Abstract
Free-living dogs, also known as village or community dogs, exist in a unique ecological and social niche—interwoven into human environments while retaining autonomy. This study explores the suitability and sustainability of rehoming free-living dogs as pets by investigating their behavioural traits, health considerations, and adoption challenges. Using a mixed-methods design, including survey data from 192 adopters across diverse regions, the study identifies key trends in public perceptions, post-adoption difficulties, and ethical concerns related to adoption.
Findings reveal that although free-living dogs demonstrate notable resilience and adaptability, they frequently exhibit behavioural issues—such as reactivity, fearfulness, and separation anxiety—that complicate their integration into domestic settings. Health concerns, including parasites and malnutrition, further emphasise the need for medical intervention. A significant number of adopters (70%) reported behavioural challenges, while 58% received no post-adoption support—underscoring the urgent need for structured adoption frameworks encompassing behavioural guidance and veterinary care.
Importantly, the study challenges the assumption that adoption represents the most ethical or sustainable strategy for managing free-living dog populations. It highlights the value of alternative approaches such as community-led care, Capture–Neuter–Vaccinate–Return (CNVR) programmes, and educational outreach promoting coexistence. The findings contribute to an emerging paradigm that centres coexistence, autonomy, and context-specific welfare strategies—offering more holistic, ethical, and culturally informed pathways for supporting free-living dogs and the communities they inhabit. Future research should build upon these findings to shape global policy while supporting locally adaptive, culturally sensitive welfare models.