Top Animal Rescue & Welfare NGOs in India 2025
If you're an animal lover looking to support stray dogs or interested in adopting a pet from a shelter, there are numerous dedicated organizations across India working tirelessly for animal welfare. The homeless animal situation in India is significant, with reports suggesting approximately 60 to 80 million homeless dogs and cats living on streets and in shelters nationwide, according to the Mars Petcare Report cited in Economic Times & Deccan Chronicle
Dog rescue organizations create safe havens for abandoned and abused animals, who often become loyal companions in their new homes. With growing awareness of animal welfare in India, more shelters and rescue groups have emerged thanks to dedicated activists. These organizations from Bangalore to Delhi not only rescue animals but also facilitate adoptions and provide educational resources on proper care. In our blog, we provide a comprehensive list of India's top animal welfare NGOs along with detailed information to help rescue animals with these vital resources.
List of Top 15 Dog NGOs in India
Here’s a quick list of the top 15 animal rescue NGOs in India:
- Animal Rescue and Care (ARC) – Kolkata
- People for Animals – New Delhi
- Blue Cross of Hyderabad – Telangana
- Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals (VSPCA) – Visakhapatnam
- Friendicoes SECA – New Delhi
- Charlie’s Animal Rescue Centre (CARE) – Bangalore
- Dharamsala Animal Rescue – Himachal Pradesh
- Scan Foundation – Chennai
- Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre – Delhi
- CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action) – Bangalore
- Save Our Strays (SOS) – Mumbai
- Animal Aid Unlimited – Udaipur
- Animal Rescue & Shelter Foundation (ARSF) – Mumbai
- Blue Cross of India – Chennai
- Sophie Memorial Animal Relief Trust -New Delhi
1.Animal Rescue and Care (ARC) – Kolkata
Animal Rescue and Care (ARC) was founded in 2016 by Somak Chatterjee and Titas Mukherjee to advocate for the welfare of stray dogs in Kolkata. Their main focus is on rescuing animals from streets, providing medical care, and promoting animal rights. ARC offers vaccination drives, adoption programs, and ambulance services for animals in emergency situations. Additionally, they actively educate the public on issues like animal cruelty and birth control.
If you're in Kolkata or the surrounding areas, ARC is an excellent place to adopt a rescued animal. Their adoption process involves filling out an application form, followed by an interview and home visit to assess the compatibility of the environment. You can also volunteer with ARC to help with rescues, adoption drives, or educational programs. For those in the region, ARC is a vital resource for emergency veterinary care and a network of animal rights activists working to change the landscape of animal welfare in the city.
Contact Details
- Ratings:
- Phone: (+91)7890-535353/838383
- E-mail: arckolkata63@gmail.com
- Address: 11/4, Jyotirmoy Nagar, Thakurpukur, Kolkata – 700 063.
2.People for Animals (PFA) – New Delhi
People for Animals (PFA) is one of the largest and most impactful animal welfare organisations in India, founded by Maneka Gandhi. It offers rescue operations, rehabilitation, and adoption services for animals in distress. With 26 hospitals and 165 units spread across India, PFA is at the forefront of animal rights, actively working on issues such as cruelty prevention, animal birth control, and disaster relief. The organisation also offers an ambulance service for emergencies and participates in legal action against animal cruelty.
PFA’s headquarters is located in New Delhi, but they have a nationwide presence, with volunteers and supporters throughout India. Those in Delhi or nearby areas can participate in their adoption program, where the process includes an interview, a home visit, and adoption counselling to ensure the animal is placed in the right environment. They also provide opportunities for you to volunteer, donate, or help with their awareness campaigns. Additionally, PFA is heavily involved in advocating for animal welfare legislation and providing emergency relief services to animals affected by disasters.
Contact Details
- Phone: +91 98201 41310
- Email: saveourstraysmum@gmail.com
- Address: Save Our Strays, C/o Shirley Menon,204 Khandelwal, 17th Road, Khar West, Mumbai,400 053 Maharashtra, India
3.Blue Cross of Hyderabad – Hyderabad
Founded in 1992 by Amala Akkeneni, Blue Cross is a prominent animal welfare organisation located in Hyderabad, working to alleviate animal suffering on the streets. Their primary focus is on animal birth control, first aid, and pet care. Blue Cross offers a range of services, including sterilization programs, rescue operations, and educating the public about responsible pet ownership and animal behaviour. Their well-known Animal Welfare Training Programs have equipped countless volunteers to help animals in need.
If you’re near Hyderabad or the surrounding areas, you can contribute to Blue Cross by adopting a rescued animal or volunteering. The adoption process involves filling out an application form, followed by a home visit to ensure a good fit. Blue Cross also provides follow-up visits after the adoption to check on the welfare of the pet. Volunteers can get involved in animal rescue missions, training programs, or community outreach to help reduce animal suffering. If you live near Hyderabad, consider joining their network to contribute to their life-changing work.
