The monsoon season has hit the country. The mesmerising rain, the scent of the soil, the rainbow and the cool breeze are raising our spirits. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy these bounties of nature.
For many, the monsoon brings lots of worries. This is especially true amongst our four-legged friends who can neither express their concerns nor look after themselves. They have no place to live and nowhere to feed.
In a country like India, the problem of stray dogs and cats is severe. As per reports, there are more than 6.2 crores of stray dogs and around 91 lakhs of stray cats in India. During the monsoon, these stray animals often starve, catch flu and cold and die if worse comes to worst. Death by accidents and by drowning is also common during this season.
Thus, it’s necessary that we, as responsible and rational humans, take the responsibility to look after them. Read on to know a few ways through which you can help these stray animals during the monsoon.
Try to Accommodate Them in Your Apartment Complex
Talk to the residents in your society and get permission from the respected authority to allow stray animals to take shelter in your apartment complex. Next, inform the security guards about the decision so that there’s no confusion.
A warm and dry shelter is advisable to make our four-legged friends comfortable and prevent them from catching infections in the rain.
If time and area permit, you can conduct recreational activities inside the shelter with the help of volunteers. This will make our furry friends stay at the shelter more engaging and enriching.
Offer Temporary Shelters
There’s no denying that most Indian cities are overpopulated. In fact, the majority of people live in crowded areas with narrow and jam-packed lanes. Creating permanent animal shelters would require lots of resources, time, and energy in such a scenario.
On the other hand, you can create temporary shelters in public gardens, grounds and open areas with tents, cardboards and plastic items. Just make sure that the area you choose is hygienic and safe for the animals.
Although these are not permanent solutions, it can offer them temporary relief for time being.
Make Arrangements for Adequate Food, Water and Medical Supplies
Offering a roof to these animals is not enough. We need to make sure they feed properly so that they remain healthy and active. Further, we also need a first aid kit and a stock of medical supplies for ill animals.
To do so, you can ask your friends, family and colleagues to contribute in whatever way possible to this shelter. Somebody could take up the responsibility of bringing fresh food whereas somebody can ensure the animals drink clear and safe water.
Leave Out Unspoiled and Dry Food
Stray animals have nowhere to feed except to look for bits and pieces of eatables in roadside garbage. When it rains, this garbage rots more quickly than ever because of the moisture in the environment. As their only source of food becomes unavailable, they are left to starve.
To prevent this, we can leave dry and unspoiled food boxes in areas where they take shelter. You don’t necessarily have to put fancy animal food, even something as simple as chicken feet, milk, fish, etc. can fill their empty stomachs and leave them satiated.
Take Injured Stray Animals to the Nearest Hospital
During rains, more often than not, the drains are clogged and the roads overflow. Result? Heavy traffic and dissent among commuters. In such a scenario, stray animals are more prone to be injured in road accidents or catch viral infections by getting wet.
If you notice a stray animal with an unstable condition, get help by contacting the nearest pet hospital or a vet clinic.
Help the Local Pet Shelters
Animal shelters are usually overburdened during the monsoon season. As a result, they need more quantities of food, water and medical supplies to satisfy the growing demand. If you want to contribute, search for the local animal shelters, visit and check out what they need and offer help accordingly.
Also, even if you don’t have the financial capacity to donate to an animal shelter, you can volunteer to help them raise awareness and funds, etc.
Reach Out to the Animal Experts or NGOs
When the situation is out of our control and you cannot minimise the suffering of the stray animal, instead of panicking, you must alert the authorities.
You can search for animal helplines or contact the nearest NGOs or animal shelters.
For instance, organisations like Mumbai Animal Association (MAA), Youth Organisation in Defence of Animals (YODA), PAWS, etc. offer medical assistance and rehabilitation to stray animals.
Stray animals deserve all the respect and care that we shower our pets with. This monsoon season let’s offer a helping hand and impact their lives. If you’re still thinking of some more ways to show your love and care for these innocent creatures, you can read our blog on monsoon care tips for pets.
