Are you looking to add a furry friend to your family? Getting a dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make. Not only do dogs shower you with unconditional love and affection, but they can also improve your physical and mental health.
However, finding the right dog for your lifestyle and needs can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to dog ownership. The good news is that Kolkata has no shortage of reputable breeders and shelters where you can find your perfect companion.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to go about adopting or looking for a dog for sale in Kolkata. You’ll learn about popular dog breeds, costs of ownership, tips for selecting a healthy and happy pup, and where to find responsible Kolkata-based breeders and animal shelters. Let’s dive in!
Popular Dog Breeds in Kolkata
Kolkata sees dogs of all shapes and sizes, but some breeds tend to be more popular than others. Here are some of the most common types of dogs you’ll spot around town:
- Labrador Retriever – Prized for their friendly, affectionate nature, Labrador Retrievers make wonderful family pets. They are also very trainable and excel at tasks like guiding the blind.
- Pug – With their squished faces, big eyes, and silly personalities, it’s easy to see why pugs have carved out a special place in many Kolkatans’ hearts. These small dogs are clingy lap-warmers.
- German Shepherd – Renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts, German Shepherds work as police dogs and faithful guardians. When properly socialized, they get along very well with children.
- Beagle – Beagles are a beloved breed thanks to their merry temperament and lush tri-colored coat. They were originally bred as hunting hounds, so require lots of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.
- Indian Pariah Dog – Also known as the Indian native dog or INDog, these sturdy, self-sufficient pups can thrive with minimal human intervention. Pariah dogs come in a wide range of sizes and colors.
- Dachshund – With their elongated bodies, stubby legs, and big personalities, Dachshunds make characterful companions. Just beware – those dramatic dwarves have a knack for mischief!
Costs of Owning a Dog in Kolkata
It’s important to tally up the costs of owning a dog before committing to this 15+ year relationship. Budget for these common expenses:
Purchase or Adoption Fees – Buying a purebred puppy from a breeder may cost 15,000 to 60,000 rupees depending on factors like pedigree, parental lineage, and appearance qualities. Mixed breed pups typically sell for less. Adopting from a shelter often comes with a modest fee of 2,000 to 7,000 rupees to offset expenses.
Supplies – Expect to spend around 5,000 to 10,000 rupees upfront on essential supplies like a leash and collar, food and water bowls, bed, crate, pee pad tray, and toys. Replenishing consumables like food and pee pads adds a recurring cost.
Medical Care – From routine checkups and vaccines to unexpected illnesses or injuries, veterinary costs add up. Budget 5,000 to 10,000 rupees annually for a healthy dog.
Grooming – Depending on the breed, grooming expenses could be as low as a monthly bath to weekly trips to the parlor. Some dogs require regular haircuts, nail trims, teeth cleanings, flea treatments, and more.
Training – Optional but highly recommended, professional training runs 1,000 to 2,000 rupees per hour-long session. It’s an investment that pays off in a better-mannered, socially-adjusted dog.
Dog Walking or Daycare – If you work long hours and can’t take your dog out midday, consider hiring a dog walker for 300 to 2,000 rupees per walk or sending your pup to daycare for about 1,000 rupees daily.
Tips for Selecting a Healthy, Happy Dog
Ready to meet potential furry BFFs? Here’s what to look for when interacting with dogs:
Appearance – The pup should have clear eyes and ears, sleek fur, good body condition, and no visible injuries or abnormalities. Watch out for patches of missing fur, swollen eyes/ears, and overly skinny or bloated bellies.
Personality – Look for appropriate confidence and curiosity levels. Pups shouldn’t seem fearful or aggressive. Gauge how interested they are in interacting with people and other dogs.
Parents (if seen) – Meeting one or both parents offers clues into size, temperament, and health issues. Ensure the sire and dam have sound confirmation and personalities.
Questions – Don’t hesitate to ask the breeder or shelter questions about medical history, vet care, early socialization, training, etc. Reputable sources should readily provide this info.
Certifications – For purebred pups, request to see documents like registration papers from reputable kennel clubs, health test results from both parents, and pedigree charts.
Home Environment – If buying from a breeder, inspect their property. It should be clean with ample outdoor space for pups to run and play. Watch how the breeder handles dogs – interactions should be patient and loving.
By selecting a dog using these tips as guidance, you’re setting yourself and your new best friend up for many years of happiness together!
Where to Find Reputable Dog Breeders in Kolkata
So you’ve decided what breed suits your lifestyle? Let’s look at trusted sources for procuring a high-quality purebred or mixed breed pup in Kolkata.
AKC Registered Breeders – Consider contacting breeders registered with the American Kennel Club or Kennel Club of India. These clubs hold members to high breeding standards and code of ethics. Reviews from past puppy buyers are also insightful.
Veterinary Recommendations – Consult your own vet or friends’ vets to get referrals for breeders they trust to produce healthy, well-socialized litters. Vets often have inside knowledge of programs breeding dogs of merit.
Dog Shows – Attend local dog shows like the ones organized by Indian Dog Lovers Association and Bengal Dog Show Committee. Here you can meet breeders and see if they impress you as responsible community members who contribute to breed preservation.
Online Classifieds – Websites like Quikr and OLX list breeder and seller contact info so you can inquire about upcoming or current litters. Do your due diligence checking reviews and certifications.
Pet Expos – Pet expos showcase an array of breeders, sellers, and adoption agencies all in one place for convenient comparison shopping. Just be discerning of participants’ breeding practices.
Adopting a Dog from Kolkata Shelters
If buying a pup doesn’t appeal to you, adopting from a shelter or rescue enables you to save a loving dog in need. It’s also cheaper than purchasing from a verified dog breeder in Kolkata.
Reputable shelters and welfare organizations like Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Hospets, and Badridog exist all over Kolkata.
Visit their websites to view dogs up for adoption or attend on-site adoption drives that they promote via social media. You can filter based on criteria like age, breed, special needs, and size to identify your perfect match!
Pre-adoption requirements like home inspections, family interviews, and post-adoption check-ins affirm an organization’s commitment to ensuring each dog ends up in a secure forever home.
Conclusion
We hope this guide gave you a helpful overview of finding your next canine family member from ethical sources in Kolkata.
Owning a warm, fuzzy companion brings so much joy and comfort. Yet adding any pet is a long-term responsibility requiring research and preparation beforehand.
Take your time, ask lots of questions, budget consciously, and trust your instincts when evaluating breeders, shelter dogs, and your compatibility.
The right dog for you is out there in Kolkata! Be picky in your search, emphasize health and personality fit over appearances or fads, and soon you’ll meet your soulmutt meant to be by your side for years to come. Just don’t forget to grab a supply of dog treats on your way home!