Contact Details
- Phone: +91-40-23545523
- E-mail: info@bluecrossofhyd.org
- Address: Blue Cross Animal Shelter 403/9, Road 35, Jubilee Hills,Hyderabad, Telangana, 500033
4.Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals (VSPCA) – Visakhapatnam
Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals (VSPCA) was founded in 1996 by Narasimha Rao with the goal of improving the conditions for animals in Visakhapatnam, particularly stray dogs and abandoned animals. VSPCA focuses on rescue operations, rehabilitation, and animal conservation efforts, including the prevention of animal cruelty and promoting responsible pet ownership.
If you're in Visakhapatnam or nearby areas, VSPCA offers a great opportunity for adoption. The adoption process typically involves an interview, screening, and home visit to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for the pet. VSPCA also offers ways to get involved through volunteering and donations to support their ongoing animal welfare programs. If you live near Visakhapatnam, you can contact VSPCA to adopt a pet or contribute to their efforts in caring for stray animals.
5.Friendicoes SECA – New Delhi
Friendicoes SECA was founded in 1979 by Anuradha Aggarwal Modi after schoolchildren formed a kindness club to raise awareness about homeless pets and street animals in New Delhi. Over the years, the organization has grown and now focuses on rescues, rehabilitation, and spay/neuter programs to reduce the number of strays in the city.
For those living in New Delhi or nearby areas, It is an excellent option for adopting a dog or cat or any other animal. The adoption process involves filling out an adoption form, followed by a home visit and interview. You can also contribute by volunteering your time or donating to their various programs. Friendicoes SECA is committed to animal welfare and offers post-adoption support to ensure that the animals are well cared for. If you're in or near New Delhi, this is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of stray animals.
Contact Details
- Phone: 011 3571 2939
- Email:friendicoes.india@gmail.com
- Address: No 271 & 273, Block M, Jungpura Extension, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024
6.Charlie’s Animal Rescue Centre (CARE) – Bangalore
Founded in 2013 by Shirley Menon, Charlie’s Animal Rescue Centre (CARE) focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating street animals in Bangalore, especially those suffering from injuries or illness. CARE offers medical care, adoption services, and even fosters animals that need special attention, such as paraplegic or blind animals. The organisation also runs educational programs to prevent animal cruelty and raise awareness in the community about the importance of spaying and neutering.
If you are located in or near Bangalore, you can engage with CARE by adopting one of their rescued animals. The adoption process includes an application, home check, and post-adoption follow-ups to ensure the animal is adjusting well. CARE also welcomes volunteers to assist with rescues, medical care, or educational programs. If you live in Bangalore, you can visit the centre to see the animals available for adoption and contribute to their cause by donating or participating in community outreach activities
Contact Details
- Phone: 9483911110 / 9035999372
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Address:Survey No. 124, Mitteganahalli Cross,Kogilu Village, Yelahanka Hobli, Bangalore North, 560064
7.Dharamsala Animal Rescue (DAR) – Himachal Pradesh
Dharamsala Animal Rescue (DAR) is a non-profit organisation founded by Deb Jarrett, focused on improving the lives of stray dogs in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. The organisation provides a safe haven for abandoned and injured animals, aiming to reduce the number of street dogs through spay/neuter programs. They also run awareness campaigns, offering veterinary care to ensure that animals are healthy and well-treated.
Located in Dharamsala, DAR is a cornerstone of animal welfare in the region. By supporting their cause, you not only help improve the lives of street dogs but also contribute to creating a more compassionate community. If you're in the Dharamsala nearby area, consider adopting a rescued dog or volunteering your time to support their programs. The adoption process involves an application, home visit, and a follow-up to ensure the pet is well-adjusted in their new home. Additionally, they provide ongoing education about dog care and spaying/neutering to further their mission of reducing stray populations
.As August 2024, Dharamsala Animal Rescue (DAR) in Himachal Pradesh has rescued over 23,000 animals since its inception in 2008
Contact Details
- Phone: +91 98828 58631
- Email: info@darescue.org
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Address: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176057,Slate Godam Road, VPO Rakkar.
8.Scan Foundation – Chennai
Located in Chennai, the Scan Foundation is committed to animal welfare, offering emergency services, veterinary care, and adoption programs. Founded to address the increasing number of homeless animals including dogs and cats, Scan Foundation’s work includes feeding, spaying and neutering, and raising awareness about pet population control. They also provide education on animal care and offer a specialized adoption process to match animals with the right families.
If you are near Chennai, Scan Foundation is a great place to adopt a rescue animal. Their adoption process is detailed, starting with an initial meeting with the animal, followed by a screening and home visit. Post-adoption, they ensure that the animal is well-adjusted with follow-up visits to the new home. Apart from adoption, you can also volunteer, donate, or support their pet welfare programs. Their work is not only about rescuing animals but also about creating a compassionate society through education and advocacy.
