GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Every morning, Said al-Arr, a Gazan of Bedouin origin, roams the streets of the Gaza Strip to find stray cats and dogs and provide them with food and health care. He then takes the animals that need constant care to his own association, which specializes in the care of stray animals, a first of its kind in Gaza.

There are no official associations or nongovernmental organizations — local or international — dedicated to the care of stray animals in Gaza, as raising pets is not a popular hobby among citizens. Taking care of animals is costly, and Gazans can’t afford it in light of their harsh living and economic conditions.

Arr established his association, “Sulala Association for Animals Care,” in May in the town of al-Zahra in central Gaza. He told Al-Monitor, “The aim of this association is to protect stray animals from being run over in the streets or getting killed. We also offer care for injured animals and raise awareness among Gaza’s citizens about animal care.”

The Sulala building, which occupies a space of 2,500 square meters (27,000 square feet), includes a smaller building to provide veterinary care for the animals and an open area planted with trees where the animals are put in cages.