'Dog capital of the world' where canines roam, cuddle at cafes and take public transport
Tourists and animal lovers are flocking to Tbilisi for a sweet reason – it's considered to be the dog capital of the world by some! Data from 2023 suggests there are more than 80,000 strays in the capital of Georgia – with this number reaching around half a million in the entire country.
But unlike other parts of the world, locals seem to embrace the dogs with open arms. Many stop to pet the pooches, as well as offering them food, blankets and even shelter.
As a result, many of the canines are pretty friendly. You'll often see people with their furry friends inside cafes, on public transport or having a cuddle in the street.
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Visitors of the city have taken to TikTok to share adorable videos of the pups, which seem to have made their trips. A tourist called Guila recently visited the city and said: "Wanna know a secret gem dog lovers? You must visit Tbilisi the capital of Georgia.
"Never have I seen so many dogs in the street, but also so well taken cared of by the locals. Some restaurants, businesses and hotels offer them food and little dog houses outside of their establishments!"
Meanwhile, a second holidaymaker said it was pretty moving to see all of the animals roaming the streets. She said: "I'll never forget walking through the city and coming across a dog lying in front of an abandoned store. I asked a local if it was okay to feed the dog, and he assured me it was not only fine but also appreciated by the community when tourists feed the stray dogs.
"I left a generous meal and a cup of water under a tree nearby. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I didn't care if anyone noticed. As locals passed by, I could sense their understanding of my sympathy for the stray dog.
"Some smiled warmly, some observed quietly, and at least two people asked if I was alright... I've seen many locals care for the stray dogs. I've noticed bowls of water and food near bus stops, outside stores, and in random corners throughout the city. Stray dogs will always have a special place in my heart."
Unlike some countries that resort to euthanising stray dogs, Georgia has a more humane approach, with Tbilisi following a "no-kill policy." Instead, stray dogs are managed primarily through other methods like sterilisations and vaccinations.
To ensure the safety of dogs and humans, Tbilisi dogs wear coloured ear tags, a chip that indicates that the dog has been vaccinated and sterilised. But despite measures being taken to care for the dogs, and many of them being deemed friendly, there are some risks involved that come with visiting Tbilisi.
The Foreign Office warns people visiting Tbilisi to be wary of rabies. As well as getting vaccinated before travelling, get medical attention immediately if you’re bitten or scratched by a dog.
Direct flights from London to Tbilisi are available but infrequent. A direct flight takes approximately 4.5-5 hours, while connecting flights may take 8-12+ hours depending on the layover.
