How to help street cats and dogs you meet while traveling
“Seeing animals on the road can come as a shock to Western travelers,” said Erika Abrams, co-founder of Animal Aid Unlimited in Udaipur, India. “The life of street animals, also known as community animals, can be extremely hard but also full of joy.”
Certainly, potential dangers are there: viruses and parasites, bites and scratches, amused or indignant looks from local residents. But you don’t have to be afraid to help stray dogs and cats. Knowing how to deal with street animals properly can save a life—or at least provide temporary comfort.
“When you see an animal suffering, don’t just walk by, make an effort,” said Lisa Chastain, Washington state shelter manager for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society. “Sometimes just giving food and water is enough.”
We spoke to animal rescue experts around the world about how to help street dogs and cats intelligently and safely without harming them or yourself.
Animals live on streets in cities, suburbs and rural areas around the world. Although the resources to help them vary by destination, they can often use a helping hand.
Erin Henry, clinical assistant professor of animal shelter medicine at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, suggests compiling the names and contact information of animal rescue organizations in your location.
Look for organizations that provide affordable veterinary care to local communities; perform trap, neuter, and return (TNR) programs; operation of animal care facilities; or are affiliated with prominent groups in the rescue world such as Humane Society International and its domestic branch, the Humane Society of the United States. Expatriate groups like the Thailand Expat Pet Owners Forum or Living in Indonesia, A Site for Expatriates can connect to the local rescue scene or recommend a reputable veterinarian.
If you plan to donate supplies to a local animal shelter or charity, stock up on items that are scarce or expensive where you vacation.
Katherine Polak, vice president of service animals and engagement at Humane Society International, suggests contributing quality leashes and collars; Cover; Over-the-counter treatments like flea and tick prevention, dewormers, topical skin ointments, and lime-sulphur dip; stress relievers like pheromone plug-ins and treats; and detergents.
If you bring groceries with you, make sure that the use-by date has not passed.
Understand the street animal culture
Street animals may not have homes in the traditional sense, but many rely on a dedicated circle of carers to provide them with food, fresh water and company.
For example, some communities in Phuket, Thailand, are keeping watch over beach dogs in partnership with the Soi Dog Foundation, an island-based rescue group. In Istanbul, residents’ devotion to the city’s cats is so endearing that their relationship between the species became the subject of the 2016 documentary Kedi. As part of their evening ritual, Abrams said, Indian households feed the dogs chapati (flatbread) in a spirit of good karma.
“Consider the cultural differences,” said Erika Flores, the Mexico-based project manager and veterinary consultant for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Fund for Animal Welfare. “If an animal is roaming the streets, it may be a community dog that is not lost or in need of assistance.”
To determine if a dog or cat has a guardian, look for telltale signs such as a collar and tags, a healthy build, or cropped or nicked ears (exclusive to cats that have been spayed or neutered and released to the streets).
“If the community dogs look like they’re in good health, leave them alone,” Henry said. “Please don’t take the dogs with you.”
Alternatively, to determine if an animal is in distress, look for protruding bones (malnourished), missing fur (skin infection), or a visible wound. If you notice any of these conditions, go into rescue mode, but also take a minute to ask passers-by if they recognize this animal or any of its human family members. Then report the emergency.
Feeding strays on a plate – away from the hotel
If you spot emaciated animals on your daily hikes, leave food and water along the route. But never hand-feed an animal; They don’t want to be bitten or scratched.
Choose species-appropriate food—preferably wet food, as dry food might be alien to an animal used to leftovers—or simple, plain proteins like chicken or tuna. Avoid items dangerous for consumption like grapes, chocolate, avocado and onions (for dogs) and yes, bowls of milk for cats.
“If I don’t have anything with me, I’ll go to the nearest empanada stand and crack it [the exterior] open,” said Maureen Cattieu, founder and director of Cartagena Paws, an animal rescue operation in Colombia
If there is a pack or colony in the area, feed the whole lot by setting up multiple feeding stations. Also, place the food in a container instead of placing it directly on the floor. “Put it on a paper plate or in a bowl so they don’t lick up any parasites,” Cattieu said.
The choice of location is crucial. Avoid areas with heavy vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Because dogs and cats quickly fall into a routine, especially when it comes to food, do not feed them at your accommodation. After you go home, the animals may continue to show up and be a nuisance to management or other guests who may request their removal.
“Leave food in areas where they eat, like a dumpster,” Henry recommended, “and don’t feed them on a schedule.”
If you feel the urge to pet a street animal, make sure the dog or cat is open to your pats and coos. Start reading his body language.
Let the dog or cat come to you; Never chase the animal. When a dog is happy to see you, it will wag its tail, prick its ears, and sniff you. A friendly cat will stalk you with its tail and ears raised and may treat your leg like a foam roller.
“They’ll say to you, ‘Hi, I’d like to talk to you,'” said Coryn Julien, associate director of communication at Alley Cat Allies in Bethesda, Maryland. “Let them interact.”
When petting an unfamiliar dog, don’t swoop in from above like a fighter jet. Instead, walk around a curve and line up with the animal’s left or right flank. Avoiding direct eye contact, crouch and offer your palm for an “I come in peace” sniff.
“Remember that street dogs, even very friendly ones, may never have had the kind of interaction your home dogs are used to, such as Like tummy rubs or back scratches, and it might be scary for them,” Abrams said. “Let them signal how much contact they actually want.”
If you see kittens without adult cat supervision, Julien said, don’t kill them. The mother could be nearby or in search of food. You don’t want her coming back home to an empty nest.
After handling street animals, wash your hands with soap and water immediately and throw your clothes in the washing machine, especially if there are other pets living on the property.
The possibility of contracting a disease is “extremely low,” Julien said. “You’re more likely to catch something on a plane.” But as we’ve learned during the pandemic, good personal hygiene is essential.
The biggest threat, of course, is rabies. The World Health Organization says the disease is nearly 100 percent fatal to humans once clinical symptoms appear, and it’s almost always (up to 99 percent of the time) transmitted by domestic dogs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rabies kills about 59,000 people worldwide each year. Before traveling, check the WHO database or the CDC’s advisory list of high-risk rabies countries, including Thailand, Belize, and Peru.
Flores said an animal with rabies will exhibit certain behaviors: it may appear to be choking, be disoriented, or behave aggressively. If possible, take a picture of the animal, note the location of the sighting and report this information to the authorities. If you have been bitten, wash the wound with regular soap (avoid fragrances) and run water over the injured area for at least 15 minutes.
“Fifteen minutes sounds like a lot, but it’s the most important instruction to follow to avoid exposure to rabies after a bite,” Flores said.
After cleaning the wound, she said to see a doctor, preferably at a local doctor’s office or travel clinic.
If you come across a suffering animal, help as much as your comfort and training allow. Call for backup if needed. (Now is the time to use your pre-travel contact list.)
Unless you have worked with sick or injured dogs or cats, do not attempt to capture the animal. Transport the dog or cat to a clinic, animal hospital or veterinary office. Experts are warning visitors not to leave the sick animal at a shelter that may not have the space or resources to help.
Cattieu carries glide lines for this purpose. You can also improvise with a rope or belt. Place a towel or shirt over the animal’s eyes to calm its nerves.
If you’d rather wait for help, take a picture of the animal and note the location to track it. Keep a safe distance to avoid hitting traffic or running away. If possible, wait for help to arrive.
Once the animal is in a safe place and receiving medical attention, consider donating enough money to cover vet bills and food costs. If you develop a bond, consider adopting the animal.
To import an animal into the United States, Polak said he should consult the Pet Travel Division of the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Also, contact a local veterinarian who can guide you through the export process.