How to Adopt an Indian Street Dog: Step-by-Step Guide
Animals make great companions. They become friends, they become our family. But it is important to make sure we treat them as animals and give them the respect they deserve. We are responsible for them but we do not own them or have a right to misuse the trust they put in us.
India has millions of beautiful street dogs. Many of them suffer and the majority die prematurely. It is easy to want to adopt them all and bring them home, but that isn’t possible. The best way you can help street dogs long-term is by donating to help expand Animal Birth Control. One street dog (and her puppies) produce 67,000 street dogs in six years! By donating to expand Animal Birth Control, you are preventing the suffering and death of countless future street dogs!
Adopting a pet often means you are saving two souls. The pet’s and your’s. Every day is a learning experience with an adopted pet. The way they interact to your home, the way the play with your family members and eventually protect them, and the way they smile when we call their name. It’s bliss.
One of the biggest challenges of adoptions is that people don’t know how to go about the process. People want a pet but there is just not enough awareness on adoptions. Half of them don’t even know our Indian mutts or streeties can make excellent home dogs.
To adopt a pup or a kitten, there are many animal shelters. Animal shelters are mainly for injured and ill animals and when the animal becomes healthy again, it is up for adoption. So adopting from a shelter means bringing home a furry friend and making space for another injured animal to get medical help!
Another way to adopt is through volunteers. Volunteers take care of street dogs and we often see litters of pups and kittens. Volunteers make sure the mother dog is well fed and the babies are protected and in a safe environment. Once they are older and ready to be separated from the litter, they are up for adoption.
Ideally pups and kittens should only be adopted after they are 8 weeks old. However, in our society there are many factors that prevent this from happening. The most common one is our wonderful societies who want to “get rid” of the pups as soon as possible. Every day becomes a task for volunteers to beg them to stay together. Every volunteer goes home sleeping hoping that evil humans haven’t done anything bad to the mother or the babies. In such situations, if a good home if found then the pet gets separated before.
Another common occurrence is the babies being motherless. This happens when the mother dog passes away or when the evil humans relocate the pups in a new area. Imagine a volunteer walking home and suddenly comes across 8 20 day tiny puppies left in a bag. What do you do? It’s a nightmare but it’s worth it when all 8 puppies find loving homes.
What is the adoption process?
Adopting a pet isn’t a leisure activity or a whim. It’s a major life commitment. It’s bringing home a family member, which should be given equal thought as when a family plans to create human babies.
Adoption process typically consists of the following:
1) Counselling session to understand the family, and provide guidance
2) House check to understand the space where the pet will live
3) Interaction with the potential pet to see how well the family bonds with the pet and vice versa
4) Trial period, duration depends from case to case.
5) Securing medical records from volunteers to make sure the pet is healthy
6) Signing the adoption papers
7) Filling paperwork with local government authority to register your pet in government database
Things to keep in mind before adopting a dog:
So if you are ready for the dog and the adventures to come you should be mentally prepared because it is a full-time responsibility. Dogs require time and commitment as they are not just for puppy days but for life. They do need your time and attention from daily walks to planning vacations you’ll be sharing your life with them.
Also, you need to consider the expenses as there would be bills for food, vaccinations, veterinary costs, etc.
Here’s how to adopt a dog: Follow Steps
- Look for a rescue or nearby dog shelter house.
- Visit the shelter and try to bond with the dog.
- Get the medical records and history of the dog.
- Follow the required and necessary procedures.
- Sign up the adoption papers
Things to keep in mind after adopting a dog:
- Prepare yourself and your home for the adventure.
- The dogs need basic training to settle down indoors.
- Set up a routine for daily habits so they could learn easily.
By taking a dog home by adopting from a rescue or a shelter, you are making room in the rescue so they can save another pet from a shelter, or making room at the shelter itself.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting
Caring for a companion animal goes far beyond providing food, water and shelter. It takes a little planning to bring the right pet into your home, and to make sure your lifestyle is right for your pet. Answering the following questions will help get you started.
- Why do you want to adopt a pet?
Are you looking for the loyal and steady companionship that an animal can offer? Are you hoping to fill the empty place left after a pet has passed? Maybe you want a companion for your child. Knowing why you’re preparing to bring a pet home will help you to choose your pet wisely.2. Are you ready to make a long-term commitment?
When adopting, you are making a commitment to care for an animal for the rest of his life—that could mean 10 to 15 years for dogs and up to 20 years for cats. As you go through lifestyle changes such as moves, the birth of children and new jobs, your animal will remain a permanent part of your life. If circumstances change, will you still be able to care for your pet?3. Do you know what kind of pet is right for you?
Your personality and lifestyle, along with challenges such as space restrictions and amount of time spent at home, should be explored to determine what pet is right for your household. Ask shelter staffers what animals they recommend—they’re experts at making perfect matches!4. Can you afford to care for your pet’s health and safety?
