Local Arabic daily Arrayah reported that with the onset of winter, the turnout of customers at the pet shops has increased. In addition to residents, tourists also visit the market.
Besides selling various species of pet birds and animals, the shops sell the necessary equipment and tools to take care of them and their food too.
Tortoises for sale in a shop
The rush of visitors at the pet market in Souq Waqif
The traders said they have enough stock of pets for sale though the Ministry of Municipality and Environment has imposed an embargo on importing birds from Asia, Africa and many other countries, limiting the imports only to European countries such as Holland, Spain, Portugal and Netherlands.
Local breeding of birds and some types of pet animals have also provided the market with a good and reliable source of supply, especially colourful birds.
Among the pets for sale at the market are the squirrels, tortoises, rabbits and cats, in addition to different types of birds.
A child looks on fascinated at pet birds for sale
Sales of various types of pets at Souq Waqif in Doha has recently seen a considerable increase, compared to the same time last year, the shopkeepers and salesmen have affirmed.
