Kurdistan Region capital catches pet fever, amidst coronavirus containment measures

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — During the isolation brought about by the Kurdistan Region’s coronavirus lockdown, Erbil resident Shilan Bahaadin decided she wanted a pet. 

She went out and bought a three-month-old foreign pedigree kitten for $200, which she named Katto and immediately took to a veterinarian.

“She has given us wonderful times…. Her reactions are so funny and make us laugh,” said the happy new pet owner.

The demand for household pets has increased in Erbil since the coronavirus lockdown and subsequent containment measures were put in place, according to pet shop owners. 

“Since the lockdown [in March], nearly 700 pets have been sold [in Erbil]. The demand has increased because people have stayed at home more," Sarhang Omer, a pet shop owner in Erbil, told Rudaw.

Dogs and cats are the most popularly purchased animals, but some of the 15 pet shops in the capital of the Kurdistan Region also sell exotic animals.

“We have lions, tigers, bears, snakes, dogs, cats and all kinds of birds. We also have fish. The price of the lions start from $4,000. The tigers are more expensive. Prices of the snakes start from $2,000,” Omer added.

Bashar Ismail is a veterinarian who has 15 years experience treating pets. He says local cat and dog breeds are highly sought after by foreigners, but locals mostly prefer to buy foreign breeds.

“There is a lot of demand for domestic dogs including Pishdari dogs and cats. Domestic cats have a better immune system,” said Ismail.

Despite this, the streets of the Kurdistan Region are unfortunately home to many stray dogs, who face the dangers of being shot dead, hit by cars, or poisoned.

Ismail says that people should realize the responsibilities that come with being a pet owner, prior to purchasing or adopting a pet.

“They [pets] need to be given vaccines and attention. They have to be taken to the veterinarian. You have to take them into their homes and give them your time. If you don’t do these things, then don’t own a pet,” warned the veterinarian.

Reporting by Mahdi Faraj