Contact Details
- Phone: +91 9 487 487 000
- E-mail: info@voiceforanimals.in
- Address: Animal Paradise Vallalar Avenue Chinnavenmani. Chennai. Tamilnadu, INDIA
9.Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre (SGACC) – Delhi
The Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre (SGACC), founded in 1980, is a premier facility for animal welfare in Delhi. SGACC provides comprehensive care through its inpatient department, outpatient services, and a fully equipped intensive care unit. The centre also engages in rescue operations for animals found in distress and runs a disaster relief program to aid animals affected by natural calamities. SGACC is one of the most well-established shelters, with over 2000 successful adoptions of puppies.
Located in Delhi, SGACC is a trusted name in the city for animal rescue. If you're looking to adopt, their process involves submitting an adoption application, followed by a home inspection. After adopting, you’ll receive follow-up visits to ensure the animal’s well-being. SGACC also offers a veterinary clinic, emergency services, and adoption stalls at malls, making it easier for potential pet parents to meet and adopt animals in need. You can also volunteer, donate, or participate in their advocacy programs to help them continue their important work.
Contact Details
- Phone: 011 2544 8062
- Email: sgacc.pr@gmail.com
- Address: Road No 77, Punjabi Bagh, Delhi, India
10. CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action) – Bangalore
CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action) Founded by Crystal Rogers in 1991, CUPA has grown to become a leading organisation for animal welfare in Bangalore, India. CUPA’s services include trauma and rescue care, adoption programs, and animal birth control initiatives. They operate six animal shelters, offering medical aid, rehabilitation, and safe spaces for animals, including the care of elderly and injured animals. CUPA also runs a fully equipped pet care clinic and a wildlife rescue centre.
Located in Bangalore, CUPA is dedicated to reducing the suffering of animals in the city. If you're nearby and looking to adopt, CUPA’s process involves an initial interview, followed by a home visit to assess your living conditions. They ensure that adopted pets are well-suited to your lifestyle, with follow-up support. In addition to adoption, you can help by volunteering, donating, or participating in their educational programs aimed at promoting animal welfare in schools and communities. They also provide opportunities to engage in pet cruelty prevention and volunteer for rescue operations.
Contact Details
- Phone: +91 9845425678
- Email: communications@cupaindia.org
- Address: Kensington Apartments, Flat A-3, First Floor,18/1 Ulsoor Cross Road,Off Bazaar Street, UlsoorBangalore 560 008
11.Save Our Strays (SOS) – Mumbai
Save Our Strays (SOS) was founded by Shirley Menon in 2003 after witnessing the conditions of stray animals in Bandra, Mumbai. SOS is committed to rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned dogs, focusing on medical treatment, adoption programs, and spaying/neutering. They also educate the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. SOS has saved numerous animals and successfully found them forever homes.
If you're in Mumbai or the surrounding areas, SOS offers a great opportunity to adopt a rescue dog. The adoption process includes an interview, home visit, and thorough screening to ensure the pet is a good match for your lifestyle. They also encourage people to donate or volunteer their time to help with rescues or spay/neuter programs. For those interested in becoming a foster parent, SOS provides support to ensure a smooth transition for both the pet and the foster family. If you live near Mumbai, you can easily reach out to SOS to make a meaningful difference in the lives of stray dogs.
Contact Details
- Phone: +91 98201 41310
- Email: saveourstraysmum@gmail.com
- Address: Save Our Strays, C/o Shirley Menon,204 Khandelwal, 17th Road, Khar West, Mumbai 400 053 Maharashtra, India
12.Animal Aid Unlimited – Udaipur
Founded in 2002 by Erika, Jim, and Claire Abrams Myers, Animal Aid Unlimited is dedicated to rescuing and treating sick, injured, and abandoned street animals like dogs , cats and many more in Udaipur. Their work focuses on providing first-aid treatment, rehabilitation, and adoption programs for animals in need, especially those suffering from diseases, injuries, or starvation.
If you’re in Udaipur or surrounding areas, Animal Aid Unlimited is a great option for adopting a rescue animal. The adoption process includes a thorough interview, followed by a home visit to ensure the animal’s well-being. Animal Aid also offers opportunities to volunteer or donate to their cause. If you're in or near Udaipur, you can contribute by offering your support through volunteering, fostering, or spreading awareness about the needs of street animals.
