Photo: Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS)
Doha: “After the storm, people of all nationalities united in the spirit of giving and helping. There is so much goodness, compassion, and hope right here in Qatar.”
That was how Nagham Al Badawi, founder of Furkids Sanctuary, described the days following the storm that swept across Qatar on March 26 and 27, leaving widespread damage to animal shelters across the country.
Floodwaters surged through enclosures, roofs collapsed, and critical infrastructure failed, forcing volunteers and rescue teams into urgent action to protect hundreds of vulnerable dogs and cats.
At Furkids Sanctuary in Al Khor, the destruction was immediate and severe. Several sections of the shelter were rendered unusable within hours.
“During the storm, we lost four dog rooms and three cat rooms. The roof collapsed and electricity cables were hanging, which made it very risky, so we had to shut off the power completely,” Al Badawi told The Peninsula. “There was flooding everywhere, inside and outside. One of the main areas where we keep dogs is now like a swimming pool.”
Metal roofing was torn apart, drainage systems failed, and fallen trees added to the damage. At the time, the shelter was caring for more than 190 animals, including over 130 dogs and around 60 cats, forcing the team to act quickly to keep them safe.
“We had to move many of the dogs and cats around,” she said. “We created temporary outdoor shelters using crates and palettes. Some dog areas are functional again, but the cat rooms are still completely unusable.”
The impact has been especially difficult for cats, many of which remain in small makeshift enclosures outdoors while reconstruction plans are still being assessed. Puppies and senior dogs are also among the most vulnerable.
“A lot of the dogs are puppies and need proper care and safe spaces. Some senior dogs are very stressed and need calm environments,” she said. “Our priority now is to find foster homes, especially for cats, so we can begin rebuilding properly.”
Photos: Furkids Sanctuary
Despite the disruption, around 45 animals have already been relocated through emergency fostering and adoptions.
The storm’s aftermath has also brought new health concerns. Exposure to rain and stress has led to illness among some animals.
“We have cats with eye infections and flu symptoms, and we’re coordinating with veterinary clinics to provide treatment,” Al Badawi said. “Some have already been sent for care, but medical costs are another challenge.”
While the needs remain urgent, ranging from medical care to rebuilding, what has stood out most is the scale of the community response.
Within hours of the storm subsiding, volunteers began arriving at shelters to offer support. At Furkids alone, around 200 people came forward over the weekend.
“They came with cleaning tools, supplies, food, everything,” Al Badawi said. “Families, children, people from all nationalities. It was incredible to see.”
Volunteers worked to clear debris, remove fallen branches, and pump out floodwater. The shelter brought in eight water tankers to help manage the flooding, though water remains in some areas.
Support also came from local companies, including electrical and cleaning service providers, who deployed teams to assist with repairs and sanitation.
The same spirit of solidarity was seen across other affected shelters.
At the Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS), the damage was equally devastating.
“It’s heartbreaking walking into the shelter and seeing the once proud tent lay in pieces,” the organisation said in a statement. “The safe haven that has offered shelter to hundreds of dogs over the past few years is completely gone.”
More than 115 dogs have been moved into emergency foster care, but space remains critically limited. “As of now, we still have dogs staying in the remains of the tent because we’ve exhausted all other spaces,” the statement added.
Paws Rescue Qatar also reported significant damage, including uprooted trees.
“Twenty-year-old trees were ripped up during the storm,” the organisation said, describing it as one of the most severe events they have faced. Despite the destruction, all animals in their care remained safe.
Support from the wider rescue network has played a key role in the response.
Volunteers such as James and Kseniia O’Neill have focused on logistics, delivering supplies and assisting with transport between shelters.
“Unfortunately, we can’t take animals into our home,” Kseniia told The Peninsula, “but we’re helping by delivering food and supplies and using our pickup truck to move donated goods, volunteers, and animals wherever they’re needed.”
Their efforts are ongoing, with continued support planned in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Laura Allaberdina, founder of Mission Pawssible, has mobilised additional resources, including grooming teams and supply distribution.
Photo: Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS)
“We’re working to groom as many cats as possible and sending teams to shelters,” she said, noting that her organisation also provides food, treats, and training support.
“Every small gesture matters, whether it's donating food, blankets, supplies, volunteering your time, or simply spreading awareness. What may seem small to us can mean warmth, safety, and hope for an animal in need,” she said.
“When we support shelters like QAWS and Furkids, we’re not just helping animals, we’re showing humanity, compassion, and unity as a community. Now more than ever, they need us.”
Back at Furkids, rebuilding remains a major challenge. “We can’t just repair one or two rooms. It has to be a permanent solution,” Al Badawi said. “We need to rebuild the entire area properly to make it safe and sustainable.”
In the meantime, the shelter continues to rely on volunteers not only for repairs, but also to help animals cope with the stress.
“We need people to come and walk the dogs, to help them decompress,” she said. “They’ve been through a lot.”
Despite the challenges, Al Badawi said the outpouring of support has been overwhelming.
“In one of the darkest moments, many pure hearts showed up. People from all nationalities came together, which is a reminder that, despite what we often see in the news, there is so much goodness, compassion, and hope right here in Qatar.”
How you can help
Send a direct message on FB or visit their Instagram pages and follow the links in their bios:
- Furkids Sanctuary: Instagram | Furkids By Nagham Badawi Page: Facebook
