How To Adopt A Dog In India - A 10 Step Guide

To paraphrase Rilke, the renowned poet, to love another is the most difficult of all tasks. The act of loving is an ultimate test, for which anything else we do in this life, is just preparation. 

If you are reading this then it means you are one of the few who truly understand the meaning of love or are in an attempt to. To adopt a dog, the purest of intentions would be to give them a safe, nurturing home where they can grow old. And if you agree, here’s everything you need to know about how to adopt a dog for free. 

Why Adopt a dog in India? 

Almost 8 million dogs in India are currently in shelters looking for a family who’d give the word ‘home’ a meaning. It is important to understand why one should adopt before they actually do. 

From pups to senior dogs, all are kept in cruel conditions in breeding areas where mother dogs are forced to breed repeatedly in cramped, unsanitary environments, leading to severe health problems. These cruel practices prioritise profit over the well-being of these sentient beings, resulting in physical and psychological harm. 

Streeties, whom you might know as street dogs in India, are resilient beings. However, their life on the streets is harsh and often filled with challenges - starving for food, losing lives due to rash driving, abuse by unkind humans and surviving harsh weather conditions alone. 

Many dogs have been abused and abandoned by those they once called family and now find themselves either rescued by animal welfare shelters or struggling to navigate life on unfamiliar streets.

Adopting a dog from a shelter or our streets gives them a chance at a better life but also helps in reducing the demand for puppies bred under unethical conditions, overpopulation on the streets and cases of abuse. Each adoption is a part of a revolution; a step towards breaking the generational cycle of trauma and giving these animals a deserving home. Apart from being a part of the humanitarian movement, adoption of dogs is also a step towards reducing the human-dog conflict, especially in urban Indian spaces. 

You should only get a pet if…

We often say this because we believe in it - pet parenting is not a casual endeavour. It’s a serious commitment to be responsible for another life. Being a pet parent means building a strong and deep bond based on trust, respect and understanding for the species you’re bringing into your life. While none of this diminishes the joy of being a pet parent, many overlook these aspects, leading to the animal's suffering. 

With joyful days and infinite cuddles also come days with sickness care and regular hospital visits, which sometimes result in the loss of a pet. So, before you finally take that step of adopting a pet, ask yourself these 10 questions:

Ensure your motivations are centred on providing love and care, not just temporary excitement.

You will need help raising a dog. A supportive home environment is essential for a pet's well-being.

Each dog has a unique personality and history that deserves respect.

Most dogs live up to 10-15 years. That’s a significantly long period of time to commit to the care of a being. 

Vow to recognise your pet as a family member, not an accessory.

Pets require attention and care throughout their lives, including during tough times.

Dogs are descendants of wolves. They require constant play to remove pent-up energy. Refusal to do so can result in the dog turning aggressive or violent. 

Life brings change, as it should. What shouldn’t change is your commitment to care and love your pet forever and not just when it’s convenient. 

Proper nutrition and grooming, a safe environment to thrive in, regular veterinary care and opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation - all are a part of a dog’s daily life. Mostly, it’s an expensive affair. 

Investing time in training and socialisation is essential for a happy dog, helping them adapt to different environments and interactions.

If your answer to each of these questions was a yes, then congratulations! You’re ready to bring home a bundle of joy. 

8 million minus one. 

A step-by-step guide on how to adopt a dog in India 

Step 1. Visit the shelter 

Start by contacting your local animal shelters or NGOs. Visiting them allows you to meet the people working tirelessly for the cause and various dogs who can potentially be the ones you adopt. 

HUFT Tip: Another way of adopting a dog is responding to adoption appeals you see online. There, similar steps are taken:

Step 2. Meet the dogs

Spend quality time with the dogs at the shelter. Observing their behaviour and how they interact with you and the staff can help you find the one that’s the best fit for your family. This step is vital for building an initial bond and ensuring compatibility.

Step 3. Prepare questions from your end 

Don’t hesitate to ask shelter staff about the dogs' health, behaviour and background. Understanding their history and any special needs they may have will help you make an informed decision and prepare better for their care.

HUFT Tip: Remember, the shelter staff reserves the right to not proceed with the adoption appeal if they believe you aren’t a good fit. They will ask you countless personal questions such as your home environment, the size of your house, your history with animals etc. Be patient and understanding. If the adoption process doesn’t go through, do not be disheartened. There are still countless dogs hoping they’d go home with you. Your potential furry family member is still out there. 

Step 4. Complete the paperwork

Once you made the decision to adopt a dog and the shelter agrees to proceed with the adoption, you’ll need to fill out adoption forms. These forms typically include your details and information about how you plan to care for the dog. Be prepared to provide identification and possibly references.

Step 5. Home visit 

Some shelters may conduct a home visit to ensure it’s a safe and suitable environment for the dog. This step is about ensuring the well-being of the dog and providing any necessary guidance to make your home pet-friendly.

Step 6. Pay the adoption fee

Most shelters charge a nominal adoption fee, which usually covers vaccinations, deworming and other initial care. This fee helps the shelter continue its work in rescuing and caring for more animals.

Step 7. Prepare your home to welcome your dog! 

Before bringing your new furry friend home, make sure your space is ready. Gather essential supplies such as dog food, a comfortable bed,  Dog toys and grooming items. Creating a welcoming environment will help your dog settle in comfortably.

Step 8. Follow-up visits or calls 

After adoption, stay in touch with the shelter for support and guidance. Many organisations provide post-adoption assistance, including tips on training, health care and adjusting to a new home. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help. 

Step 9. Register your adoption with the government 

Once your dog is home, you’ll have to register them with the government so you can be their legal guardian. Here’s how you can do this:

• Go to your local municipality or civic body office responsible for pet registrations with necessary documents such as proof of identity, address and vaccination records for your pet.
• Complete the pet registration form provided by the municipality. Include details about your pet's breed, age, colour and any distinguishing marks.
• Pay the applicable registration fee as specified by the municipality. Fees may vary based on the type of pet and local regulations.
• Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive a registration certificate for your pet. This certificate serves as proof of legal ownership and compliance with pet registration laws.
• Some municipalities require annual renewal of pet registrations. Ensure to check and comply with renewal requirements to maintain legal compliance.

Step 10. Learn and unlearn

Caring for a newly adopted pet can sometimes be overwhelming. It’s important to keep learning from your experiences and be open to unlearning old habits. Connect with other pet parents in your neighbourhood to share tips and support each other on this journey of pet parenthood.

HUFT Tip: Learning about dog behaviour can be extremely helpful. Here’s another read on dog behaviour to bring you closer to your dog. 

Welcome to pet parenthood 

Perhaps Rilke was right. To love someone is truly not an easy feat. To love, one doesn’t need the confines of a blood relation. Our pets teach us that. The experience of adopting a dog goes beyond words—it is indeed like falling in love. Their profound love not only changes us but makes us better humans.

Pet parenthood is a transformative journey, akin to nurturing a plant without picking its flowers for personal pleasure. It's about enabling pets to thrive in their natural environment by providing them with everything they need to live their best lives with us. We hope you too vow to do that. 

HUFT Love: We are here for your pet parenting journey. If you've recently adopted and welcomed a pet in your home, congratulations! Stop by your nearest HUFT store to receive an exclusive 10% discount and a beginner's kit we've created to support you on your new pet parenting journey.