Why are there so many stray dogs in Georgia, and are they dangerous?
Ear tags, sterilisation and how to behave around dogs.
Short answer
Georgia has many stray dogs because they are traditionally not culled: municipal services sterilise, vaccinate and ear-tag them, then release them back. Most of these dogs are calm and friendly and are fed by locals. Danger is rare, usually at night when dogs gather in packs and guard their territory.
Why
- An ear tag means the dog has been sterilised and vaccinated against rabies.
- In Tbilisi, stray animals are managed by the City Hall's animal monitoring service.
- Aggressive dogs or attacks can be reported to the city service or to 112.
Details
Don't run from dogs or wave your arms; walk past calmly. If a dog follows you, it is usually just escorting you, but don't touch or pick up unfamiliar dogs. Cyclists and runners should stick to lit streets at night.
People also ask
- Why are there so many stray dogs in Tbilisi?
Sources
- Tbilisi City Hall: animal monitoring serviceChecked at:
Information checked on October 3, 2026.
Related questions
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Who was Kupata, the dog from Batumi?
Kupata was a street dog from Batumi who became famous in 2020 when a video of him barking to stop cars and helping kindergarten children cross the road went viral worldwide.
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Georgian law names no official national animal, but the wolf is most often called the country's symbol, linked to King Vakhtang Gorgasali, known as the 'wolf-headed'.
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