The Animal Rights Foundation (FDK) announced today the publication of the first national survey of the street dog population in Kosovo.
According to the report’s main findings, there are 50,654 stray dogs living in Kosovo, which is 32 dogs for every 1,000 inhabitants, while the sterilization rate at the national level is only 11 percent.
FDK has announced that this innovative report provides the country’s institutions with reliable data to guide humane and effective strategies for managing the dog population.
“Conducted between June 2024 and May 2025, the survey covers all 38 municipalities of Kosovo, making it the first comprehensive national survey on street dogs in Europe and only the third of its kind globally. The initiative was strategically designed and funded by FOUR PAWS International and implemented by FDK in Kosovo,” the press release states.
Over 2,500 kilometers of roads were surveyed for this report, providing the most accurate picture to date of the stray dog population in Kosovo.
According to the results, both urban and rural areas are affected.
Municipalities with large urban centers such as Pristina (3,685; 16 dogs per 1,000 inhabitants), Peja (4,921; 59 dogs per 1,000) and Ferizaj (4,173; 38 dogs per 1,000) have the highest number in total, but the lowest in relation to the population.
Meanwhile, rural municipalities such as Zveçan (641) and Ranilug (311) show the highest densities, with 224 and 125 dogs per 1,000 inhabitants respectively.
FDK emphasizes that these findings highlight the need for coordinated, humane and sustainable interventions.
The executive director of the FDK, Elza Ramadani, described the report as an important achievement for the country.
“This report is an important achievement for our country, as it clearly shows the most accurate reality of the population of dogs roaming freely in Kosovo, giving relevant institutions and civil society a clear tool to plan and work in a strategic and humane manner. Data-driven projects provide long-term results and this is exactly what we need,” said Ramadani.
Meanwhile, Tamara Kartal, senior expert at FOUR PAWS International, emphasized that for years Kosovo has faced an increase in the population of stray dogs.
“A radical shift towards proactive, community-based dog population management is needed. By adopting a unified, data-driven approach, Kosovo can accelerate progress in dog population management and ensure sustainable improvements in both animal welfare and public health,” Kartal stated.