I LOVE DOGS: VACCINATIONS FOR THE HEALTH OF CANINES & THEIR FRIENDS
The Problem
The ‘I Love Dogs’ program was created in the Spring of 2000, when Dharamshala was struck by a severe rabies outbreak. Countless street dogs became infected with the disease and many humans were attacked. Several people died from rabies, including children. Desperate to put an end to the outbreak, the local government killed scores of dogs (including healthy pets) by setting out poisoned meat on the road.
The Solution
Out of compassion for the dogs and people of the area, several individuals and organisations rallied to stop the killing and to halt the rabies outbreak in a humane way. These efforts culminated in the creation of I Love Dogs, the first successful widespread vaccination program in the Dharamshala area. Vaccinations for rabies and seven other harmful diseases are administered by international volunteers and Tibetan refugees trained by DEVI and local veterinarians. Since the Winter of 2001, we have vaccinated more than 200 dogs in and around Dharamshala. Our goal is to conduct vaccinations once a year, as recommended by local veterinarians for maximum protection against the spread of infection.
You Can Help
The cost of the vaccination program is about US$15 per dog per year. This includes the cost of the collar that we put on the dogs to indicate that they have been vaccinated, plus the cost of wages for the people who bravely and compassionately administer the vaccines. Approximately 100 vaccinations are needed in order to vaccinate every dog in the immediate area. Your contribution (tax-deductible in India and the USA) will help keep the dogs and people of the area safe and will also provide paid work for low-income villagers and Tibetan refugees who otherwise might lack income.
Donate Securely Online
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By Post or in Person
If you prefer to make your contribution by post or in person, please contact us here.
