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Traveler Guide

What to Do If You See a Stray Dog on Vacation

A practical guide to free-roaming dogs in tourism destinations: how to stay safe, when to help, who to contact, and how your choices support humane animal welfare worldwide.

Free-roaming, stray dogs are part of daily life in many of the world's most-visited destinations, from Mexico and the Caribbean to Greece, Thailand, and beyond. Most are not lost pets. They live within the community, often cared for informally by local residents, businesses, and welfare organizations.

Knowing how to respond protects you, the dog, and the long-term welfare work already underway in the destination.

Step-by-Step: A Safe, Helpful Response

Step 01

Observe from a safe distance

Stop and look before approaching. Most free-roaming, stray dogs are part of the local community, living their normal routine, not lost pets. Watch for body language: a relaxed posture, soft eyes, and a loose tail usually mean the dog is comfortable. A stiff stance, raised hackles, growling, or a tucked tail means give space.

Step 02

Keep your distance if the dog looks stressed or injured

Never corner a dog, reach over its head, or try to pick it up. Injured or frightened dogs can bite even when they normally wouldn't. Keep children and your own pets back, and avoid direct eye contact, which dogs read as a challenge.

Step 03

Contact a local animal welfare organization

Local groups know which dogs are owned, which are part of community care programs, and which need help. Ask your hotel, resort, or tour operator for the nearest contact, or search the CANDi Network for vetted welfare partners in the destination.

Step 04

Support, don't relocate

Feeding a single meal, sharing a water bowl, or reporting an injury to a local clinic helps far more than trying to take a dog home. Most countries have strict import rules, and removing a community dog can disrupt local welfare efforts already in place.

Quick Safety Reference

Do

  • •Move slowly and calmly, because sudden movement triggers chase or defensive responses
  • •Offer water in a shallow container if the dog seems dehydrated
  • •Take a photo and note the location to share with a local welfare group
  • •Wash hands after any contact, even brief

Don't

  • •Don't run, as it can trigger a chase reflex
  • •Don't feed sharp bones, chocolate, or heavily spiced food
  • •Don't try to transport an unknown dog in a rental car or rideshare
  • •Don't assume the dog is abandoned, as many are cared for locally as part of the community

Find a Trusted Local Welfare Organization

The CANDi Network connects travelers with vetted animal welfare organizations working in tourism destinations worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Destinations, Hotels & Tourism Organizations

Build a Humane Standard for Your Destination

CANDi partners with destinations, resorts, cruise lines, and tourism boards to support free-roaming dogs, local animal welfare organizations, and humane tourism goals, measurably and at scale.

CANDi is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting humane tourism worldwide.