Stray dogs appear to be a big problem in most communities. However, we should also consider the stress and depression the dogs experience because of their previous owners’ irresponsibility.

As a pet owner, you must understand that these strays deserve the love and attention you give your pets. We must show compassion for homeless dogs in our community.

If you’re unsure how you can contribute to the welfare of these homeless canines, here are some ways to help stray dogs.

The Stray Dog Issue Worldwide

In the UAE, more dogs and puppies are abandoned daily, even though pet abandonment has become a criminal offence. While many animal shelters and organisations try to rescue them, they quickly face overpopulation issues.

In Peru, it has been estimated that there might be as many as 40,000 stray dogs in the city of Cusco alone. In total, the number of stray dogs is about 300 million worldwide.

The number of strays around the world continues to rise. Many are abandoned pets, and most are unneutered or unspayed. This leads to stray dogs multiplying and puppies being born and living on the streets.

The welfare of these strays is truly saddening, but they also pose a threat to people and pets. Some strays develop aggressive behaviour and become ill with contagious diseases like rabies.

As members of our communities worldwide, we must also act on this issue—or, at the very least, not contribute to the growing problem of stray cats and dogs.

7 Ways You Can Help Stray Dogs in the Community

Whether you’re a pet owner or not, you can do many things to help strays in your community. You only need to give some time, effort, and compassion to homeless and abandoned dogs. 

Here are seven ways to help save stray dogs in the community.

 1. Provide Food and Water

Stray dogs scavenge for food by getting into our garbage and other unsanitary sources. Their source of drinking water may also be contaminated by harmful substances. 

By giving them healthy dog food and clean drinking water, you can also make a big difference in their lives. The risks of them dying from illnesses that they can get from unsafe food and water will be lower.

However, you must check the local laws in your area before doing so. For example, in Dubai, residents can be fined when caught feeding strays. 

It would be better to ask local shelters regarding safe and legal ways for feeding strays before doing so.

2. Build or Offer Shelter

Another cause of illness and death in most stray dogs is exposure to environmental hazards like intense outdoor heat and heavy rains.

Building or offering space so they can find a safe refuge to rest is an amazing way to help them. 

However, like feeding strays, you must check local regulations before doing this. Placing animal shelters on public properties might cause you trouble with the authorities. 

Also, be mindful of your safety as well. Stray dogs might be carriers of diseases. Before offering your space, it’s best to be knowledgeable on how to deal with stray dogs first.

3. Promote Spaying and Neutering

Spaying and neutering have many health benefits for dogs. Apart from that, it helps control the dog population.

This is why many cities worldwide have initiated TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release or Return) programs, including Dubai, Manila, Panama, and Istanbul.

TNR is a method considered humane as it aims to disable strays from reproducing and creating more stray animals. By promoting and helping TNR programs as a volunteer, you can contribute to lowering the population of stray dogs in your community.

4. Donate to Animal Shelters and Organizations

We understand that not everyone has time to help stray dogs personally. However, if you are capable of giving monetary donations, it can also be a great help to animal shelters and their rescues.

When stray dogs are rescued, they undergo health checks and necessary vet treatments to strive and survive. Many vet clinics in Dubai partner with different shelters in the city to provide the medical services rescued strays need.

Animal rescues and medical procedures require budgets, and shelters mostly rely on donations from compassionate people. 

By donating, you can help rescue organisations continue the noble cause of helping stray dogs.

5. Volunteer at Animal Shelters

Now, if you have extra time on your hands and would like to help out personally, you can volunteer at animal shelters. Most shelters are home to thousands of rescued dogs, but they only have a few staff.

By volunteering, you can help rescued dogs to recover from their traumatic experiences. To start, you can contact local shelters in your area and begin studying how to calm a stray dog and handle them correctly to be ready.

6. Adopt a Stray Dog

Another way to save stray dogs in your community is by welcoming one into your home and family through adoption.

By adopting a dog from a shelter, you can make room for other dogs to be rescued. Expect to pay an adoption fee, covering the initial costs of vet treatments and other requirements. 

For example, in Dubai, all dogs and cats must have rabies vaccinations and microchips based on local regulations. The fees you will pay enable the shelter to provide vaccines and microchipping to the next dogs they will rescue.

7. Consider Fostering Rescued Dogs

If you cannot fully commit to caring for a pet for its entire life, you can also help by fostering rescue dogs. Fostering means that you’ll provide temporary shelter until the dog finds a forever home.

By fostering, you can help make room for other stray dogs to be rescued at shelters. If you’re interested in fostering a rescued dog, you may contact your local shelters and inquire how to be a foster pet parent.

Every Stray Dog Deserves a Happy Life

As we live on the same planet with the animals around us, we must care for them. Dogs have been bred as a domestic companion for many uses, so abandoned pet dogs may not be able to have great chances to survive on their own. 

Caring for a pet is a lifelong commitment, and we discourage anyone with a pet from abandoning their furry companions. 

But as the stray dog problem continues, we should all help totally eliminate this problem, even if it takes decades.

Every effort counts, whether helping one stray dog, raising awareness, or supporting animal shelters. By coming together, we can work to make a big difference in the community.

Frequently Asked Question

Why are stray dogs friendly?

Stray dogs may appear friendly because of their survival instincts. They need food and shelter, and some dogs understand that humans can provide these. Many strays that were abandoned as pets may have experienced kindness from humans, making them seek companionship in people.

Are stray dogs a problem?

Yes, stray dogs can be a big problem, especially in cities and other urban areas. They must scavenge for food, often looking into trash and other unsanitary places. This makes them susceptible to diseases and becoming carriers of viruses and bacteria. 

Why do dogs become strays?

Dogs become strays for many reasons. One saddening reason is when a pet is abandoned by its owner due to behavioural issues or financial problems. 

Which country has the most stray dogs?

Today, India might have the highest number of stray dogs worldwide. According to different reports, they make up about 10% of the total stray dog population in the world.

Do stray dogs survive?

Yes, many stray dogs survive through their survival instincts. However, their quality of life may not all be great. Some stray dogs might be lucky to belong to a region and community that can feed and build shelters for them. Still, most strays experienced dehydration, malnutrition, and diseases.