Canggu is the number one choice for holidaymakers in Bali but one thing you should know before you come is there are quite a few dogs running around in Canggu (and other parts of the island).
So, here’s what you need to know before you go running out to befriend the dog populations of this area.
So Many Stray Dogs On The Streets?
There is often an assumption from Western visitors that all Bali street dogs are stray dogs.
This isn’t the case, in fact, around 90% of the dogs you encounter on the streets here have a home of some description.
It’s just that dogs aren’t really property in Bali, and thus, people don’t tend to restrict their movement like they do in the West.
Unfortunately, if you do the numbers this does mean that 10% of the dogs you meet are stray dogs.
Balinese society is still trying to come to terms with the gap between the problems that are caused by free-roaming strays and Balinese culture.
Thus, for now, there are no catch-and-release sterilization programs, mass adoption programs, or any other kind of plans to stop humans from having to deal with an aggressive dog that wasn’t meant to be in the street in the first place.
The only program here is to provide rabies shots to ensure that the dogs are vaccinated but this is delivered in a fairly haphazard fashion and Bali is unlikely to be rabies-free any time soon.
What Are Bali Dogs For?
The Balinese people keep dogs the same reason people keep other dogs the world over. They do it for safety and security (dogs bark and even bite to protect property and people) and for company (many Bali dogs are pets).
They can also help with disposing of waste table scraps ensuring that the food isn’t sent to one of the island’s overflowing landfill sites.
Is There Rabies In Canggu, Bali?
Yes. While Canggu is not a rabies hot zone, it is present in the town and since 2008, more than 140 people have died of this disease on the island.
Up until 2008, there had been no rabies at all on the island. But somebody must have imported a dog from one of the other islands with rabies and now, it’s a problem.
While it’s unlikely that a dog that bites you in Canggu has rabies, because it’s possible, if you get bitten, you will need rabies shots.
This is even true if you’ve been vaccinated against rabies in the past (though you will need fewer shots if you have had the vaccine previously).
Unfortunately, it can be hard to get this vaccine in Bali and it’s very expensive. Travel insurance is going to be your friend in this instance as it’s much cheaper to buy travel insurance than to buy the shots.
You should know that you have 24 hours to get the first shots. After which, you may start showing symptoms and once you show symptoms, rabies is 100% fatal – there is no cure.
How To Handle Aggressive Bali Dogs In Canggu
Most dogs walking around the streets of Canggu are pretty friendly (except to the occasional cat and any snakes) but if you do find yourself going head to head with a less than adorable angry animal you should try:
- Keep calm but walk slowly backwards away from the animal
- If backing up is not possible, stay where you are, don’t move forward and crouch down a little (this helps the dog see you as more of an equal and less as a threat)
- Don’t make eye contact – this might help make humans feel better but it’s a dominance challenge to a dog and is guaranteed to make it even more angry
- Ask any local nearby for help – the locals deal with Bali dogs all the time, they’ll be happy to send them packing for you
Most of all, please don’t try and step over a dog or run towards them – you might as well ask them to bite you, if you do.
Are There Any Dog Rescue Centres Near Canggu?
The Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA)
BAWA has been a constant presence in the community since 2007.
They use a travel site to raise much of their operating costs and this means they are one of the best-funded organizations here.
They deliver free vet services, run adoption programs, education programs, rabies vaccination programs and street-feeding programs too.
Bali Dog Adoption & Rehabiliation Centre (BARC)
BARC is a community project which is run in partnership between an Indonesian and an Australian non-profit collaboration.
They do excellent work with sterilizing street dogs and have a clinic where dogs can get low cost or free treatment.
If you want to adopt or foster a dog, their programs are excellent and overall, BARC is an excellent organization.
Bali Pet Crusaders (BPC)
BPC is a very small charity which was created by local expats who just could stand to see the issues facing cats and dogs on the island.
Their main activity is running a small sterilization program which helps to reduce the number of abandoned and stray animals on the streets and beaches of Bali.
Introducing The Ultimate Bali Breed: The Kintamani Dog
The Kintamani Dog is not native to Bali but the breed has been on the island since around 1400 AD and it’s a cross between a Chinese chow chow and a Balinese breed.
It was once called the “Kuluk Gembrong” or “bushy dog” before the breed got its loftier title of Kintamani Dog.
They are excellent guard dogs and very territorial – so if you see one, it’s best to back off its property in case it gets defensive.
We’d only interact with a Kintamani dog if the owner is present and ensures that you’re going to interact safely with it.
FAQs
Why Are They So Many Street Dogs In Canggu, Bali?
So many Bali dogs are on the streets not because of animal abuse but because Balinese people don’t really see dogs as property.
Thus, a dog is free to come and go as it pleases. To be fair, rabies was non-existent on the island until very recently and dogs could roam without causing any real danger to people. This, sadly, is no longer the case.
Can I Bring My Dog With Me To Canggu, Bali?
No. The law here is very strict, indeed, about bringing in animals and you cannot legally import your dog to Bali.
You will find people on Facebook offering services that are supposed to get around this, but these services are illegal and the penalties for bringing dogs into Bali (or any other form of wildlife for that matter) are severe.
Can I Bring My Dog Back From Canggu, Bali?
No, you cannot bring a dog out of Bali. The same laws that prevent you from importing a dog to the island also prevent you from exporting one.
There are absolutely no exceptions for this. It doesn’t matter how healthy your Bali dogs are, or how vaccinated they are – they will not be allowed to leave.
Thus, we’d strongly encourage you to think twice before adopting some unwanted puppies from your local Kintamani Dog, if you’re not committed to staying on the island – you can’t provide a forever home for Bali dogs.
Should You Feed Stray Dogs In Canggu, Bali?
We’re not being mean when we say that you should think twice before you offer Bali dogs your food scraps.
If an animal is really a stray, the best thing you can do for it is to call a local animal rescue charity and ask them to help the dog.
When people feed dogs, they start to expect people to feed them and they can become aggressive when the next people don’t feed them.
Do The Balinese Eat Dog Meat?
Dog meat is not that common in Bali and the trade in dog meat was made illegal in 2018.
However, there are some populations within Bali that consider dog a delicacy and they estimate that, at least, 70,000 dogs a year are eaten here.
However, tourists are very unlikely to encounter this trade as it’s illegality keeps it firmly underground.
Final Thoughts On Dogs And Dog Owners In Canggu, Bali
There is no way of telling when you meet Bali dogs in the street as to whether they are valued pets or strays.
This applies as much to Western breeds as it does to a Kintamani dog, there are lots of dogs on this island and in Canggu.
If you do find a stray, while you can feed it and pet it if you feel safe to do so (remembering the potential consequences if you get bitten), it’s better to get in touch with a charity and ask them to take care of it.
Never take Bali dogs off the street – you may be kidnapping someone’s pet and you don’t want to be responsible for that.
If you’ve enjoyed this post you may find our ultimate Canggu guide useful as well as our piece on Is Canggu Safe?