Ras Al Khaimah’s Business Leaders Champion Animal Welfare with ‘Pause for Paws’ Initiative
In a significant move to support animal welfare, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has launched the ‘Pause for Paws’ campaign, in collaboration with the RAK Animal Welfare Center (RAKAWC) and local organizations. This initiative, set to launch on August 17th in honor of International Homeless Animals Day, aims to find forever homes for rescued cats and dogs across the emirate.
The campaign has garnered support from key organizations, including RAK Ports, Stevin Rock, Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office, RAK Hospitality Holding, and local hotels. This collective effort showcases the shared commitment of Ras Al Khaimah’s business community to improving the lives of homeless animals.
A Beacon of Hope for Stray Animals
For over a decade, RAKAWC has been a beacon of hope for stray animals in Ras Al Khaimah. The center is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. Currently, RAKAWC cares for over 600 cats and dogs, each with a unique and touching story. Among them are animals like Smoky, a toothless cat found abandoned in a cardboard box, and a resilient feline who navigates life with just three legs. The shelter also provides sanctuary for puppies rescued from puppy mills and dogs found wandering the streets, brought to safety by compassionate residents.
Spotlighting Rescued Animals
The ‘Pause for Paws’ campaign will spotlight the ongoing efforts to provide care, shelter, and loving homes for the emirate’s homeless animals. Each week, the campaign will feature a different cat or dog from RAKAWC on social media, sharing their remarkable survival stories and lovable personalities to inspire local residents to adopt.
“Ras Al Khaimah is a close-knit community, and at RAKTDA, we are committed to supporting, educating, and inspiring our residents,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA. “Our mission is to raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare and inspire our community to take action. By working together, we can ensure that every cat and dog at RAKAWC finds a loving family, thereby building a stronger, more compassionate Ras Al Khaimah. Together, let’s be the voice for the voiceless and make a real difference in the lives of these animals.”
Community Engagement and Awareness
To bring the ‘Pause for Paws’ campaign to life, RAKTDA organized a photoshoot featuring individual images of the cats and dogs at the rescue center. This effort saw the participation of RAKTDA’s CEO, along with senior management and leaders from various Ras Al Khaimah organizations. A unique aspect of the campaign is the weekly appointment of a ‘Chief Pawsitivity Officer’ (CPO), highlighted on social media alongside a CEO from a Ras Al Khaimah government entity. This initiative is designed to drive adoptions by showcasing a professionally photographed cat or dog from the shelter each week, capturing their true personalities and charm to increase their appeal to potential adopters.
In addition to the social media campaign, RAKTDA and RAKAWC will host animal welfare awareness sessions at local schools. These sessions aim to educate the next generation on how to care for and protect animals, fostering a culture of compassion and responsibility within the community.
A Broader Commitment to Community Engagement
The ‘Pause for Paws’ campaign is part of RAKTDA’s ongoing ‘All About You’ brand campaign, which stars the ‘World’s Most Relaxed Cat.’ This campaign not only highlights the emirate’s natural beauty but also underscores the importance of animal welfare and community engagement. The feline character, inspired by the memory of a real-life cat named Leo the Zen Kitty, was rescued from RAKAWC and has since become a symbol of the serene and welcoming environment of Ras Al Khaimah.
RAKTDA’s commitment to community engagement extends beyond animal welfare. Earlier this year, the Authority engaged young Emirati students from the Higher College of Technology (HCT) in its ‘Most Relaxed Cat in the World’ campaign. Focused on sustainable design, students from HCT’s Applied Media faculty created an array of creative works, including 3D paper cut-out models and a cat dictionary. The standout project, the ‘Prowling Cat Activity Book’ by student Aamal Altenaiji, was recognized for its potential for widespread distribution in hotels, during international marketing events, and across the local community.
How to Get Involved
To adopt and provide a loving forever home to a furry friend, please contact RAKAWC at +971 56 357 6013. To learn more about the ‘All About You’ campaign, visit visitrasalkhaimah.com and check out the emirate’s social platforms on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
The ‘Pause for Paws’ initiative is a testament to Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to animal welfare, and with the support of the community, it promises to make a lasting impact on the lives of the emirate’s homeless animals.
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