IFAW is actively monitoring the escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly focusing on maintaining funding and support for operations in Lebanon despite challenging and dangerous conditions. Their President and CEO, Azzedine Downes, emphasized the priority of staff safety and the worsening situation due to spreading violence. IFAW is also addressing urgent concerns from people seeking to evacuate with their pets, working with veterinary authorities to secure emergency exemptions that allow animals to stay with their families during evacuations while adhering to strict animal health regulations.

To assist those needing to evacuate with pets, IFAW provides specific resources and contacts for Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, urging pet owners not to leave their animals behind. They recommend ensuring pets are travel-ready and offer guidance through local organizations such as Animals Lebanon, Paws Rescue Qatar, and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. IFAW remains committed to supporting affected communities and will continue updating the public as the situation develops.