Amman’s street cats make way for dogs on leashes

AMMAN — The bond between humans and their pets is making new inroads in the Kingdom’s capital, thanks to raised awareness of animal rights and the contribution of pets to the lives of their owners, according to animal enthusiasts.

People of all ages in Jordan are recognising pets’ ability to boost well-being, Biljana Rusan, a pet owner living in Amman, told The Jordan Times on Sunday.

“When I hear my cat purring pleasantly it brings me positive messages filled with calmness and happiness,” she said.

Pets can be the companions, protectors, healers and best friends of their owners, Rusan said. 

The capital is becoming a pet-friendly place, boasting a rising number of facilities specialised in animal care, such as animal clinics, parks, lounges, spas, local pet clubs and even websites that provide training, home veterinary care and pet food delivery to owners’ doorsteps, Rusan added.

Gone are the days when Jordanian streets regularly witnessed animal exploitation and cruelty, she said, highlighting the emergence of animal rescue groups as well as compassionate citizens who work to alleviate the suffering of street animals, whose efforts have resulted in a positive shift in Jordanians’ outlook towards animals.

Veterinarian Abdulrahman Tahat said that the motives for having pets vary, noting: “Some people raise pets for physical or psychological rehabilitation.”

Therapists prescribe pet ownership as a way of dealing with anxiety and psychological problems, since animals’ show of affection has a therapeutic effect, Tahat told The Jordan Times on Sunday.

Nowadays, Tahat said, veterinarians enjoy an expanded role in society, as more segments of the Jordanian community now have pets. 

Noting this rise in pet ownership, Khalifa Allozi came up with the idea of a mobile pet service, which he launched in 2018.

His van provides grooming and vaccination services for his customers.

Mais Daaja, manager of the mobile project, highlighted the importance of caring for animals, as it instills the values of caring and responsibility in young and old.