One of the most beautiful and fulfilling decisions of life is when you adopt a dog for your home. They bring joy to the house, keep the family strong and also protect your home, if it is a guard dog. Also, the best thing about dog adoption is that you are discouraging the practice of buying puppies from puppy mills.
But how do you actually adopt a dog in India? What is the process behind it, and from where do you start? If you have these questions, then this blog will be tremendously helpful for you. Whether you are looking to adopt a dog for free or from a recognised animal shelter, this 10-step guide will help you make the right decision.
1) Before You Begin, Know the Journey
Before you adopt a dog, you should know what you are really signing up for. An average dog lives for 10 to 15 years, and during that time, you have to invest your time, energy, patience and of course, resources for them. It is actually a long-term commitment. Your dog will completely rely on you, whether it is for dog food, vaccinations, or their daily walks.
This is especially important if you are adopting a dog from a shelter, as a rescued dog takes a while to adjust to their new home. Some of the dogs that are abused or neglected will take a little longer than the rest.
2) Choose the Right Dog For Your Lifestyle
India is home to many indigenous dog breeds, some of which are low-maintenance, while others are active, large and need a lot of space. For example, if you are someone living in a small flat in a busy, bustling city, a high-energy dog may not be the right fit. In fact, one of the best dog breeds you can adopt is the Indic dog breed. These dogs are born on the streets and possess a robust immunity to fight infections and diseases. Indic dogs are also adaptable to a wide range of climates.
Also, many dogs for adoption in India are Indies or hybrid breeds, which make wonderful pets for a family. So before you adopt a dog, think about the dog’s size, energy level, grooming needs, temperament, etc.
3) Look For the Right Places For Dog Adoption
Once you are ready to adopt a dog, you should be looking at the right places for adoption. There are many platforms and places where you can find loving dogs that are looking for a nice family. Below are some of those,
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NGO’s and Animal Shelter
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Adoption drives and camps
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Local rescue groups and feeders
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Vets and a pet clinic
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Social media groups and adoption pages
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Pet adoption websites
In social media platforms, you might even come across dog lovers who are taking care of dogs and are looking for people who are ready to adopt the dogs. Some of them even allow you to adopt a puppy that has been rescued at a very young age. It is advised that you always choose trusted sources for adoption.
4) Get in Touch With a Dog Shelter
If you are browsing online and have liked a dog for adoption, reach out to the dog shelter that is handling the dog. They may want to know about the location of your house, your lifestyle and your overall experience dealing with pets. Some shelters are very careful and might conduct interviews, just to ensure that the dogs are going to a safe and loving home.
If you are wondering, then know that this is a common part of the dog adoption process. Remember, the rescuers have given their love, time and effort into caring for the dog. They just want their dog to be in a caring home in the future.
5) Visit and Spend Some Time With the Dog
Once you have contacted the dog shelter or rescuer, they will most likely call you to meet the dog in person. This is a very important step. Remember that dogs have their own personalities, and just like people, not every dog will suit every person. Also, spending time with a dog before adoption will help you to know them better. This is an essential step when it comes to puppy adoption.
Also, as young puppies need more care and attention, it is important to watch their behaviour and check if you are ready for the new journey.
6) Get Done With the Paperwork
Once you and the dog rescuer are ready to move forward, there will surely be some paperwork involved. Depending on the organisation, you may be asked to do the following work,
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Fill out an adoption form
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Provide identity proof and residential address
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Sign an adoption agreement
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Agree to follow-up visits or updates
Many dog shelters in India allow you to adopt a dog for free, although they may ask for a nominal donation to support their programme for food, vaccinations and medical costs. Don’t be discouraged if they ask for a small fee, as it is for feeding the pets that are already in the shelter.
7) Make Your House Ready for the New Member
Before you welcome the new furry friend to your house, make sure your living space is ready for it. Similar to how you would baby-proof a house for a toddler, you have to do the same while welcoming a new puppy into the house as well. Here are some of the essentials you should get,
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First Aid Kit
It is also important to dog-proof your house before you welcome a new puppy, to keep them safe and secure inside the house. This is mainly because puppies have the habit of chewing shoes, furniture and wires.
8) Bring Your Dog Home and Be Calm
Bringing a puppy home can be a thrilling experience, but it can be a bit overwhelming for your furry friend. The first few days in a house can be confusing and stressful for the dog, especially if they have been rescued from trauma or the streets. So you have to keep things a little bit calm in the initial days.
