Every year, millions of tourists encounter stray cats and dogs while traveling. These animals are often malnourished, injured, or simply in need of kindness. If you’ve ever wondered how to help, this guide is for you.
Tourist’s Guide to Helping Stray Cats and Dogs While on Vacation
Before You Travel
● Book with compassion: Choose airlines, hotels, and tour operators that support humane animal treatment.
● Pack with purpose: Bring leashes, collars, towels, or other supplies for local rescues.
● Research local groups: Look up animal welfare organizations at your destination. Ask if they need help escorting animals or donations.
While You’re on Vacation Helping Strays on the Ground
● Approach with care: Many strays are friendly, but some may be fearful or sick.
● Offer food and water: A small act of kindness can mean everything.
● Visit a vet: If the animal is approachable, consider getting it vaccinated or sterilized.
● Talk to your hotel: Ask about their policy on strays.
● Document and share: Post your experience on social media and review sites. Encourage others to support humane practices.
After You Return Home
● Raise awareness: Share your story with friends, the resort or hotel you’re staying at, TripAdvisor, and other travel providers, and online communities.
● Donate to local rescues: These grassroots groups are often the only lifeline for strays.
● Celebrate your impact: You’ve changed a life—and maybe even your own.
Adopting a Stray Animal Abroad: Falling in love with a stray while traveling?
You’re not alone—and adoption is often easier than you think. General Adoption Steps (Anywhere in the World)
1. Check with your airline. Confirm they allow pets and whether your new companion can travel in-cabin or as checked baggage.
2. Secure the paperwork You’ll need:
○ A health certificate from a local vet (usually within 10 days of travel)
○ Vaccination records. Local rescues and/or vet can often help with this.
3. Get a travel carrier. Most rescues provide a kennel or soft-sided carrier. You can return it later or donate it to a shelter.
4. Arrange pet-friendly transport. Make sure your ride to the airport allows animals. Some destinations have trusted services for this.
5. Ask for help from the local rescue organization. Remember, all destinations are different and may have limited resources.
Why This Matters
● Over 600 million stray dogs roam the world.
● One unsterilized female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in six years.
● One unsterilized female cat and her offspring can produce 425,000 kittens in seven years.
● 80% of stray newborns die before 8 weeks of age. Tourist destinations often use inhumane methods like poisoning or electrocution to control stray populations.
But there’s a better way—and it starts with you-want to help more?
● Volunteer with a local rescue group during your trip.
● Escort an animal home for adoption.
● Sponsor a sterilization surgery.
● Share this guide with fellow travelers.
Check List For Travelers
- Book with animal friendly hotels or tour operators
- Pack leashes, collars, towels or check the local shelter’s wish list to lend a hand
- Shop local and donate pet food to a local rescue group in need.
- Consider escorting or adopting from a local rescue organization
- Save emergency vet contacts
- Bring a collapsible bowl and treats
- Follow CANDi’s humane travel tips
- Share your story on line to inspire others.
- Donate to a local rescue after your trip.
- Celebrate your impact, every act of kindness counts.
Together, we can make tourism more compassionate
