The cost of ₹21,000 for dog adoption includes the following:
In Sadbhavan Vrudhashram, the compassion we see is not limited to the elderly, but also extends to all those animals that come to our doorsteps, who are lost, stray, abandoned and have nowhere else to go. To provide a dog with the care and support it deserves, kind individuals and families can enroll in our Dog Adoption Programme, wherein you can make a single donation of ₹21,000 to help a dog. This blog describes what this contribution goes towards, its importance and how it relates to our bigger picture of caring for all living beings.
The importance of this type of support for dogs.
India hosts millions of stray dogs of which a large number encounter difficulties in the form of food shortage, no shelter, exposure to extreme weather, injuries and accidents on roads, illness, and cruelty on a daily basis. Although a lot of dogs are able to survive in the community and with informal care, it does not normally provide long-term stability, safe shelter, care and consistent medical attention that a vulnerable, injured, elderly or abandoned dog needs.
To address this need, the care of animals was established in the animal care wing of Sadbhavan Vrudhashram. We rescue dogs that are injured, abandoned, born handicapped or otherwise too old and feeble to fend for themselves. With your help, donors such as yourself can help these dogs live safely, comfortably, with dignity and for the rest of their lives, through our adoption support programme.
Let’s examine the ₹21,000 that you are contributing – what is it covering?
- Daily food and nutrition (approximately 35% of the amount).
- A well-balanced diet is provided for dogs in our care, based on their age, size and health. Your contribution funds:
- Foods – rice, dal, boiled eggs, dog safe proteins (meat, fish, accessible cereal, or vegetable)
- Soft foods prepared for senior or sick dogs that have trouble chewing.
- Puppy and/or recovery dog nutrition – milk and vitamins
- Throughout our shelter, clean drinking water facilities maintained
- A rescued dog’s initial recovery steps may involve good nutrition, particularly for those who come to the shelter in poor health or at an extreme level of malnutrition.
- Veterinary care and medical treatment (approx. 30% of the amount)
One of the most vital and most expensive parts of rescuing dogs is providing medical treatment. Your donation supports:
- Health screening and treatment at first rescue
- Routine immunizations including rabies vaccine.
- Giving dewormers and treating for ticks and fleas.
- Sterilisation (spaying/neutering) for responsible population control.
Assist in wound care and treatment of wounds resulting from road accident or abuse injuries.
Continuous treatment for long-term conditions like skin infections, arthritis in older dogs and problems with mobility.
When necessary, emergency veterinary care is provided.
A lot of dogs that we shelter come in with untreated wounds, infections or accident symptoms. Treatment by a veterinarian can be the deciding factor in healing from injury or illness.
Living space, bedding and shelter (Approx. 20% of amount)
All dogs in our care should have a place to sleep that is safe, clean and warm. By contributing you are helping to maintain:
- Provision of covered shelter areas, to prevent dogs getting wet, cold and overheated.
- Replace and change bedding regularly and when soiled
- Safe enclosures that can be moved around but won’t allow somebody getting hurt or to get out onto busy roads
- Consistent sanitation to reduce risk of disease being transmitted between sheltered dogs
- Dog recovery areas for injured, elderly or immunocompromised dogs.
- Many elderly and disabled dogs need additional padding, ramps or even resting places to be comfortable; we pay special attention to these dogs.
Caretaker Support and Daily Handling (Approx. 10% of the amount).
- Trauma and injury recovery dogs require patient and experienced dog handlers. Your donation supports:
- Competitive salaries for our hard-working team of carers.
- Monitoring for signs of illness, distress and behavioural change daily.
- Compassionate rehabilitation for abused dogs or dogs in need of help.
- Basic training and socialization, especially for puppies/dogs being considered for rehoming at a later stage
- As with our old folk, our caretakers get to know the dogs under their care, how they live, their fears, and their comforts, and develop close bonds with them.
Administrative and Emergency Reserve Fund (Approx. 5% of the amount)
Some of all funds donated for adoption go to cover:
- Unexpected health care events outside of normal budgets
- Carry to the vet or for emergencies
- Clear tracking of where the money is going to donors
- This reserve is for when a dog suddenly gets ill or has an accident, it will never be without the care it needs.
Why ₹21,000?
The figure of ₹21,000 adopted is calculated and estimated once a year and covers the total expenditure on a dog, which includes food, veterinary expenses, shelter maintenance, staff costs, etc. It has been organized to be a small quantity that can be donated by a single individual, family, school or company group that would wish to sponsor a dog together. The number 21 is also significant in the Indian tradition of gift-giving, and it is appropriate considering that when the Dog Lovers adopt a dog in this programme, they are committing themselves to the dog’s “total welfare” for the entire year.
As a Last Will and Testament Adopter, you will receive the following:
By supporting a dog in Sadbhavan Vrudhashram’s adoption programme, you will find you have a clear and individual relationship with the dog:
A certificate with pictures and history of the dog adopted.Adoption certificate with dog’s name, picture and short history.
Frequent information about the condition of your adopted dog, recovery and daily living
An invitation to come in and meet your dog and spend time at the shelter is extended to you.
Having your name on our donor wall or being anonymous
A lot of our adopters visit regularly with treats and spend time with “their” dog. Some have been adopting the same dog for years and have seen them grow from being a scared and injured stray dog to a well cared-for and calm companion.
A Second Chance at Life
Each of the dogs that arrive at Sadbhavan Vrudhashram has a tale of adversity, abandonment, injury, sickness or just the cruel randomness of life on the streets. These dogs get a second chance at us thanks to a dog house, regular food, medical care, a warm bed and gentle and patient people who care for them.
Our programme provides a home for a dog who is too old, too disabled, too sick, too “unadoptable” – whatever the reason may be – that is not subject to pressure to be rehomed elsewhere.
The Larger Vision: One Campus, One Philosophy of Care
Sadbhavan Vrudhashram was established on a simple yet powerful premise – dignity and compassion must not only be for the young, the healthy or the human. It’s not as different as one might think between our senior citizens and our animals that are undercover. Both come to us unnoticed or left behind, and both discover within our campus a caring place without judgment.
A dog might provide some of our older residents with a sense of happiness and fulfillment, and it’s not rare to see a resident and a rescued dog sitting side by side and content—the feeling of compassion spreads much deeper than can be measured by any single donation.
The best ways to choose a dog today
If you wish to support this Dog Adoption Programme and would like to make a contribution please contact us online or visit the premises. Our team will introduce you to the dogs on our program for adoption and share their individual stories, and help you through an adoption process that is transparent and simple.
At our shelter, every dog is waiting for someone to say, “I’ll take care of you. You can be that person with your contribution of ₹21,000.
Adopt a dog. Restart or repeat. Contribute to Sadbhavan Vrudhashram’s mission to love all.