Firstly, show your dog your entire house and give them to explore. Avoid loud noises or too many guests in the first week. It can take days, sometimes even few weeks for the dogs to adjust in their new house.
9) Take the Dog to a Vet
Even if the dog shelter says it has done all the vaccinations of the dog, it is best to take them to the local vet within the first week of adoption. A thorough check-up will ensure that there are no problems that are persisting.
The vet will guide you on,
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Vaccinations and booster shots
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Spaying and Neutering (If Not Done Already)
10) Give Excellent Care
Once you bring a dog into your house, note that it is a commitment of a lifetime. Dogs are creatures who don’t understand temporary emotions. Whether you are adopting a young puppy or a senior dog, they will love you with all their heart. So feed them good food, play with them, take them for walks, socialise them with other dogs, and make regular vet visits. Most importantly, love them wholeheartedly.
It’s heartbreaking to see how so many dogs are abandoned by their owners when they move to different places or cities. This is why the campaign about dogs for free adoption is growing, in order to promote responsibility and compassion among people.
Why Adoption is the Correct Choice?
Pet shops and unethical breeders only focus on their profit, and put the health and well-being of the dogs in the back seat. Female dogs are used as breeding machines, and puppies are separated from their mothers way too early before their time. At the same time, millions of street dogs in India suffer without food, care or shelter.
Choosing dog adoption in India over buying is a great step to break the cruel cycle of misery in dogs. By adopting, you are actually a second lease of life to the dogs.
Where to Find Dogs For Adoption?
If you are looking for a dog for free adoption, here are some reliable places to start:
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Friendicoes - Delhi NCR
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Blue Cross - Chennai
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CUPA - Bangalore
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The Welfare of Stray Dogs - Mumbai
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Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary - Chennai
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YODA - Mumbai
You can also consider visiting your local veterinary clinics or feeders in your neighbourhood. They are often aware of abandoned dogs or street dogs who need a home.
Thinking of Adopting Breed Dogs?
If you are looking for breed dogs for adoption, it is best to approach NGO or rescue groups. Many purebred groups are abandoned by owners who fail to care for them. Adopting a breed of dogs still saves life, and you also get the opportunity to know the background and temperament of the dog.
In a Nutshell,
Adoption is an act of love, kindness and courage. Whether you are wondering how to adopt a dog or are simply curious about the process, we hope this blog will fulfil your needs. Also, dogs don’t care about your money, background or appearance; all they yearn for is your love. All they want is your love, and once they receive it, they will fully reciprocate it.
So next, you scroll on social media pages, don’t ignore posts or posters about puppies for adoption in India. Your future best friend may be just a call or visit away.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How Can I Start the Process of Dog Adoption in India?
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You can start by researching NGO, animal shelters, dog rescue groups, etc in your area. Once you find out, then visit them, interact with the dogs, and understand the whole adoption process. Organisations like Blue Cross, CUPA, and People for Animals offer excellent dog adoption opportunities.
2) Can I Adopt a Dog For Free in India?
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Yes, you can adopt a dog for free from most dog shelters and rescue organisations. While there is usually no adoption fee, some shelters may ask for a nominal fee to cover basic vaccination and neutering charges.
3) What is the Difference Between Adopting a Puppy and an Adult Dog?
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When you adopt a puppy, it gives you the chance to train and form a bond with them from their young age, but it requires more time and patience. While you adopt an adult dog, the dog is more likely to be trained and more settled. Although they may need help from you to make themselves fully adjusted to their new environment.
4) Is Adopting a Dog Better than Buying One?
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Always. Adopting a dog from a shelter helps you give them a second chance to live a great life. It is also more ethical and helps reduce the demand for puppy mills and other unethical breeders.
5) What all Documents are Required for the Dog Adoption Process?
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Generally, in a dog adoption process, you need an ID proof, address proof, and you also need to fill out an application form. Some shelters may also interview to examine your suitability.
6) Are there breed dogs for adoption in India too?
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Yes. Although there are chances that you will find most shelter dogs as Indic breeds, there are also breed dogs in most shelters. The breed dogs that end up in shelters are mostly the result of abandonment or the cruelty of their former owners. They will be happy if they find a new home with lovely pet parents.
7) How do I Know Which Dog is Right For Me?
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Before adopting a dog, consider your lifestyle, home size, daily routine and energy levels and consult the members in the shelter groups about this. Once they go through it, they will help you pick the right dog.