1. What is the process of adoption through Be A Petizen?

Be A Petizen is a platform that enables adoptions of dogs in Bangalore. You can express interest to adopt by filling a short form (basic info, contact details and name of the dog you are interested in) on Be A Petizen. After that, we will call you to verify the details.

Once it is verified, your information will be passed on to the respective shelter/rescuer that cares for the dog you are interested in. They will then talk to you and check your compatibility. They may ask you to fill a detailed form, or share a video of your home or meet in person – the process may differ according to the shelter/rescuer.

Once you complete this step, you will be asked to meet the dog and you and the rescuer can decide if the dog is a good fit for you. If both of you agree, you then confirm the adoption by handing over any documents they may need and you will receive any documents and files of the dog. Be A Petizen then draws up a tripartite contract, the stamp paper for which costs Rs. 500 and has to be paid by you. We also encourage you to donate/support to the shelter/rescuer for their crucial work in street animal welfare and to also tip Be A Petizen for helping you find your dog!

2. Is Be A Petizen an animal shelter?

No, we partner with credible animal shelters and rescuers who rescue dogs that have been injured on the streets, abused by their owners, orphaned on the streets or surrendered by their owners.

3. Is Be A Petizen an NGO?

No, we are not.

4. Why should I adopt a dog?

Adoption has great many benefits to you, the dog and society at large. When you adopt, you get as much information as possible from Be A Petizen and the respective animal shelter/rescuer. This helps you make an informed decision and take home a dog most compatible to you.

Additionally, when you adopt, the respective shelter/rescuer is available to answer any queries/doubts you may have. When you adopt, you are saying ‘no’ the heinous and cruel illegal breeding industry in India –and instead choosing the kinder and more compassionate way of bringing home a dog.

Rescued dogs are often misunderstood and suffer from a lot of our bias. When you adopt, you help educate others and become a symbol of change in your social circles. Adoption also helps reduce the number of homeless dogs in India.

5. What is a rescued dog?

A rescued dog is a dog that is rescued from unfavourable conditions or situations. They could either have been injured in an accident on the street or orphaned on the street as the mother died.

They could be dogs that have been misplaced from their regular territories. They could be dogs rescued from abusive owners who physically harmed the dog or denied the dog regular water, food, exercise or kept them confined in poor conditions.

There are also ‘owner-surrendered’ dogs – dogs that have been given up by their owner. If the animal shelter/rescuer deems these dogs fit for adoption, we host their profiles on Be A Petizen.

6. What kind of dogs do you have on Be A Petizen?

We cater to any dog that our partners (animal shelter/rescuers) deem fit for adoption. We do not discriminate based on age, breed or any other parameter. We have puppies, young dogs and senior dogs for adoption. We also have dogs of various breeds like Indian Pariahs, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Shih Tzus,  Huskies, Spitz, mixed breeds and more for adoption.

7. Why do you mention a dog’s Sterilization Status?

Sterilisation (neutering/spaying) is the only scalable, effective and safe way to control the dog population in India. In the case of breeds like Huskies, Labradors etc it ensures that they do not fall into the hands of breeders and forcibly used for breeding. The animal shelters/rescuers sterilize them before putting them up for adoption.

In the case of young puppies, they cannot be sterilized till they reach a certain age, but the respective animal shelter/rescuer will encourage you to do it when the time is right. Sterilization is also known to reduce aggression, stops the menstrual cycle for female dogs and also reduces the risk of your dog wandering out of the house to look for a mate.

Sterilization also protects both genders from deadly illnesses like cancer, infections and more.

8. What is the meaning of Separation Anxiety? Why do you list it for every dog?

Separation Anxiety occurs when a dog is very attached to his/her humans or dislikes being left alone. They feel very anxious and stressed. In such scenarios, they tend to resort to destructive behaviour or try to escape. This behaviour in most cases can be rectified with the help of a credible dog behaviourist and trainer.

On Be A Petizen, we work with shelters/rescuers to know if the dog has any Separation Anxiety. We do this to help you make an informed decision. For example – if you happen to be out of the house for a few/many hours a day, you would need a dog that does not have any Separation Anxiety.

In the case of puppies, we do not mention this as all puppies, no matter what their Temperament, need supervision till they are old enough to left alone. In cases where the animal shelter/rescuer is unsure of this information, we list it as ‘not sure’ on the website.

9. Who can I contact if I need help with my dog after adoption?

One of the best things about adopting a dog, is that the rescuer/animal shelter will help you navigate the world of pet parenting. They can recommend vets, training tips and much more to help you settle in with your pooch!

10.   Can I return my dog?

The shelter/rescuer and Be A Petizen will work with you to help mitigate all conflicts and help ensure the dog integrates into your home. We know you want to make it work too, so we all try our level best. If despite your best efforts and intentions, if it is found that it is not a compatible fit, then the dog is taken back by the shelter/rescuer.