Tbilisi – known as the ‘city of dogs’ by some – is the capital of Georgia.It is a country situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
Nestled in the scenic valley of the Mtkvari River, often referred to as the Kura River, it is a city with a rich and complex history that spans more than 1,500 years.
Tourists are drawn to the location for a variety of different reasons. While some want to walk down the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town, others stop to marvel at the architecture of the Bridge of Peace or Narikala Fortress.
But landscape, culture and history isn’t all the destination has to offer. It’s also become a hotspot for animal lovers – who affectionately call it the dog capital of the world.
Over the decades, stray dogs have become a part of the urban environment in Tbilisi. Traditionally, many residents of the city have been tolerant of street dogs, and some locals feed and care for them.
The canines seem to thrive in the mild climate – and can often be seen snoozing in shop doorways and wagging their tails at anyone who passes. It’s not uncommon to see them cuddling or taking public transport either!
Locals work together to care for the pooches. While some feed those in their area, others provide shelter or warm blankets.
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!”
Unlike some countries that resort to euthanising stray dogs, Georgia has a more humane approach, with Tbilisi following a “no-kill policy.”
While this is a positive development from an animal rights perspective, it also means that stray dogs are managed primarily through other methods like sterilisations and vaccinations, which take time to lower the population.
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.
