Street dogs on Samui

Tourists and expatriates will do well not to notice the amount of stray dogs on the island. A good percentage of them are more than likely completely wild but you don’t here of many attacks, mainly because they rely on humans for scraps to survive.

A lot of tourists do seem to be given duff information about soi (Thai for ‘street’) dogs and avoid them like the plague for fear of attack. The opposite is almost always true in my belief as I have only come across one snarling dog in more than 6 years who was more than likely simply scared by me.

I see different soi dogs everyday and I (meaning my wife) will always carry around some dog or cat food in case we come across a skinny looking fellow or girl. They have always been gentle in nature and will come across a bit apprehensive and scared at first but will gladly sit with you or walk you safely to the end of their territory.

There is a dog rescue place on the island that takes in cats and dogs should they need care from the result of an accident or simply need feeding or treatment for mange. They rely heavily on donations and you will find a collection box in just about every animal-friendly bar, restaurant and business on the island.

If you need to contact them you can do so through their website: www.samuidog.org/ or telephone +6681-893-9443/+6677-413-490. Don’t be a stranger to animals in need; they live on the island too.