Retired Military Dogs await adoption; Here’s How You Can Adopt Them

Indian Army dogs are looked after well while serving, but there’s no indication where they wind up. Some retired dog officers live as guard dogs, and others may get rehabilitated. While it makes a case against euthanasia, adoption can give retired service dogs a chance at the life they deserve.

Military dogs are far more active and disciplined than strays and pets. Indomitable fight, Unmatched discipline, ideal grasp on commands, and an unfathomably sharp sense of smell – much of what represents a soldier, also fits our furry, four-legged national heroes’ description.

However, Indian Army dogs — for all of their illustrated status — don’t always end with the same retirement benefits as their uniformed bipedal companions.

So long as they’re serving, military dogs are well cared for, but while some may wind up as security dogs, many are rehabilitated into dog shelters when they retire. 

The dogs start training at the period of six months. Then, when they’re about a year old, dogs graduate to performing specialized tasks like rescuing and sniffing, independent journalist Navya Singh says. These dogs follow rigorous routines until they turn eight and are extremely fit. “So, their requirements are very different from a regular pet dog,” Singh explains. “A dog that has been physically active will find it difficult to stay in a kennel. It makes them vulnerable to heart diseases and mental trauma.”

Adopting an army dog — who would have been put down until seven years ago — is an opportunity and gives our critter companions a chance at the post-retirement life they deserve.

How to apply for adoption?

If you want to adopt a military dog, you must submit an affidavit to the RVC Centre and College in Meerut Cantt or their headquarters in Delhi.

Considerations before you adopt a retired dog

If you decide to bring a military dog at home, following the suggested diet and wellness regime would be non-negotiable. However, from a budgetary perspective, it could also be relatively expensive.

Change in future

Until 2015, Indian Army dogs were euthanized after the end of their service or if they were deemed unfit – unless they were gallantry award winners — but a Delhi High Court order outlawed this approach, allowing them to be rehomed into rehabilitation centers.