appears linked to travel uncertainty after some countries issued advisories to their citizens amid the conflict, with panic and logistical challenges prompting difficult decisions about pet care.
While abandonment cases have been highlighted, she also noted that many pet owners are making significant efforts—sometimes spending large sums—to ensure their animals travel with them.
“When people panic, their first concern is often their own safety and travel logistics,” she said. “Unfortunately, pets become a complicated responsibility due to paperwork, airline restrictions, and costs, leading some people to make the heartbreaking decision to leave them behind.”
She said she had just 48 hours to relocate two dogs—a Chocolate Labrador and a Golden Retriever—after their owners prepared to leave the country.
“From what we are seeing in the rescue community, there have been more cases of pets being surrendered or needing relocation,” she said. “It is heartbreaking because pets rely entirely on their owners for safety and care.”
However, she also highlighted that many pet owners are going to great lengths to ensure their animals travel with them.
“Some pet parents are willing to spend thousands of dirhams to get their pets on a private jet along with them,” she said. “There are some very loving and responsible pet owners.”
Since the start of regional tensions, some residents have chosen to travel to their home countries, especially with the early spring break and with many companies offering work-from-home options. While some trips are short, others involve longer stays.
Unnecessary panic
Veterinarians reported receiving calls from owners seeking options for their pets before travelling.
“We received many calls in the first few days, with some even asking us to euthanize their pets because they were leaving,” said Dr. Kamal Adel, a surgeon at Capital Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi. “We refused because we were not going to put down a healthy animal due to unnecessary panic.”
Dubai resident Harish Matabonu started a group last week to foster animals after learning that some pet owners traveling abroad were seeking temporary homes for their pets.
“I started a WhatsApp group, and we have been taking in several cats and dogs for fostering,” he said.
He noted that many of the requests seemed driven more by fear than actual need. “I have been living in the UAE for 16 years and have seen how the leaders here take care of the people,” he said. “I know that we are safe here.”
In Ras Al Khaimah, young Italian-Venezuelan singer Sarah R Jay is also leading a digital initiative to coordinate emergency animal rescue efforts. She has developed a prototype platform called StraySpotter.com, which will provide real-time geolocation and an automated alert system to notify all registered users within a 50 km radius about new cases. She said she was inspired by the plight of abandoned animals and is seeking support to bring her app to life.
According to Singh, a common misconception among some pet owners is that they can easily drive to neighboring countries such as Oman or Saudi Arabia with their pets.
“Many owners believe that crossing borders with pets is simple, but in reality there are strict requirements,” she said. “Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated, have export and import permits, and obtain a government health certificate shortly before travel. For destinations like the UK, pets also require rabies antibody (titer) tests, which can take weeks or months before travel is allowed.”
She explained that some owners only realize these requirements at the border or when airlines refuse transport, making pet travel more complicated and costly. While fear during uncertain times is understandable, she stressed that abandoning pets should never be the solution.
“A pet is a lifelong responsibility, not something that can be left behind when travel becomes difficult,” Singh said. “There are relocation services, shelters, and rescue networks that can help owners find safe solutions for their pets if they truly cannot take them along.”
