NABLUS (West Bank): A new animal clinic has opened in the occupied West Bank, part of a growing tendency among Palestinians to raise and pamper pets.

Veterinarian Ahmed Al-Amad’s Royal Care Vet Clinic, in the city of Nablus, is one of the few facilities in the Palestinian territories that offer grooming services for cats, dogs and other animals, and boarding while their owners travel.

Pet ownership has become more common in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in recent years, with some Palestinian supermarkets now designating sections for animal food and accessories.

“We started the project after the high demand for the services in the market,” Ahmed said.

“This is a private project. Despite that, we are ready to receive stray animals who require medical services.”

Palestinians have increasingly turned to domestic pets for comfort in the midst of clashes in the Israel-occupied Gaza Strip, and owners walking dogs are now a common sight.