CARE 4 DOGS - Medical care for street dogs

There are an estimated 525 million stray dogs worldwide. For years, Veterinarians without Borders has been committed to helping street dogs in crisis areas, such as South Sudan, or in countries like India, which has one of the largest stray dog populations in the world with 35 million dogs.

These free-roaming dogs often come into conflict with humans. In search of water and food, they seek out the vicinity of human settlements. But humans are afraid of strays, of dangerous attacks and the transmission of deadly diseases. The consequences are often mistreatment in which the animals are seriously injured or even die.

Rabies transmission through dog bites

Because dog bites are the most common cause of rabies transmission to humans, accounting for 99%. According to the World Health Organisation, the virus kills 59,000 people worldwide every year, 20,000 of them in India alone. 40 % of the fatalities are children.

A life of misery

Street dogs lead a dangerous life. Many lack water, food and sufficient shelter from heat or cold. In many countries, their populations are limited by trapping and killing. In addition, thousands are shot, poisoned or skinned for fun and die a slow, agonising death.

Parasitic diseases also contribute to the suffering of street dogs. Fleas, ticks and mites can carry dangerous pathogens.

Our contribution:

We collect donations of medicines, work with committed local animal welfare organisations and treat dogs directly on site.