Animal advocate group: Guam needs to fix 6K dogs a year to cut stray population
- Admin
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 24
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The Humane World for Animals has recommended increasing annual sterilizations of dogs from the current 4,000 to at least 6,000 per year to reach Guam's target of 85 percent sterilization by 2035, the threshold needed to achieve a steady decline in the free-roaming dog population.
A newly released survey showed that Guam’s dog population has remained steady at approximately 60,000 as of 2025—from 25,000 in 2014, according to the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division.
But while the latest number indicated that population growth has been kept in check, the department is targeting a significant reduction.
The department today released the results of the 2025 Dog and Cat Population Survey, which it conducted in partnership with the Humane World. It was the first islandwide update since 2014 on companion animal populations, ownership practices and free-roaming dog numbers.
“This survey shows we’ve made progress, but we cannot meet our goals without everyone at the table,” said Dr. Mariana Turner, territorial veterinarian.
More dogs are now sterilized, vaccinated and kept confined, indicating progress in responsible care, the department said.
“The government, private sector, and our community must work together to expand access to spay and neuter, improve public education, and support humane, effective solutions for Guam’s free-roaming animals,” Turner said.
“The numbers make it clear: if we don’t act with urgency, we will be facing the same challenges in another 10 years,” she added.
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Currently, the combined efforts of the Spay and Neuter Island Pets program and private practice veterinary clinics average about 4,000 sterilizations per year.
While finding the progress “encouraging,” officials said the number is not enough to reduce overall population growth.
Humane World stressed that without consistent and large-scale interventions, free-roaming dog numbers will rise.
The group, formerly known as Humane Society, further recommended sustained education through targeted outreach campaigns, including school-based programs to promote responsible pet ownership, vaccination and sterilization, which are key to improving animal welfare and reducing stray populations.
Officials said bridging this gap will require strategies such as, expanding partnerships with local veterinarians for high-volume and subsidized spay/neuter clinics, and strengthening support systems for pet owners and animal control services.
The department urged all residents “to be part of the solution by sterilizing their pets, avoiding abandonment of puppies and kittens, and participating in community education initiatives.”
“This survey marks a critical turning point for Guam. While we’re seeing encouraging progress in responsible pet ownership and animal care, the rise in free-roaming dog populations is a call to action,” said Chelsa Muña, director of the Guam Department of Agriculture.
“We cannot afford to be complacent. Our path forward must include sustained, collaborative action, expanding access to sterilization, strengthening education and empowering our communities to be part of the solution.”
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