Damascus Jan. 3 (SANA) In recent years, pet ownership has become an increasingly visible phenomenon in Syrian society, particularly in major cities. No longer limited to entertainment or imitation, it has evolved into a lifestyle choice for many, reflecting a human need for companionship and affection. At the same time, it raises questions about whether this trend is merely a sign of social luxury or an expression of compassion toward vulnerable creatures in need of care and protection.
A Growing Trend in Syrian Society
Many Syrians express a desire to keep pets, driven by the need for companionship, unconditional love, and the psychological benefits these animals provide. Households across the country host cats, dogs, hamsters, fish and birds. Some adopt pets for amusement, often unaware that caring for them requires long-term commitment and daily attention that can last months or even years.
Between Luxury and Human Emotion
For many citizens, pet ownership in Syria represents a blend of luxury and love. It goes beyond meeting the animal’s physical needs, extending into an emotional bond that makes the experience far deeper than simply keeping an animal at home.
Manal, speaking about her cat “Maysar,” said: “She is my companion in life… I cannot imagine living without her. She eases my loneliness after my children traveled abroad.”
Manal added that raising a pet is demanding and exhausting, but it brings inner happiness tied to compassion and humanity. Her three-year-old cat has become like a small child in the household.
Compassion for Street Animals
Reem, who feeds stray cats in her neighborhood daily, believes that pet ownership in Syria is above all an act of mercy. She noted that these creatures need nothing more than safety and food, away from harm—especially given the difficult living conditions the country has endured in recent years.
A Tool for Teaching Children Responsibility
Mona, for her part, chose to bring home a turtle for her young daughter to teach her responsibility. She explained that her daughter used to spend most of her time on her mobile phone, so adopting the turtle became a practical way to introduce her to the meaning of care, attention, and cleanliness while reducing screen time.
Proven Health and Psychological Benefits
Studies show that having a pet at home helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase physical activity, and improve mood and feelings of security. In Syria, pets have helped many ease the psychological pressures left by years of conflict.
For children, pet ownership fosters responsibility, empathy, emotional growth, and encourages movement and play away from screens.
Veterinary Perspective in Syria
“Around 99 percent of people visiting veterinary clinics in Syria are genuine pet lovers. They do not see pet ownership as a form of luxury.” Veterinarian Hassan Ismail said, adding that the primary motivation is love and emotional attachment to these creatures.
Dr. Ismail, who has worked in veterinary medicine since 2008, noted that Syrians maintained their care for pets even during the years of unrest. Many insisted on taking their animals with them when traveling or leaving the country, despite the difficulties and costs.
Economic Costs and Shifting Realities
Dr. Ismael added that economic conditions before the fall of the deposed regime affected the ability to purchase pet food, forcing some owners to rely on household meals. Today, however, prices of pet food and veterinary medicines have dropped by nearly half, following the removal of levies, customs, and checkpoints—making pet ownership more affordable in Syria.
Misconceptions About Cat Parasites
Addressing the widespread belief that cats transmit toxoplasmosis leading to infertility in women, Dr. Ismail clarified that this is inaccurate. The infection can be contracted through unwashed vegetables or raw meat, not exclusively from cats. He advised caution during pregnancy but stressed that the myth is misleading.
Most Popular Pets in Syria
According to Dr. Ismail, Syrian girls often prefer cats for their ease of care indoors, while young men lean toward dogs. Birds such as canaries, goldfinches, parrots, and lovebirds are also popular for their pleasant sounds. He has even encountered fewer common cases of rabbit ownership and more exotic animals.
A Human Experience Reflecting Social Values
Ultimately, pet ownership in Syria remains a multifaceted human experience, oscillating between luxury and compassion. At its core, however, it reflects values of responsibility and empathy, underscoring that the bond between humans and animals cannot be separated from the broader social, cultural, and humanitarian context of Syrian society today.
Iman Al-zuheiri
