Animal welfare advocates have spoken out about the heavy financial and emotional toll of rescuing strays, with some spending more than BD10,000 from their own pockets over the past two years to keep vulnerable animals alive.
The GDN spoke to several community rescuers who have become a vital lifeline for the kingdom’s abandoned animal population, often stepping in where resources and support fall short.
Ms Waters
Among them is Canadian mother-of-two Mariah Waters, who said she spends an average of BD615 a month caring for dogs and cats.
“Rescuing a single dog or cat costs around BD100, covering disease testing, spaying/neutering, microchipping, vaccination, deworming and medical grooming,” she said.
“If an animal is found with an illness, treatment can cost between BD100 and BD300, while injuries can push costs between BD200 and BD500 or more.”
Ms Waters, who typically takes in one or two rescues a month, said she also pays around BD300 monthly towards accumulated vet bills, in addition to BD100 for dog food and around BD80 for cat food and litter.
Through her Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme, she has nearly completed work in her neighbourhood, spending around BD800 so far.
But she said the burden of rescue work goes far beyond finances. “Rescuers carry the emotional toll of neglect, abandonment, injuries, illness and death, while also witnessing the harsher side of human behaviour,” she explained.
“We also face health issues such as fatigue from lack of sleep, grief, guilt and anxiety, especially when resources or support are limited.”
Although grateful for the backing she receives, Ms Waters said donations remain scarce, averaging one or two donors per month, or none at times. She also receives discounts of 10 to 20 per cent from vets and 10pc from pet stores.
“Since starting this journey two years ago, I have spent more than BD10,000 on rescue efforts,” Ms Waters said.
Ms AlKhamiri
For 48-year-old Bahraini Najla AlKhamiri, the monthly costs of running her Bahrain Mercifuls Rescues programme range between BD500 and BD1,000.
She is currently looking after more than 30 cats, while also feeding strays and supporting TNR initiatives – a humane and effective long-term approach to controlling stray cat populations.
“Food costs alone can reach several hundred dinars each month, and the rising cost of supplies continues to place significant financial pressure,” she said, adding that veterinary care remains one of the biggest financial burdens, costing hundreds of dinars each month.
These costs include blood tests, diagnostics, vaccinations, microchipping, surgeries, dental work, hospitalisation, emergency treatment and preparing animals for adoption.
Ms AlKhamiri said many rescued animals are sent abroad for adoption, as finding committed homes in Bahrain remains difficult.
“While overseas adoptions can give rescued animals a second chance at life, the process comes with a heavy financial burden, including travel crates, export documentation, air tickets and pet taxi services,” she said.
Limited space to foster also means some animals must be placed at boarding facilities, costing around BD50 per animal.
Like many rescuers, Ms AlKhamiri said public support is often minimal and not enough to cover the true cost of rescue work.
“I often remain in debt to provide for the animals already under my care, because I have a soft heart and cannot say no to a helpless soul asking for help,” she said.
She explained that donations often come when an animal is suffering on the streets, but once it is rescued and taken to a clinic, support quickly fades.
“Then the responsibility falls entirely on me.”
Beyond the financial strain, Ms AlKhamiri said rescue work has taken a toll on per personal and family life.
“Even simple decisions, such as buying lunch, can become difficult when I have to weigh my own needs against feeding the cats in my care. It leaves me with little time for my family and no real days off. But I always ask myself, if I don’t do it, who will?”
Ms Wooldridge
For 31-year-old Bahraini Maha Wooldridge, an office administrator, rescue work costs between BD70 and BD100 a month for food and essentials. Over the years, she has rescued and rehomed more than 100 animals.
“Over time, my work expanded beyond cats and dogs, and I have also taken in exotic birds and even monkeys when they were in urgent need of help,” she said.
At one point, she cared for more than 25 cats, while working part-time and relying on the support of others.
“It was one of the most difficult periods of my life. I am also a mother, and I balance my family responsibilities alongside my rescue work, which requires constant time, planning, and emotional commitment,” she explained.
Over her 13 years of rescue work, Ms Wooldridge has encountered cases of illegal dog fighting, helping rescue affected animals and ensure their safety. She now focuses on senior animals, unadoptable cases, and critical medical situations such as neonatal care.
“I estimate I have personally invested more than BD3,000 in rescue efforts including food, veterinary care, medications, and emergency treatment,” she said, adding that the work has had a major impact on her personal life.
“I cannot travel or make spontaneous plans, as everything must be arranged in advance to ensure proper care for the animals.”
While she receives support through donations, direct veterinary payments, and food and medication contributions, she said it is still not enough to cover all expenses and she covers additional costs herself.
“I believe authorities should establish safe shelters, implement continuous TNR programmes, enforce microchipping laws, take action against abandonment, and make spaying/neutering a standard part of responsible pet ownership.”
For those who are able, donating food, cleaning supplies or contributing towards mounting veterinary bills can also go a long way in supporting trusted independent rescuers and animal welfare associations.
Despite these challenges, Ms Wooldridge said she remains committed to caring for animals with no support or protection.
Those wishing to support their rescue efforts can contact Ms Waters on Instagram via @maysstraysrescuebh, Ms AlKhamiri via Instagram at @bahrain_mercifuls_rescues, or Ms Wooldridge on 34003196.
Many people want to help animals in need but may not have the money or resources to do so. However, there are still meaningful ways to make a difference:
* Place fresh water and dry food in shaded areas for strays, ensuring the space is cleaned afterwards to avoid disturbances.
* Open your home, whether temporarily or permanently, to a stray animal. Fostering helps free up space at shelters and allows rescuers to take in more animals.
* Volunteer your time — help clean shelters or foster spaces, assist at adoption events, or walk animals that may not have been exercised for some time.
* Choose adoption over buying. Adopting from local shelters or rescuers gives animals a permanent home and helps reduce the stray population.
* Raise awareness by sharing rescue cases, adoption posts, and urgent medical appeals on social media to improve animals’ chances of finding homes.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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