There is no hiding that recent times have been filled with uncertainty for everyone in Kuwait, and all over the world. It seems like just when we were getting the hang of quarantine, and hopeful to be out in the real world again soon, we are now under full lockdown.

Although this lockdown is very much needed to limit the spread of this awful virus, it has brought on a lot of stress. Now, is an especially stressful time for pet owners who have lost access to medical care for their pets. Since the full lockdown has been enforced, pets in need of dire care have been sent home from the vet office and animal clinics and hospitals are now closed.

This is not only terrifying to pet owners who are seeking treatment for their furry friends, but also to all animals on a specific diet. Although the coops do a great job of providing nutritious kibble and pet food in general, many animals may be on specific diets due to an illness. Those foods are usually only found in animal hospitals, which given the circumstances, have been shut down.

RAF (rescue, adopt & foster) is an amazing initiative built on lending a helping hand to animals in Kuwait and they’ve been saving, rehoming and treating animals for a while now. Since this lockdown started, they have been trying to shed light on this ongoing issue that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible, before any pet is at risk of losing their life.

We virtually got in touch with the co-founder of RAF, Danna Jawhar who has been pretty upset over these unsettling news, and this is what she had to say:

What is the situation with animal care after full lockdown? 

We did not expect this at all, to see a full shut down of all vets in Kuwait! We already have so much to worry about and now pet owners are in complete panic mode, this is so unnecessary. We literally have no access to medical care for animals anymore. It’s absurd. Animals have been discharged and sent home despite still needing medical care. A lot of fellow rescuers are having to continue things such as fluids for their cats from home.  It’s a pretty terrifying situation to be in, I speak for all pet owners when I say our animals are part of our family and worrying of an emergnacy with our hands tied behind our backs is horrible. Veterinarians are doctors in a different field of specialty caring for our animals and Kuwait should recognize this. We are so blessed with a group of the best vets here in Kuwait, all we ask is access for emergency situations. 

Are supplies now available? 
We have no access to supplies. Animal pharmacies are shut. Vets are shut. Pet stores are shut. The supermarkets do not have the same type of supplies as pet stores. I do hope all pet owners are fully stocked up on food and supplies for the next month. RAF has many special needs cats who are on very specific diets which can only be purchased through the vet, pet stores across Kuwait are literally sold out on every item from food to cat litter. This is causing such unnecessary panic. 

What is RAF doing to help? 
Through RAF we are just trying to raise awareness and really just doing our best to be supportive of our RAF followers with the hundreds of messages we are getting of them panicking about the situation. We have never gotten so many messages like the past two days. We can only offer advice, spread awareness, and hope for the best. Be the voice for animals & fight for better rights and access to healthcare at this already terrifying and unpredictable time. 

How can people get involved?
Kuwait is so small, it’s so amazing how quick messages and posts get around. Raise awareness. Be part of the change for animal welfare in Kuwait. Support your local animal rescue groups, spread their messages, one repost from you could reach someone who will make a change! Donations are not only in the form of money, food and supplies are also greatly appreciated, Kuwait may be on lockdown but we still have our rescues to care for. 

Share this information with friends and family and let’s work together to bring awareness to a very time sensitive topic. Head on over to RAF’s IG to read more.