Stray Dogs in Mexico: Everything You Need To Know

If you’ve been to Mexico or you’re just in the early stages of researching for your next trip, then you’ll likely have seen that much of Mexico has a stray dog epidemic.

It’s believed that there could be as many as 23 million stray dogs across Mexico, so it’s very likely you’ll spot several of them daily, with many sticking together in small groups.

If you’re a dog lover, it’s easy to feel very sorry for these poor dogs, and it’s hard to resist the urge to help them.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about stray dogs in Mexico, including whether or not you should interact with them and how you can help them. Read on to discover the ultimate guide to stray dogs in Mexico!

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Why Are There So Many Stray Dogs in Mexico?

Uncontrollable breeding is the main cause of the never-ending stream of stray dogs in Mexico. Unfortunately, since neutering is not as common in Mexico and becoming more and more difficult due to the huge population, the number of stray dogs rises every day across the country, despite government prevention actions.

The climate being warm all year round also causes the population to skyrocket, with dogs falling pregnant a lot more often due to the warmer weather, whereas in lots of other countries, dogs typically have puppies in the spring and summer only.

Dogs can also get pregnant multiple times a year due to their short gestation spans and multiple estrus cycles, also contributing to the problem!

Many of the street dogs in Mexico are just that, born on the streets and knowing nothing else, often making them very scared of humans. However, several stray dogs are unfortunately abandoned pets or failed rescues. 

There has definitely been a shift in the treatment of stray dogs in Mexico over the past number of years, with more and more programs and organizations being developed to help reduce the stray cat population, but more can still be done.

Typically, stray dogs in Mexico are treated quite badly by the locals. With a population of approximately one stray dog for every five people in Mexico, the care and attention for these poor pups is few and far between from the locals.

You’ll often see locals shouting at or ushering dogs away from them, and sometimes even worse – some people are unfortunately quite violent with them and can kick or hit stray dogs.

This type of treatment has led many stray dogs across Mexico to avoid humans entirely and many will often run away as soon as you get too close for comfort.

Can You Pet Stray Dogs in Mexico?

The short answer to this question is generally yes, you can pet the stray dogs that you see wandering about the cities of Mexico. However, you do need to exercise caution and only pet dogs that seem to be receptive to human affection. 

On the whole, the locals are quite kind to the dogs in Mexico, and you’ll likely see them petting dogs and puppies or feeding them. Additionally, you might see welfare workers intervening and offering the dogs something to eat.

Their cute appearance will likely entice you to pet them or feed the pups you encounter while visiting Mexico, so knowing that you can is good news!

However, it’s important to observe the dogs closely before attempting to stroke them. 

Lots of the dogs in Mexico may not want any human interaction, becoming quite nervous and back off if you make an attempt to get quite close to them. If you think that a dog may attempt to attack you or bite at your hands out of fear, then you should back away immediately, but slowly.

Remember, above everything, your safety should be your first priority, and if you feel unsettled about approaching any dog or feel that they might be carrying fleas or a disease, then stay away as best as you can.

Are Stray Dogs in Mexico Safe?

The short answer to this question is: yes. Stray dogs in Mexico are typically safe to approach, as long as they are willing to allow you, but there are a few things you should know.

Many tourists have an excessive fear of catching rabies from stray dogs while visiting foreign countries. While it’s good to be cautious, dog lovers will be glad to know that Mexico has had zero cases of dog-to-human transmission since 2006, a significant decline from 1990 when there were 3,000 cases.

Therefore, you are extremely unlikely to catch rabies from a stray dog in Mexico, which is great news for dog lovers who would like to get a little bit closer.

The statistics for dog attacks in Mexico are also very telling. With over half of the dogs reported to have attacked humans being vaccinated, it’s clear that the main portion of dog attacks actually happens from pets.

While it’s unlikely that a friendly stray dog will scratch or bite, accidents can happen. If you do get scratched or bitten by a stray dog in Mexico, make sure to clean the wound immediately and keep an eye on it for signs of infection. Applying an antiseptic cream can also help to flush out bacteria.

Given how skittish stray dogs can be in Mexico around humans, it’s unlikely that you’ll get close enough to a dog that isn’t fond of humans. Those that are likely to attack do so out of fear, and being a dog enthusiast, you’ll be able to tell when you should leave stray dogs alone.

