For four years, Rina Rakhman found herself in the depths of depression, relying daily on seven prescribed pills from her psychiatrist to maintain a sense of calm. Her life, however, took an unexpected turn when she decided to adopt dogs. Now 43, Rina not only attests to having stopped her tranquilizer medication but also believes her life has become significantly more meaningful and fulfilling.
“These dogs filled a void I never knew I had,” Rina shares. “When facing conflict, I realized just how lonely I was. They are the ones who filled that emptiness and brought healing.” Her journey to recovery began after she moved from Bandung to Bali with her husband and two children. It was there that she opened her home to pets, starting with an ownerless local Kintamani dog before adopting more, eventually building a pack of six diverse Bali dogs, ranging from a gentle Golden Retriever to a robust Rottweiler. This commitment fostered a profound sense of responsibility within her. “Certainly, I’ve become far more responsible. Previously, I would run away from conflict. Since getting dogs, I’ve had to restrain myself for their care and well-being,” she revealed to BBC News Indonesia reporter Christine Nababan. Her newfound happiness with her canine companions extends to her neighbors, who have welcomed her beloved pets without issue, making dog ownership a truly joyful experience for Rina.
Naturally, caring for six dogs comes with a significant financial commitment. Rina willingly spends at least IDR 15 million (approximately USD 960) each month to cover her dogs’ essential needs, including food, flea and worm medication, and vitamins. This figure doesn’t even account for irregular expenses such as dog trainers, pet sitters for when she and her family are out, professional grooming, and visits to dog parks for recreation.
The profound love for dogs resonates deeply with Nanda Yuliana Putri, another Bali resident. She first welcomed a dog into her home in June 2020, and unexpectedly, an incredibly strong emotional bond formed with her initial canine companion. Nanda readily allocates between IDR 10 million and IDR 15 million monthly (approximately USD 640 – 960) for her dog’s upkeep, despite her own income being less than IDR 20 million per month. “No one loves and needs me quite like Yuppi, my dog,” she expresses. “That’s why if I’m eating well but my dog isn’t getting proper food, I feel guilty. So, Yuppi’s needs are my priority.”
The Pet Business Blooms in Bali
Rina and Nanda perfectly exemplify the dedicated dog owners in Bali who readily invest substantially in their beloved pets. This growing community of “pawrents,” as dog owners are affectionately known, has fueled a burgeoning industry of pet shops and veterinary clinics across the island. While official statistics on the exact number of pet shops in Bali remain unavailable, observation suggests a remarkable density, with a pet store appearing roughly every two kilometers in the bustling areas of Badung and Denpasar.
Capitalizing on the vibrant pet industry in Bali, BorknChew, a store specializing in nutritious dog treats, has found immense success. Tasha, the founder of BorknChew, notes, “The community of dog owners in Bali is incredibly supportive and highly aware of their pets’ health. They aren’t just looking for the cheapest option; they actively read labels and inquire about ingredients.” She emphasizes the significant potential this presents for her brand, which operates on an “affordable premium” concept, bridging the gap between high-quality pet nutrition and reasonable pricing. This potential has indeed materialized. Just one year after launching online in mid-2024, Tasha proudly opened BorknChew’s first physical store in Badung, Bali. “From its inception to November 2025, a span of 16 months, BorknChew has recorded an astounding 250% sales growth,” Tasha states. “This significant growth validates that the market was eagerly awaiting the solution we provide.”
The Rise of Dog Parks
The burgeoning pet care industry in Bali extends far beyond just food and treats. Bernadeta Mela astutely recognized this broader opportunity. Along with a friend, she established Paw Space, an expansive 1,800-square-meter dog park in Denpasar that offers a comprehensive suite of services. These include a dog salon, training, boarding, a swimming pool for dogs, and even pick-up and drop-off services for dogs and other beloved pets. Mela firmly believes that truly healthy and happy dogs require not only nutritious food but also consistent activity, playtime, and opportunities for socialization. In the two years since Paw Space opened, she has observed a growing number of dog owners who are increasingly attentive to their pets’ physical fitness and mental well-being. Consequently, many now regularly schedule visits for their dogs to play at her facility. “In Denpasar City, even though Paw Space might be considered a tertiary need for pets, the market potential is extraordinary,” Mela explains. “Dog owners are aware of their dogs’ welfare; they want their dogs to be able to play, swim, run around, socialize, and more.” Mela estimates that Paw Space welcomes 20-30 dogs on weekdays, with numbers soaring to as many as 100 on weekends. The cost for owners to access Paw Space’s full range of facilities varies, typically ranging from IDR 200,000 to IDR 900,000 (approximately USD 13-58) per visit.
Another entrepreneur thriving in the Bali pet scene is Georgia Kauten, owner of Dogville in Badung Regency, whose venture also stems from a lifelong passion for animals. Having spent most of her life training horses and dogs since the age of 10, Kauten brings a wealth of experience. “When I moved to Bali, I worked at another dog park for a while,” she recounts, “but I realized I wanted a different concept, and that’s where Dogville was born.” At Dogville, the focus isn’t solely on dogs playing and socializing off-leash; their owners can also relax in a cafe area or work remotely. Furthermore, Dogville hosts special events, encouraging both dogs and their human companions to socialize and build connections. “We want Dogville to foster a healthy community for dogs and their owners alike,” Georgia emphasizes. Beyond large establishments, the booming demand for pet care in Bali has also created opportunities for individuals with minimal capital. Wahyu Isa, a mountain tour guide, exemplifies this. He offers dog sitting and walking services, a small, word-of-mouth business that has significantly supported him while living away from home. Isa charges IDR 100,000 – IDR 150,000 (approximately USD 6-10) for a one-hour dog walk to the beach or through rice fields and residential areas. For in-home pet sitting when owners are away, his rates range from IDR 150,000 – IDR 200,000 (approximately USD 10-13). “When I don’t have guests for mountain tours, I have free time,” he explains. “I might as well go jogging with dogs or look after them at their homes. That’s how I earn money.”