Owning a dog or cat costs more than the initial adoption fee. Food, veterinary care, spaying or neutering can add up. Check what you can expect to pay annually for your pet.5. Will you be able to spend quality time together?
Dogs thrive on several hours of exercise and companionship every day. Dogs that are neglected and left alone often develop behavioral problems. Cats are healthiest and happiest indoors and love to be treated to energetic play sessions with their human families. If your work demands that you travel often, or if you’re out of the house most days and evenings, you might want to look at a cat rather than a dog.6. Are you prepared to deal with an animal’s health challenges?
Fleas, allergies and sudden medical issues are just a few of the health-related problems that potential pet owners may face. Can you care for your pet if he gets sick.7. Are you prepared to pet-proof your home?
Whether it’s tightly sealing your garbage cans or paying attention to dangerous decorations during the holidays, you’ll need to make your home safe before adopting. That includes keeping toxic foods, pet-unfriendly plants and dangerous household items out of paw’s reach.8. Is your living space adequate for an animal companion?
Be sure to choose an animal that will thrive in your home. If you’re attracted to energetic large dogs, but live in a small apartment, will your dog have enough room? If you live on a noisy street, will it disturb your cat? Also consider that many landlords don’t allow pets or place restrictions on having them. Be sure to check out your “house rules” before adopting.9. Is your family ready for a pet?
If your kids are still toddlers, you might consider waiting a few years before adopting, as pet ownership ideally is a team effort. Children who are mature enough can happily share pet-care duties. You may also have another pet at home who’s not yet—or may never be—ready to share his kingdom with another animal.
If you’ve made the wonderful decision to open your doors to an indie, congratulations! Your life is about to change for the better! We hope you’re prepared for a lifetime of cuddles, playtime and pure, unconditional love. And even though pet parenting consists of these fun moments, it also requires a certain level of commitment. That brings us to step 1 of the adoption process:
Step 1: Make sure you’re ready for the commitment
A good pet parent is a responsible one. Once you’ve adopted a dog, you are responsible for their well-being. That means taking time out every day to feed, train, exercise and groom them. You will need to take them to the vet when they’re unwell, and also for routine health check-ups, deworming and parasite control procedures. If you live with your family, every member should be aligned about your decision to adopt. And most importantly, it should also be feasible for you financially.
Step 2: Look out for shelters nearby
Stray dogs are a common sight in neighbourhoods across India. You’ve probably crossed paths or even made friends with a few in your vicinity. While you may be tempted to pick a stray dog off the streets, we’d recommend reaching out to a shelter instead. This is because strays that live in communities (particularly gated societies) are often fed and well cared for by animal lovers residing there. So if you choose to adopt this way, make sure to ask the animal lovers in your community if the dog is being cared for, and seek permission from them before you take your furry friend home. If not, make trips to local shelters to meet your potential pet. You could check here for our city-wise list of animal shelters.
Step 3: Spend time with the dogs
An important part of the process is to spend time with the dogs at the shelter to try and establish a friendship. One way to do this is with treats. If you find yourself particularly drawn to a pooch, offer a treat to them and step back. Do this multiple times over a few days until you find the dog approaching the feeding spot on their own. This is when you’ll know you have gained their trust and established a bond with them.
Step 4: Assess the dog you’ve chosen
Assess the dog’s temperament and behaviour with other humans and pets alike. The volunteers will also be able to share their observations. Check if they have been vaccinated and ask about their medical history—be it vaccination certificates, details of medical procedures like sterilization and medical records of past illnesses, injuries or traumas.
Step 5: Complete the adoption formalities
Each shelter will have their own adoption procedure. However, you can expect to submit an adoption form with your details along with a few essential documents for proof of your identity and address. They might also ask a few questions (background check) and offer advice (counselling) on how to look after your new pet.
Step 6: Give your new family member a warm welcome
Make sure your house is prepped with food and water bowls, dog food, a leash and ID tag, a grooming brush and a comfortable bed. You should make a few changes like tucking away loose cables, keeping footwear in a shoe cabinet, securing the dustbin with a lid and keeping medicines, soaps, detergents as well as choking hazards out of reach to ensure the space is dog-friendly. Also, a visit to the vet is absolutely essential within the first few days of your pet being home. Other than that, give your pooch time to adjust to their new family and environment. It can take a few weeks or even a few months, so be patient and shower them with all your love.
Street dogs or shelter dogs come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, all with different characters and temperaments. Choosing a dog for adoption is an important step as he/she will soon become an integral part of your family. So some careful thought will help avoid impulsive decisions you may later regret. Ensuring a healthy relationship from the start is key to having a successful and happy adoption. Find out as much as you can from the shelter or community owner about the dog’s behavioural history. And make sure to adopt from a reputed shelter where animal welfare is considered a priority.
