How to help WSD to adopt a dog
We rehome many abandoned pets and also try to find good homes for strays. Details of the animals for adoption are put in regular classified advertisements and posters and on the net. Each dog is put through temperament testing and behaviour assessment by trained volunteers. We believe the adoption procedure for a dog requires as much care as the adoption of a child. People who want to adopt dogs from us undergo a screening process including an interview and a visit by WSD personnel to their homes. In some cases they are asked to visit the kennel several times prior to adoption so that they can develop a bond with their chosen dog. Dogs are only given away when we are sure the owners are caring, sincere and responsible. Dogs over 3 months of age are vaccinated against rabies before adoption.
An advertising and poster campaign was created for us by the advertising agency Bates India to popularise the adoption of pariah dogs and mongrels (mix-breeds). The photography was done by one of Mumbai’s best-known photographers, Atul Kasbekar.
In May 2003, we organised Mumbai’s first “Adoption Mela”. 10 of the 14 dogs put up for adoption got good homes, and the event received a lot of attention from the media. A second Mela in January 2005 was also very successful.