Expatriate pet owners are being strongly advised to keep their animals’ vaccinations current and their pet passports fully updated, ensuring they can travel at short notice if the need arises.
Veterinary clinics and pet relocation companies across the island have been overwhelmed with enquiries from residents seeking guidance on emergency procedures and how to depart at short notice amid escalating regional tensions.
Jetpet Global owner Inge Michiels told the GDN that her agency had seen a sharp rise in calls and messages from pet owners seeking vaccination appointments to ensure their animals were ready to travel in the coming days or weeks.
“We understand that the current situation is creating a great deal of uncertainty, especially for pet owners who may need to relocate at short notice,” she said. “Please be assured that we are closely monitoring developments and preparing wherever possible, so you are not caught off guard.”
Ms Michiels urged owners to ensure their pets’ vaccinations remain up to date.
She explained that cats require the rabies plus three-in-one vaccination, while dogs need the rabies plus five-in-one vaccination.
Keeping these current, she noted, can significantly reduce delays once travel options reopen.
She also advised families to open a crisis file – a free service designed to safeguard pets in emergencies. “Registering allows the agency to store all essential details about the animal and its owner, enabling arrangements to be made even if the owner is outside the country at the time of evacuation,” she said.
“In such cases, pets can be transported to join their owners or flown to the nearest safe destination.”
She recommends booking vaccination appointments as soon as possible, noting that certain requirements, such as the waiting period after a rabies shot, can delay travel if left too late.
Ms Michiels
Ms Michiels further cautioned that even after commercial flights resume, airlines may take additional time to restart live animal transport. “It is often reinstated gradually and remains subject to operational, regulatory and animal welfare considerations,” she said.
Meanwhile, Charis Vets director Dr Hansel Thomas told the GDN that pet owners should be mindful of their own stress levels, as animals are highly-sensitive to changes in their owners’ emotions.
“While mild anxiety is common, some stress-related symptoms may require closer attention,” he said. “Periods of uncertainty can feel overwhelming, but most pets will remain safe if their surroundings are stable and their owners stay calm.
“Noticing behavioural changes early and seeking advice when necessary is the best way to safeguard their health. If there is ever any doubt about a pet’s condition, seeking professional guidance is always the safest option,” he added.
Although Charis Vets is currently closed for routine services, it continues to accept chronic and emergency cases, including heart conditions, respiratory failure and renal failure.
The GDN contacted several veterinary providers to confirm availability for vaccinations. Smart Pet and Vet in Amwaj remains open, while Loyal Vets is offering home visits. Operating hours for both are subject to change depending on the developing situation.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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