Expat Community > Ecuador

vandtor
Joined 2010
Posts: 1065

Pet Safety

13 years ago

This has recently come up on anther forum because an Ex-pat family had their 4mo old German Shepherd stolen. People are asking all the time about bringing their pets so they should know some things about pet safety.

Having a pet in Ecuador is a luxury for most Ecuadoreans but still is something that is catching on as evidenced by the amount of veterinary clinics and pet shops which are cropping up. Dogs have long been considered as guard animals and cats have utility as mouse catchers. Most public places have no problem with a well behaved animal on a leash. Most buses will allow your leashed dog especially if you carry it as will taxis. My Golden Retriever used to get on the bus with me all of the time. However, the drivers do have the right to refuse your dog even though the lady before you got on with 6 chickens in a sack.

The ugly side of pets in Ecuador is that they get poisoned and stolen. Pure bred dogs are particular targets for thieves. Any nice looking dog can be targeted but in general thieves love to pick up young dogs and puppies. They either do it because they themselves want the animal or they will try to sell it. Dogs cannot be left unattended. You cannot leave it in a fenced area that is visible from the street. Nor can you leave your dog tied to something while you run into the house, store, bank etc...

Another reason that you cannot leave a dog unattended in a fenced yard is the potential to be poisoned. Criminals will poison dogs in a neighborhood that they are targeting. Also, neighbors will poison dogs as well either to get rid of a nuisance dog or as some sort of retaliation. As you are getting that last Vet check up, ask your vet about things that you should have on hand in case of an emergency with your pet. Such as something to make the dog vomit if you suspect that it has just eaten something.

For those bringing cats, a lot of the same applies. Keep your cat in doors making sure that there is now way that it can get out through a patio or balcony. I had a kitten stolen. A young friend spotted him a week or so later and stole him back, but he soon again was stolen never to return. I fared much better with a female cat as they don't seem to be as desirable.

You loved them enough to bring them so continue to keep them close.

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