A Stark Contrast: The Plight of Stray Dogs in Bali
While pet dogs in Bali enjoy lives of comfort and dedicated care, a starkly different reality faces the island’s stray dog population. These vulnerable animals roam the streets, scavenge for food, suffer from various diseases, face threats of poisoning, and live under the constant shadow of contracting and transmitting rabies. Disturbing statistics from the Bali Provincial Livestock and Animal Health Office reveal a concerning trend: 12 human deaths due to rabies were recorded by October 2025, an increase from seven deaths in 2024 and nine in 2023. Nurul Hadiristiyantri, Head of Livestock and Animal Health at the Bali Provincial Agriculture and Food Security Office, highlights that Bali’s dog population, currently at 565,737, is the highest in Indonesia. This massive population is a primary factor behind the persistent rabies cases that have plagued Bali since 2008. “Rabies is still present in Bali, primarily originating from dogs, as nearly every household in Bali has dogs,” Nurul explains. “What’s regrettable is that many are not properly cared for.” She further clarifies that a significant number of Bali residents keep their dogs free-roaming, and these animals are often unvaccinated, making them highly susceptible to diseases, especially rabies. As of October 20, 2025, records indicate a total of 375 dogs tested positive for rabies. In response, emergency vaccination efforts have been initiated to curb wider transmission. Subsequently, rabies-positive dogs displaying symptoms and those that have bitten will be humanely eliminated. “The criteria for canine elimination are selective and targeted,” Nurul states. “Firstly, dogs showing symptoms of rabies. Secondly, dogs in close contact with suspected rabies cases. Thirdly, stray dogs whose elimination is requested by village authorities, possibly due to aggressive behavior or biting.”
Dedicated Efforts to Rescue Stray Dogs
Amidst these challenges, compassionate animal lovers are actively rescuing many of Bali’s stray dogs. A prominent organization leading this charge is the BAWA Foundation (Bali Animal Welfare Association), which is dedicated to the rescue, protection, and improvement of life for abandoned dogs, particularly indigenous Balinese breeds like the Kintamani and Kacang dogs. Cynthia, BAWA’s Event Fundraising and Communication Coordinator, emphasizes that their facility is not merely a shelter, which she defines as a place for unwanted animals. “Here, we call it a safe house, a rehabilitation and adoption center,” she clarifies. At this safe house, BAWA’s team rescues animals that have endured abuse and neglect. These dogs receive comprehensive care for their physical injuries and mental trauma, carefully rehabilitated until they are ready for adoption. “Even after they are physically healthy, we continue to care for them in our safe house to help them trust humans again,” Cynthia adds. Once ready, the dogs are vaccinated and sterilized before being placed with new families who will adopt and cherish them. This aligns with BAWA’s core programs: rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming, alongside ongoing initiatives like education, mass vaccination, and sterilization campaigns. Cynthia believes that BAWA’s programs significantly contribute to the collective efforts of the government and community in raising awareness about the vital importance of dog welfare. “The BAWA Foundation aims to advocate for the right of all animals in Bali to be treated kindly, given affection, and valued,” she concludes.
Veterinary Health: A Growing Focus for Bali’s Dogs
The overall welfare of dogs in Bali—whether pets or strays—is inextricably linked to animal health services. Dewa Made Anom, Chairman of the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association (PDHI) Bali, acknowledges that the increasing attention from both local residents and expatriates towards dogs has brought significant advantages to the veterinary profession. He recalls that when he pursued veterinary medicine in 1990, the field was sparsely populated, with fewer than 100 students. “It’s quite a source of pride to be a veterinarian now,” he remarks. “Currently, at Udayana University, the number of applicants for veterinary medicine has surged, and competition is quite fierce. This indicates a rising interest, driven by the community’s growing need for veterinarians.” This heightened awareness among owners about their pets’ health has also attracted investors to the animal healthcare business. Consequently, the number of veterinary clinics and home practices has proliferated, particularly in Denpasar City and Badung Regency. According to PDHI Bali data, over 1,500 veterinarians are registered on the island, making it the second-highest concentration in Indonesia after Jakarta. However, the exact number of veterinary clinics currently operating is not tracked by PDHI. Recognizing this surge in both supply and demand, Anom states that PDHI Bali has spent the last decade assisting the local government in regulating veterinary clinics and practices. The objective is to mitigate substandard animal healthcare services, prevent malpractice, and deter unhealthy business competition. “When prices are too low, the quality of care automatically declines. That’s what we want to avoid,” Anom asserts. “Therefore, we have begun to organize our members, their licensing, and practice locations. Although we don’t issue the licenses ourselves, we are authorized to help vet applicants and provide recommendations.” This emphasis on regulation and oversight is crucial for dog owners in Bali who prioritize their pets’ health, as for many, dogs are cherished as life’s best companions. “Having a dog is a decision I will never regret in my entire life. I am incredibly happy,” beams Nanda Yuliana Putri, a dedicated dog owner in Bali.
Reporter Christine Nababan in Bali contributed to this article.
Summary
The deep affection of the Balinese community for their pet dogs