Adopt or buy responsibly in India

Whether you adopt from a shelter, take in a local street animal or buy from a breeder, the first week goes better when you know the animal’s history and the person handing it over has done their part. Here is what to ask, and what India’s breeder rules require.

Adopting from a shelter or rescue

India’s Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017 describe an animal welfare organisation as one recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India, and include district Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs). Recognition, or a district SPCA, is a sensible first filter when you look for a shelter or rescue group. The Board’s website is awbi.gov.in.

Source: Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017. Checked 26 October 2026.

Questions to ask a shelter or rescuer

• What do you know about the animal’s history, and how long have you cared for it?
• Which vaccinations and deworming has it had, and on what dates? Can I have copies?
• Has it been sterilised? Has a cat been tested for FeLV and FIV?
• How does it behave with other dogs, cats, children and strangers?
• What does it eat now, and how much?
• Can I contact you for advice in the first weeks, and what happens if it does not work out?

Taking in a local street dog or cat

Many families in India adopt a dog or cat they already know from their street or building. Treat it like any new pet with an unknown history: book a vet check first, keep it apart from other pets until then, and work through the adult dog or adult cat checklist.

Buying a puppy from a breeder

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 23 May 2017, set duties for dog breeders. Among them, a breeder must:

• hold a certificate of registration from the State Animal Welfare Board and display it at the establishment;
• not sell pups less than eight weeks old;
• not sell dogs over six months old without first sterilising them, unless selling to another licensed breeder;
• sell only dogs in good health that have had their inoculations;
• microchip each pup sold and keep its full treatment and vaccination record;
• not display pups in public places for immediate sale;
• give each buyer a sale receipt, and keep a copy with the pup’s microchip number and the buyer’s contact details; and
• give the buyer, in writing, details of feeding, the dates of inoculations and deworming, and the name and address of the vet who attended the pup.

The rules also ask breeders to screen buyers on whether they can meet the breed’s grooming, socialising, space and veterinary needs and afford its upkeep. A breeder who asks you those questions is doing what the rules expect.

Source: Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017. Checked 26 October 2026.

Your checklist when buying

• See the registration certificate.
• Confirm the pup is at least eight weeks old.
• Collect the written feeding, vaccination and deworming details and the vet’s name.
• Get a sale receipt, and ask for the microchip number in writing.
• Walk away from pups sold on a roadside or market stall.

Before you commit

A dog or cat is a commitment of many years. Think through who will walk, feed and clean up each day, who looks after the pet when you travel, whether your building or landlord allows pets, and whether you can budget for vaccinations, parasite control and unexpected vet bills. If the answers are uncertain, fostering for a shelter is a good way to find out.