Pet Evacuation, Fostering and Kindness: A Conversation with Project RIFQ’s Founder

On Live FM 107.2 invited Hanuf, founder of Project RIFQ, an animal welfare advocacy initiative in Bahrain, to talk about how pet parents can protect their animals during the current regional crisis and rising pet abandonment

With the current regional developments, what are pet parents in Bahrain most worried about?

The main concern we hear is: “We cannot leave the country because of our fur babies.” Many families are choosing not to evacuate because they don’t want to leave their pets behind, and they feel there are not enough pet‑friendly evacuation options.

If someone feels they can no longer take care of their pet, what should they do instead of abandoning them?

• It is a scary situation and we understand that, but there are better options than abandonment.
• Board your pet in a reputable pet hotel until the situation calms down and you can return.
• Board your pet in a reputable pet hotel until the situation calms down and you can return.
• Relocate your pet with you to the country you are moving to, using proper documentation and permits
• If none of this is possible, put your pet up for adoption by sharing good photos and details to trusted Instagram pages that we have linked on our Project RIFQ account
• The best outcome is always to keep your pet with you wherever you go.

What should be in a pet emergency kit if a family needs to move to a safer location or another country?

Think about everything your pet needs for relocation and transport. For families driving through Saudi, the basic requirements are: a valid rabies vaccine, a pet passport, an import permit from the Saudi online portal, and an export certificate from the animal quarantine centre in Buri. Once you have both import and export papers, you are allowed to travel onward with your pet.

How can we help pets stay calm during loud noises or tense times?

Pets mirror our emotions, so keeping them calm starts with keeping the environment calm and predictable. I use constant background noise for my pets – for example, they love the sound of the cartoon “Bluey”, plus the AC or a fan, which helps block sudden outside noises. It also helps to give them a safe “den” like a covered corner, under a table, or a box where they can hide and feel secure

Why are ID tags and microchipping so important, especially during a crisis?

Microchipping creates accountability – it clearly shows who owns the pet, so the owner can be traced if the animal is lost or abandoned. There is a strong push for mandatory microchipping in Bahrain, and reforms are in progress to strengthen responsibility for pet ownership

How can people in Bahrain join and support Project RIFQ?

First, follow our Instagram page @project.rifq and share our posts to spread awareness. Second, sign up through the volunteer link in our bio – we welcome all skill sets and try to match volunteers with shelters or independent rescuers who need exactly those skills. Anyone can volunteer, whether they want to foster, help with transport, social media, admin work or donations.