The first Guam pet population survey in 11 years found that sterilization and vaccination of the island’s 60,000 dogs have increased since 2014, but sterilization rates are still too low to lead to a decline in the island’s free-roaming dog population.
The number of free-roaming dogs is estimated at 8,344, according to the survey.
The survey, conducted by the Guam Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division in partnership with Humane World for Animals, showed that 36% of pet dogs were sterilized and 64.5% were vaccinated in 2025.
“But the rates remain low in southern rural villages,” the report stated.
In 2014, some 11% of male pet dogs and 19% of females were sterilized, and 38% were vaccinated.
Between the Spay and Neuter Island Pets (SNIP) program and private veterinary practices, about 4,000 animals are spayed and neutered each year. However, Humane World for Animals states that at least 6,000 a year should be sterilized to have a meaningful impact on the free-roaming dog population.
The survey determined that more than half of Guam’s households have at least one dog, with the highest numbers of dogs per household in rural southern villages like Malesso’ and Inalåhan.
At the same time, the southern villages also had a higher density of free-roaming dogs, indicating that many of the loose dogs are actually pets.
Northern urban villages have the highest rates of complaints and bite reports, according to the survey.
Territorial Veterinarian Dr. Mariana Turner said the survey shows that the island has made progress, “but we cannot meet our goals without everyone at the table.”
“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 stated in a news release accompanying the survey. “The numbers make it clear: if we don’t act with urgency, we will be facing the same challenges in another 10 years.”