Stray Buddy was initiated by Ms. Annelieke Laninga to address conflicts and misalignment of residents related to free living dogs in her area. The approach is area-based and fosters collaboration between RWAs and caregivers as well as other stakeholders. Community-led groups implement five systematic steps: map, feed, sterilise, vaccinate and build awareness. Proof of concept came with a pilot in neighbourhoods in South Delhi under the aegis of a high-level Implementation Committee appointed by Delhi High Court. If free-living dogs are well taken care of, the welfare of both residents and animals will improve, shelters and sanctuaries will be less overburdened and public participation in animal birth control programs of the government becomes feasible. The strategy is impactful in terms of dog population control, protection against rabies and reduction in human-animal conflict. Through the Stray Buddy program, ACGS promotes a community adoption model based on compassion for all living beings, demonstrating that coexistence is possible.