If a dog has relaxed ears, loose muscles and a wagging tail, then you can be sure that the dog is enjoying your company. However, if they’re trying to back up, trembling or have their ears pulled back tight to their head, it’s best to leave them alone.

If you do find a stray dog that is particularly interested in you and appears friendly enough to be petted, then it’s likely entirely safe to do so. 

Aside from rabies, illnesses and diseases among stray dogs are few and far between. Often, dogs are just a little rough around the edges, covered in dust and dirt from life on the streets. 

However, you can come across dogs with flea and tick infestations in Mexico, especially in more rural areas. That’s why it’s so important to wash your hands as soon as possible after petting a stray.

If you think you may have stroked a dog with fleas, then it’s also important to remove your clothes and get them washed as soon as possible. 

If you can’t do any laundry during your trip, then be sure to keep your clothing separate from the rest of your luggage and soft furnishings in a plastic bag so as not to allow the potential spread of bugs.

If you’d like to be extra careful, then you could use insect repellent or wear long clothing to minimize your chance of exposure to the pests when approaching stray dogs.

Remember, above everything, your safety should be your first priority, and if you feel unsettled about approaching any dog or feel that they might be carrying fleas or a disease, then stay away as best as you can.

How To Help Stray Dogs in Mexico

If the stray dogs across Mexico make your heart ache and you’d like to try and help them, there are several ways you can make a difference.

One option would be to donate to local animal welfare charities across Mexico, which work to help provide food and medical care to stray dogs. Donations help to ensure that they can access long-term support and continue their amazing work.

Unfortunately, the Mexican authorities don’t view stray dogs very kindly, and there are reports of mass cullings of stray dogs, especially within cities, to stop population growth.

There are very few anti-cruelty laws in place that prevent such harsh treatment of strays in Mexico, and simple grumblings of the buildup of feces and the threat of dogs to drivers on the road are enough for the government to justify euthanizing thousands of stray dogs every month.

The work of charities to rescue these dogs, neuter them and continue to support them is therefore invaluable.

The Wild at Heart Foundation is one charity which you may wish to consider donating to. It is a charity that, along with global partners, is dedicated to sterilizing free-roaming dogs and improving their quality of life.

If you would like to feed the dogs as a way of helping them out while visiting, then opt for plain meat or buy some dog food or treats to leave out for them. 

You’ll see the locals feeding the dogs scraps of pretty much anything, however, it’s best to stick to foods specifically for them. Dog-specific food will also keep them much fuller for longer.

Stray Cats In Mexico

Unfortunately, there is also quite a large population of stray cats across Mexico due to uncontrolled breeding, and they are often also treated quite badly by locals and the authorities.

The government also employs depopulation strategies among stray cat populations, meaning that several charities have been founded as interventions, sterilizing stray cats and providing them with medical care when necessary.

Similarly to dogs, you can be quite certain that they do not carry rabies or any other major disease, meaning they are also safe to pet and approach, if they aren’t too afraid.

FAQ

Can you take stray dogs from Mexico?

You can adopt stray dogs from Mexico, but the process requires careful planning and can be expensive. You’ll need to consider health assessments, a pet passport and legal documents and travel arrangements for the stray dog before being allowed to take one home.

Are stray dogs a problem in Mexico?

The stray dog population is forever growing in Mexico, with breeding among the dogs becoming pretty much uncontrollable. The local authorities do not view their presence very kindly, leading to mass euthanization of stray dogs across the country.

Are Mexican street dogs friendly?

Typically, Mexican street dogs can be quite nervous around humans, with many dogs fearing them due to bad past experiences. However, you will find some dogs that like human affection; it’s all about being patient and relaxed around them.

Final Thoughts 

The stray dog population across Mexico is huge and will only continue to grow if its uncontrollable breeding continues. However, the mass culling of stray dogs is not the best alternative and is very inhumane. 

Instead, charities that support rescuing stray dogs and help to sterilize them are giving these dogs the best shot at a happy life and donating to them is one of the best things you can do to help out.

If you come across a stray dog in Mexico that appears to be friendly with humans, don’t be afraid to show it some love or give it some treats – they’re typically very safe to interact with!

As with any stray animal, however, do make sure to exercise some caution and keep your distance from any dog that looks like it may get aggressive or could be carrying fleas.

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