Our Humane Society does a commendable job....and they can use all the help they can get.
http://humanesociety.meetup.com/cities/us/vi/

Thanks Marty!
The thing is; I can't stand the sight of animals suffering. I've been to a caribbean island before and spent whole holiday crying for al the hungry and injured strays.
Can you tell me if there are many strays there?
It's not that I want to close my eyes for the suffering, but at home I already do what I can and work in an animal hospital. When I'm on a holiday I really need to relax.....

The situation in the Virgin Islands is infinitely better than in other Caribbean islands. As Marty said, the Humane Societies here do a wonderful job and the passing, a couple of years ago, of a very comprehensive animal cruelty bill has resulted in a number of convictions and (at least in my "rural" area) a significant decrease in the number of wandering dogs. I can assure you that you won't see anything close to what you've seen on other islands. I had the same sort of reaction several years ago in the Dominican Republic - it was heartbreaking. Have a wonderful vacation and spend it smiling! You could also go to one of the shelters here (there's one on each island) and give a dog a hug. Cheers!

Thanks again! (tu)

So the situation on the V.I. is not so bad I understand? No ill or starving dogs on the streets, or dead dogs in the gutter?
I would love to visit your beautiful islands with a smile!
Which island is the nicest for you?

We frequent St. John and do not see mistreated dogs. Check out http://www.wagapalooza.com/ for information on St. John's big fund raiser.

Cheers, RickG

Thanks a lot Rick! And wow, what a great initiative this wagapalooza! Wish I could be there.....
Btw; I love this photo:
😀

The ACC here hasa program for visitors to adopt and take home strays if you are interested.

They make it very easy for you. Give them a call at 340-774-1625

The ACC here hasa program for visitors to adopt and take home strays if you are interested.

They make it very easy for you. Give them a call at 340-774-1625

Thanks for the tip Mat!
The problem is that I already adopted 3 strays from Greece! (photo below) So my appartment is getting somewhat crowded! ;):D
Otherwise I'd love to....

Nice work! Beautiful, happy-looking dogs you got there.

Thanks! They're my angels.....

The general Caribbean view surprised me when down -island someone once said to me " Da people in St Thomas is so rich, dey hab a place you cud tek a dog to get a haircut"

The general Caribbean view surprised me when down -island someone once said to me " Da people in St Thomas is so rich, dey hab a place you cud tek a dog to get a haircut"

:@)

It's great that the animals are being treated well there! I've been to Curacao, which is a real dog-hell....:-(

Annemieke,

I just returned from a week on St. John and did not see any stray/mistreated dogs. You will see lots of "stray" donkeys and goats! However, they seem to be treated well. Donkeys even have their own diner in Coral Bay.

Mountain Runner

Hi Mountain Runner!
Good to hear! I'm really considering going there this year, sounds really good!
Thanks!

I'm considering a cruise which includes St. Maarten, Turks & Caicos, and St. Thomas. I'm very nervous about booking it because when I was there many years ago, I couldn't take the starving dogs/cats that hung around the dock. Does anyone know anything about the stray population in these 3 places to date?

Peggy there is no right answer to that question

Unfortunately you will see animals in the islands that are in dire need of love and care
In fact a friend on another board brought back a dog from SXM last year

I know both St John and St Martin have a very active rescue league, and I am sure St Thomas does also but I am not aware of it.

Go enjoy the islands

Do a little research and maybe you can help some unknow stray.

The world is beautiful and it is ugly - but one must see as much as they can
You now have a reason to go....
To enjoy and to help and to educate
have a great trip!

Thank you

Annemeike,

I've lived here (STJ for 2 months, STT for 6) a little bit now and barring a single dog running around here or there, have barely seen any strays at all. I know exactly what you are talking about, having traveled to Greece many years ago and seeing the horror with strays in so many places there. I was also an animal rescue volunteer for years and had 2 retired greyhounds (LOVE that picture!) myself. Believe me, if the stray situation were bad here, I'd tell you. I do think the locals here have a different view of animals than your typical US resident, but truly, I think this will be a safe, happy place for you to visit in that regard.

While most of the postings are correct there is one fact you need to be aware of before you arrive:

Local Virgin Islanders raise dogs for fighting and fight their dogs. They fight to the death or total disability. This, as well, goes for chickens. Most local Virgin Islander's fighting dogs are not treated with the same care as we would treat our own. They are tick and flea ridden with just enough food to survive if they are not on the competitive edge. Otherwise older or lesser dogs, as well as strays and stolen dogs, are "practice dogs". Just because you are a tourist, not privy to the backyards, does not mean it does not exist!