While you will certainly see cats here and there, the number of dogs in Bali that roam the streets freely is in the tens of thousands, if not more.
The island’s communities have long been home to a significant number of street dogs, which freely roam various locales, including residential areas, beaches, and bustling tourist spots.
Yet, what might seem like abandoned dogs actually carries a deeper story. Many of these street dogs are living among Balinese families, who often take care of them. They may freely roam the streets they belong to Balinese families.
Addressing the welfare of Bali’s street dogs has also been a focal point since many years now which gave rise to numerous NGOs and compassionate individuals who have stepped up to provide essential care, including food, shelter, and much-needed medical attention. Bali boasts a network of animal welfare groups and rescue organizations, each playing a vital role in attending to the needs of these animals.
Efforts to tackle the street dog issue in Bali have been multi-pronged. The local government, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has initiated a range of programs. These initiatives encompass spaying and neutering, widespread vaccination drives, and educational campaigns aimed at fostering responsible pet ownership.
Tourists to the island often encounter street dogs in popular hubs. While some of these dogs are sociable and accustomed to human contact, others may be cautious because they have fear of humans, and therefore potentially pose risks if feel threatened. We do advise travelers to not touch them and stay cautious.
The Kintamani Bali Dog has a history dating back thousands of years. For generations, they have lived, wandered, and integrated with the people, communities, and society. They do have a VERY robust constitution that allows them to survive and eat on the village’s scraps and can live as strays quite easily.
They are natural hunters, capable of feeding themselves, and territorial, protecting their humans from intruders and other canines, Many Balinese think that the Bali dogs are able to detect the presence of “spirits” – both benevolent and malevolent.
Watch this amazing clip to find out more why the Bali dog and its genetcis is so special
Overall, the Bali Dog is a loyal, peaceful, and polite companion that has always lived in harmony with people. They learn how to traverse the rice fields, highways, and people from an early age. Seldom are they hostile without reason, as they are most likely found sound asleep at a local warung or on the temple steps.
Many Bali dogs are not sterilised or castrated. And even the dogs that are no stray but live among Balinese communities and families the Balinese owners let them go free and mate.
Many adoption organizations have cats and dogs of varying ages ready to be taken home, all healthy and vaccinated, and some have been sterilized. If you are looking to stay in Indonesia long-term, please adopt as it is the best, safest, and legal practice to protect and save the rescued animals. Adoption is free, who wouldn’t want to adopt an animal from a rescue organization? However, first consider the costs of food and vet bills, although adding a member to your family helps save these adorable creatures.
If you aren’t looking to permanently settle here, many organizations offer a foster program that involves a shorter commitment if you do not reside in Bali full time. Just being able to provide them a home full of love, and lots of cuddles, even if its temporary, goes a very long way.
Some stray dogs belong to the neighbourhood or community so they are not for you to be saved or taken away. If you come across a stray dog (or cat) and If they are not aggressive, you probably can feed the dogs, which many residents do regularly.
However, if you encounter abandoned puppies who are not doing well, or if they are abandoned on a busy street, please take them to the nearest vet. If the dogs are sick or injured or have a severe skin disease, take note of their location and notify a veterinarian or one of the animal welfare organisations; if the dog is friendly enough to approach it, wrap it in a blanket and carry it to the vet clinic.
Some foundations are overcrowded and do not have adequate space anymore but they will give you good advise on what you can do.
