Living harmoniously with free-roaming dogs
What you can do to live harmoniously with free-roaming dogs
Last updated 28 October 2025
Encountering free-roaming dogs
Free-roaming dogs live in the open and do not have homes. They may be seen roving in packs, foraging for food, and looking for shelter.
We have been partnering stakeholders, as well as interested individuals and organisations, to educate the public on managing free-roaming dog encounters.
What should I do when I encounter a free-roaming dog?
Remain calm and quiet.
Stop what you are doing immediately.
Give the dog space by walking away from it.
If you have a young child with you, carry him or her.
Signal to passers-by for assistance as strength in numbers may deter the dog(s) from approaching you.
Do not stare at, chase or hit the dog.
Do not run or make sudden movements as it may feel threatened and attack.
Feeding and caring for free-roaming dogs
The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) has published the handbook on “Feeding Free-Roaming Dogs Responsibly”. This publication is a ground-up initiative from Animal Welfare Groups (AWGs), supported by AVS, to promote awareness on responsible feeding and caregiving of free-roaming dogs, and address public health concerns in order to bring about peaceful co-existence between humans and dogs.
Download it here:
Feeding Stray Dogs Responsibly (English)
Feeding Stray Dogs Responsibly (Mandarin)
Feeding Stray Dogs Responsibly (Malay)
Feeding Stray Dogs Responsibly (Tamil)
Resources:
Infographic: What to do when you encounter free roaming dogs