Did you know there are about 730,000 stray dogs in Thailand? Unfortunately, many have not been vaccinated against common diseases in dogs, and they haven’t been spayed or neutered. But, all dogs deserve a loving home. So, let’s talk about stray dogs in Thailand and what you should do if you find one.
Thai Culture And Dogs
Thailand loves dogs, but these furry friends are often overlooked for proper care.
For instance, dogs are often known for entertainment rather than as domesticated pets. Dogs are used for fun to play with, dress up, pamper, and work for monetary gain for the people.
Unfortunately, most dogs end up on the streets once their owners can no longer take care of them.
Most street dogs live in peace with the people of Thailand. So, the people may feed them, but they don’t adopt any of the dogs.
Health Concerns For Humans From Stray Dogs
Even though most dogs are friendly around humans, humans still need to be careful.
For example, street dogs aren’t usually vaccinated against diseases such as rabies. As a result, dogs can bite humans and come in contact with cats, the other dogs, cows, and other animals.
Humans interact with street dogs, cats, and cows, all the time. So, it’s easy for rabid dogs to spread the disease to other animals and humans.
Unfortunately, about 95% of human deaths caused by rabies in Thailand are from a stray dog bite.
Thailand Laws About Stray Dogs
While there are no laws stating that you have to help out a stray dog, some laws are in place against people who abandon their dogs.
Beginning in 2014, Thailand put in place its first animal welfare law.
This law states that dog owners who leave their dogs on the streets or neglect them can be charged with abandoning and endangering the animal.
Dog owners are to raise and nurture the animal with love, care, and respect. Also, they need to provide adequate food and water.
Finally, Thailand has also made dog meat trading illegal.
Advice For Helping Stray Dogs In Thailand
There are many ways you can help a stray dog in Thailand. For example, you can provide a temporary shelter for them, feed them, nurse them back to health, or try to catch them and bring them to an animal shelter.
You can also adopt them from the streets, but you’ll need to report them to a local animal shelter. They do their best to keep all the dogs accountable.
However, keep in mind that it might have a wide range of emotions if you come across a stray dog. For example, they could be super friendly and come right up to you. Or, they might be too nervous about being within a few feet of you. Alternatively, they might be aggressive. In that case, you don’t want to get too close to them.
So, if you’re able to get near the dog, one of the first things you can do is check its collar for an ID tag. This will typically have the phone number of the dog’s owner. You can call them and meet you where you are to pick up their dog.
However, if they don’t have a collar, they may or may not have a home. Bring them to a local vet or shelter if the pup is friendly enough and allows you to capture them.
The vet will be able to scan the dog for a microchip. If they have one, they can locate the owner. Or, if the dog doesn’t have a microchip, the dog can safely go to the shelter.
Should that be the case, the shelter and yourself can take pictures of the dog and head to social media. Hopefully, after spreading the word a bit, the owners will see their pup at the shelter and return them home.
On the other hand, if you can’t get close enough to the dog to capture them, you can take pictures and post about the doggo on social media right away.
You don’t want to scare the dog further, and you certainly don’t want to hurt it if the dog happens to be aggressive.
Finally, call the local authorities or animal control. They can come by and pick up the dog safely and bring them to an animal shelter where the pup will be safe.
Local Places To Bring The Stray Dog
Despite so many street dogs, there are a few animal shelters in Thailand. These shelters will do their best to rehabilitate, vaccinate, and care for the dogs.
In addition, the shelter will try to find new homes for the dogs. You don’t need to be living in Thailand to adopt a dog from there. The shelter will help you arrange to fly the dog out of Thailand.
In addition, because there are so many street dogs in Thailand, the adoption process is relatively simple.
To adopt, you need to sign some papers stating that you will care for the dog. For example, give them everything they need and promise not to abandon, neglect, or harm the animal.
If you’re able to catch a stray dog (safely), you can bring them to an animal shelter where they’ll be safe.
Some great local animal shelters in Thailand are as follows:
Always Help A Stray Dog If You Can
If you find yourself coming across a homeless dog, always help them. If it’s safe to do so, you can catch the dog and bring it to the shelter. Or, you can call the local authorities to pick it up. Remember, every dog deserves a forever home and loving family.