Contact Details
- Phone: 98298 43726
- Email: info@animalaidunlimited.org
- Address: Badi Village, Liyo Ka Gurha, near Badi TB Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
13. Animal Rescue & Shelter Foundation (ARSF) – Mumbai
Founded by Bhavesh Jain, the Animal Rescue & Shelter Foundation (ARSF) is a Mumbai-based organisation focused on rescuing and sheltering homeless and sick animals. They provide immediate care through their health clinic, offering emergency treatment and rehabilitation. ARSF also facilitates adoption services, placing rescued animals in loving homes. They focus on the welfare of street animals, providing basic necessities like food and water through their outreach programs.
ARSF is located in Mumbai, and if you're in the area, adopting from them is a great way to help. Their adoption process starts with an application and an adoption interview to ensure a good fit for both the animal and the adopter. After a home visit, the adoption is finalised, and follow-up visits are made to monitor the animal’s well-being. Apart from adoptions, ARSF also encourages individuals to donate, volunteer, or support their rescue efforts financially. Their services also include outreach programs that aim to provide food and medical support to animals in need across the city.
Contact Details
- Phone: 098202 77824
- Address: 3, PARTH CHS, 8-A, BUILDINGG R, MMRDA Colony, Poonam Nagar, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400093
14.Blue Cross of India – Chennai
Founded in 1959 by Captain V. Sundaram, Blue Cross of India was established in Chennai to provide shelter and medical care for stray animals, focusing on animal rescue, rehabilitation, and sterilization programs. It is one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in India, and it works to reduce the suffering of abandoned and injured animals through emergency care and adoption services.
If you're in Chennai or nearby areas, Blue Cross of India is an excellent organization to support or adopt a pet from. The adoption process involves an interview, home inspection, and follow-up care. Blue Cross also welcomes donations and volunteers to assist in their rescue efforts. If you live near Chennai, you can reach out to Blue Cross to adopt a pet or get involved in community education programs on responsible pet ownership.
Contact Details
- Phone: 044 4627 4999
- Address: 135, Ponnappa Road, Near ARC Parcel Service Pvt. Ltd., Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600036
15. Sophie Memorial Animal Relief Trust – Greater Noida
Sophie Memorial Animal Relief Trust was founded in 2017 by Kaveri Rana Bhardwaj in memory of her adopted Indian dog, Sophie, who passed away. The trust was established to provide care and rescue services for abused, disabled, and senior animals in Uttar Pradesh. The primary focus is to offer rehabilitation, medical treatment, and sanctuary for animals that have been mistreated or abandoned, particularly those with special needs. The trust also aims to promote awareness about the welfare of elderly and disabled pets, which are often overlooked by other rescue organizations.
If you’re in or near Noida, Sophie Memorial Animal Relief Trust offers a fantastic opportunity to adopt a dog in need. The adoption process is comprehensive and involves an initial interview, followed by a home visit to ensure the environment is safe for the animal. They also encourage people to get involved by volunteering, donating, or fostering animals that need temporary care before they find their forever homes. SMART Sanctuary has rescued and rehabilitated over 9,000 animals, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and even snakes
Contact Details
- Phone: +91 8606800200
- Email: support@indiaisus.com
- Address: B 141, Block B, Omicron II, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310
How to Choose the Right Animal NGO to Support
The best animal NGO for you will be one that reflects your values and demonstrates measurable results.
- Know their core mission—some focus on street animals, others on rescue shelters or wildlife conservation.
- Evaluate transparency and accountability through reports, real-time updates, or donor engagement.
- Confirm legal registration and certifications for donation trustworthiness.
- Look for hands-on involvement options like volunteering or visits before making regular contributions.
How You Can Help Animal NGOs in India
Support goes beyond donations—there are many meaningful ways to help animal NGOs in India.
- Donate Money or Supplies: Contribute food, medicine, or funds to help cover daily operational costs.
- Adopt or Foster: Give rescued animals a second chance at life by offering them a loving home.
- Volunteer Your Time: Help on-ground with animal care, awareness drives, or medical camps.
- Raise Awareness: Share their work on social media to help them reach a wider audience.
- Offer Skills: Graphic design, web development, social media management, and legal aid are all useful.
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Attend or Host Fundraisers: Join or organize events that raise funds and build community support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to help stray animals in India?
You can start by providing clean water and food, supporting local animal welfare organizations, and ensuring injured strays receive medical attention.
What is the role of animal NGOs in India?
They rescue, rehabilitate, shelter, treat, and rehome abandoned or injured animals across India.
Which is the largest animal NGO in India?
People For Animals (PFA) is widely considered the largest and most recognized.
Can I volunteer at any of these animal NGOs?
Yes, most NGOs have volunteering programs for locals and even remote opportunities.
Do these NGOs also help wild animals?
Yes, organizations like Wildlife SOS and Animal Rahat specifically focus on wildlife rescue.
Can I adopt a pet through these NGOs?
Many of them have adoption programs for dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals
How do I report animal cruelty in India?
You can contact NGOs like PETA India or People for Animals, or report cases to local authorities and animal welfare boards.