Free-roaming animals in tourism destinations present unique opportunities and challenges for responsible tourism development. These animals can attract visitors to lesser-known locations, revitalizing communities with tourism revenue. However, their ecological and societal impacts must be considered. Invasive species like feral dogs and cats threaten local biodiversity, while human-animal interactions pose risks of zoonotic disease transmission. Destination images can also suffer from noise pollution, aggressive animal behavior, and unsanitary conditions. Effective management of these animals involves integrating them as stakeholders in tourism planning, balancing their welfare with the needs of ecosystems and local communities. This commentary explores how responsible tourism principles can address free-roaming animals' ethical, societal, and ecological complexities. The application of community-based tourism planning, stakeholder theory, and innovative strategies are essential for fostering coexistence and transforming potential conflicts into opportunities. Future research should focus on developing comprehensive frameworks incorporating free-roaming animals into responsible tourism practices, ensuring their role as stakeholders in sustainable and ethical tourism development.
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