Hyderabad: If you were passing by KBR Park on Sunday afternoon, you would’ve come across a tent with a lot of activity going on. That’s because the 6th Pet Adoption Drive by the Animal Rescue Team of India was taking place. From families walking away with little puppies and kittens, to excited children waiting to hold their pets, the scene at the adoption drive was a happy one.
Twenty-four rescued puppies and five kittens were up for adoption. This drive in particular was one of the best, considering “most of the animals were adopted.” This was the second adoption drive by the group this year. According to Shruti, a volunteer, “People have become more open towards Indian breeds, and are accepting them. This time, all our puppies and four kittens were adopted. It is a successful start.”
While the process for adoption is simple, volunteers check the ID proof of the adoptive owners, counsel them regarding the pet and make sure the pets get the best homes. The duties, of the volunteers doesn’t end there. “We conduct checks till about a year after the adoption. We visit the families and see how they are doing, if they are taking good care of the pets, etc. We need to know that the animals are safe with the family,” adds Shruti.
Many families came in to adopt pets and home-maker Anita Gupta, who adopted a male puppy says, “I’ve always chosen Indian breeds, especially animals that are abandoned. They deserve a good home too. After my pet passed away last year, there was a vacuum that became hard to fill, but now, I feel better.”
While the puppies and kittens were basking in the adulation they were receiving, perched on a metal railing to the side was one-and-a-half-year old Chester, an African grey parrot. Chester had accompanied Harita, a volunteer to the pet adoption drive. “This is the first time I’m bringing him out. I thought it would be a good thing for him to get used to the outside world,” says Harita.
