Thousands of pets are being abandoned in Dubai as their expat owners flee the Middle East because of the Iran war, animal charities have said.

The RSPCA said pets of fleeing UK nationals could become “hidden victims” of the conflict as people who had relocated to the Gulf city scramble for an exit and struggle to bring their animals.

Last week, the UK government operated an emergency evacuation flight for people leaving the Middle East as the war continued. ABout 45,000 British nationals have left the Middle East since 1 March.

Hannah Mainds, the chief executive of the RSPCA Blackpool and north Lancashire branch, previously lived in Dubai and helped care for pets left behind after their owners suddenly left the country.

“Some [pets] were microchipped and clearly once loved, but their families had gone. It’s heartbreaking for rescuers and frightening for the animals,” Mainds said.

“Animals shouldn’t become the forgotten victims when people leave a country in a crisis. Pets rely entirely on their owners. They can’t understand why their family has suddenly disappeared – so we urge those facing uncertainty to remember their animals and get a proper plan in place.”

Animal shelters in the United Arab Emirates have reported an increase in pets being left by people leaving because of war.

K9 Friends, a charity that rescues abandoned dogs, said: “Due to the current situation, some people are being forced to leave the UAE suddenly, and sadly many pets are being left behind.

“We are doing everything we can to care for animals that have been left at the shelter while continuing to support the dogs already in our care.”

Dubai Street Kitties posted on Instagram that the situation was overwhelming the charity: “We are at full capacity. Every room is full. Every space is taken. And still, the calls do not stop. Injured cats. Abandoned cats. Kittens left to survive alone. There is always another life that needs help.”

The Six Hounds animal sanctuary added: “Daily requests are coming in. All of us are overloaded and underfunded and understaffed”

K9 Friends said it could provide contacts, help and information for people trying to leave. The RSPCA added that the UK had an agreement with the UAE so that pets did not need quarantining when brought back home.

The Dubai Municipality has reacted to the rise in stray cats and dogs by launching 12 AI-powered feeding stations across the city. It is illegal to abandon pets in the UAE and if caught the offence is punishable by fines of up to tens of thousands of pounds.