There are countless stray dogs in Vietnam. Unfortunately, they get slaughtered for dog meat trading with other countries. So, let’s discuss stray dogs in Vietnam and what you should do if you find one.
Vietnam Culture And Dogs
Dogs are a common household pet in many homes in Vietnam. In fact, way back in the day, dogs were worshipped.
For example, dogs were meant to protect and guard their families and homes. Believe it or not, if you own a dog in Vietnam, it’s a status symbol. If you own a dog or another pet in your home, it’s a sign that you’re pretty wealthy.
Even though dogs are worshipped in Vietnamese culture, they are also used for food.
Sadly enough, dogs are a huge trade market for meat. Millions of stray dogs are captured and slaughtered for their meat to be used in Vietnam or traded to other countries, where consuming dog meat is legal.
Health Concerns For Humans From Stray Dogs
Even though most dogs are friendly around humans, humans still need to be careful.
Since Vietnam is big on dog meat trading, the street dogs may be more skittish or aggressive.
Also, street dogs aren’t usually vaccinated against diseases such as rabies. As a result, dogs can bite humans and come in contact with cats, other dogs, and other animals. Thus, they spread the disease.
Unfortunately, about 100 annual cases of humans having rabies per year in Vietnam. These cases are often from a stray dog bite.
Vietnam Laws About Stray Dogs
Domesticated animals, whether dogs or farm animals have rights. For example, their owners need to be responsible for them and care for them as best as possible.
There are some animal welfare laws about minimizing fear and pain to the animals as best as possible. All dogs must be vaccinated and get proper veterinary care.
Unfortunately, there are no laws or rules that care for or protect stray dogs. For example, owners do not get consequences if their dog gets abandoned. Also, there’s no law stating that you have to help or report a dog as a stray.
Advice For Helping Stray Dogs In Vietnam
There are many ways you can help a stray dog in Vietnam. 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.
It might have a wide range of emotions if you encounter a stray. 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. 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 Vietnam. These shelters will do their best to rehabilitate, vaccinate, and care for the dogs.
Also, these animal shelters are doing their best to get rid of the dog meat trading business. So, they aim to keep every dog safe.
In addition, the shelter will try to find new homes for the dogs.
If you can catch a stray dog (safely), you can bring them to an animal shelter where they’ll be safe.
Some great local animal shelters in Vietnam 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.