When it comes to adopting a furry companion, there’s no better fit than an indie. Contrary to popular belief, they are actually playful, intelligent, friendly, protective and loyal. They are also not as difficult to train. When you adopt, not only are you saving and bettering an indie’s life, but you are also taking a stand against the practice of breeding for profit. And unlike indies, many popular breeds like the Siberian Husky, Saint Bernard, Shih Tzu, etc. don’t do well in the Indian climate.
What is a Dog Adoption and Rehoming Agreement?
Dog Adoption and Rehoming Agreement is an agreement between the owner/rehoming family who has the lawful owner of the dog and the adopter/adopting family who wants the ownership of the dog. This agreement transfers the ownership of the dog from one party to another. Everyone who wants to adopt a dog should enter into a Dog Adoption and Rehoming Agreement, this not only makes you the lawful owner but also helps in avoiding any future disputes.
This agreement is formed under the cornerstone of good faith and therefore the parties to the agreement are expected to honour the contents of the agreement.
Important clauses and other features of Dog Adoption and Rehoming Agreement
For the purpose of making a watertight agreement, there are various clauses that are added to the agreement. Some of the important clauses that shall be present are the following: –
- Introduction of parties
The introduction of both the parties should be done by specifying necessary details. It should include proper names and addresses of the parties. Sample-
This agreement documents the transfer of ownership of the dog named _______________________, from the Rehoming Family (_____________________________) to the Adopting Family (______________________________), located at this address (_____________________________ __________________________________________________).
- Term clause
This clause includes the time period for which the dog shall stay with the adopter or adopting family. The term for these types of agreements is for total life of the dog or until the dog is returned to the owner or rehoming family. Sample-
The agreement shall remain in effect for the life of the dog, or until the return of the dog to the Rehoming Family.
- Details of dog
This clause includes all the details provided by the owner or rehoming family. The details include Dog’s name, age, colour, sex, breed, whether the dog is microchipped, spayed or neutered, any health condition, total vaccinations are done and any other information.
Sample-
Name- Bruno Breed- Labrador
Age- 2 years Colour- Light Brown
Sex- Male Microchipped- Yes
Spayed or Neutered- Yes Health issues- No
- Representation and Warranties
A representation is basically an assertion of existing fact, true on the date that it is made. It is generally given to induce the other party to enter into the contract. A warranty on the other hand, is similar to representation. It refers to the present or future i.e., a present or future promise of a particular fact. Various Representations and warranties are given by the parties which usually increases the liabilities of the parties. Sample-
- Rehoming Family
I warrant that I am the lawful owner of the said dog, able to convey the ownership of said dog to another home.
- Adopting Family
- I agree that I will care for the said dog in a safe and humane manner, and as a family dog and companion. The dog will have adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care for the duration of his/her life.
- I understand that the Rehoming Family makes no guarantees or warranties regarding the health, behaviour or temperament of this dog. The Rehoming Family shall not be held liable for the behaviour of the said dog or any damages it may cause.
- Term’s clause
This clause defines the outline of the relationship between parties. It includes the duties, functions, obligations etc of parties. Some of them are-
- Any damages or injuries caused by the actions of the said dog shall be borne by the adopting family.
- The Rehoming Family shall not be held liable for the behaviour of this dog or any damages it may cause.
- The adopting family agrees not to sell, dispose, or give away the said dog for any reason.
- The adopting family hereby agrees to take care of said dog with utmost care and diligence by providing the dog with adequate shelter, veterinary care.
- In the event there is a violation of the agreement, the rehoming family or the shelter shall have the right to sue pertaining to violations found in the local or state laws. In addition, the rehoming family or the shelter shall have the right to sue for damages from the breach of this agreement.
- Adoption fee
It is the fees paid by the adopter or adopting family to adopt the animal. This fee is used by shelters or organisations for pet care, veterinary care, spaying or neutering cost, vaccinations cost, microchip cost and other expenses. Sample-
The adopter hereby agrees that an adoption fee of 50$ shall be paid to the owner at the time of adoption. The said adoption fee shall not be refundable.
- Microchipping clause
This clause is added to make sure if the dog is microchipped or not and for transfer of ownership of the microchip to the new owner or adopter. Sample-
If the dog is microchipped, ______________________ (indicate Rehomer or Adopter) will contact the microchip registry service to transfer ownership.
Spaying/ Neutering
“Spaying” and “neutering” are surgical procedures for removal of an animal’s reproductive organ, either all of it or a considerably large part. It is used to prevent pets from reproducing. In a female animal, “spaying” consists of removing the ovaries or uterus and ovaries. The technical term is ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy. For a male animal, “neutering” involves the removal of the testicles, and this is known as castration.
Veterinary care
Veterinary care is the medical assistance provided to animals to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat any disease, disorder or injury. This clause is added to have a detailed health report of the dog.
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