Prominent veterinarian Dr. Salehatul Khuzaimah, fondly known online as Dr. Ima, has become an inspirational figure after her recent TikTok video went viral. The video, posted on October 9, showcases Dr. Ima’s heartfelt commitment to treating animals, including dogs, at her clinic, an act she performs with unwavering passion and a profound sense of duty.

The feature, shared by dog media company MyForeverDoggo, highlights Dr. Ima's courageous journey as a Muslim veterinarian challenging stigmas while embodying the principles of kindness and care through her faith.

In the video, Dr. Ima candidly addresses a question often posed to her: "How can a Muslim vet treat dogs?" Her response is rooted in compassion and responsibility.

Check out the video below:
@drima_vet Ihsan to every animals including dogs. Thank you @myforeverdoggo for the awesome coverage ❤️#vetlife #drima_vet #TikTokGuru #LearnOnTikTok #fyp #foryoupage #JomBelajar #dog ♬ original sound - Salehatul Khuzaimah - Dr Salehatul Khuzaimah


“As a Malaysian, as a Malay, as a Muslim, we’ve been taught that touching or having dogs is forbidden. If I wasn’t in this field, I probably would still have the same stigma,” she shared.

Acknowledging the challenges, she explained her process of working with dogs, observing their behaviour to ensure their comfort and safety. While admitting her initial fears, Dr. Ima stressed that understanding and kindness guide her actions.

Despite her efforts to save and treat animals, Dr. Ima has faced criticism, with some calling her work haram and urging her to quit. Undeterred, she stands firm in her beliefs:

“Being a vet is not about choosing your patients. In emergencies, we must attend to all animals, including dogs.”

She also highlighted the negative consequences of fear and misinformation, citing incidents where dogs have been harmed due to ignorance or prejudice.

Dr. Ima passionately advocates for improving education and awareness about animal welfare in Malaysia. She encourages responsible pet ownership, urging people to spay and neuter animals to control overpopulation and reduce stray cases.

“We are trying to educate the next generation,” she said. “If you don’t like animals, it’s okay, but please don’t harm them.”

Ending her video with an empowering call to action, Dr. Ima urged pet lovers to embrace adoption: “Adopt, don’t shop!” Her words resonate deeply with those who believe in giving every animal a chance at love and care.

One thing is for sure; Dr. Ima is not just a veterinarian, she’s a role model for compassion, challenging stereotypes and inspiring a kinder, more understanding approach to animal care. Her message is clear: empathy knows no boundaries, and every creature deserves respect and kindness.

Source / Image Credit : SAYS , drima_vet (TikTok), myforeverdoggo