Indian Army Dogs and Their New Life After Service

Indian Army dogs are often called unsung heroes. They play an important role in keeping the country safe. They help find bombs, track people, and take part in rescue missions. When these dogs retire, they move from army life to a normal civilian life. This change shows that the Army now cares more about the dogs’ well-being than old and harsh practices.

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This article talks about what happens to these dogs after they retire. It looks at their past, the current system, real-life examples, and the problems they still face. It also shows how the Army and animal welfare groups are working together to make sure these dogs are adopted and cared for in a kind and humane way.

Past way of taking care of retired dogs

In the past, the lives of Indian Army dogs after retirement were very sad. Until around 2015, many old or unfit dogs were put to sleep under old rules made during British times. Animal lovers strongly criticized this because it was not kind. The Army found it hard to give these trained dogs new homes, as they often had health problems or special behavior because of their tough training. Breeds like German Shepherds and Labradors, after serving for 8 to 10 years, were treated as a burden instead of being allowed to live peacefully after their service.

A big change happened when the Supreme Court and animal welfare groups stepped in. They stopped the regular killing of retired service animals. Because of this, the Indian Army changed its rules through its Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC). The new focus is on helping these dogs recover and finding them good homes. These changes also follow India’s animal protection laws, like the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which punishes cruelty and protects the rights of service animals.

How Indian Army Dogs Live After Retirement ?

Role	Description	Common Breeds
Sniffer Dogs	Detect explosives, drugs, or weapons in dangerous areas.	Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd
Tracker Dogs	Follow scent trails of intruders or missing people over long distances.	Belgian Malinois, Doberman
Guard Dogs	Protect army camps, borders, and sensitive locations.	German Shepherd, Doberman
Search and Rescue Dogs	Find survivors after disasters like earthquakes or avalanches.	Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever
War Hounds	Support soldiers in combat by detecting or stopping threats.	Belgian Malinois, Mudhol Hound

The training of army dogs at the RVC Centre in Meerut takes between 6 months and 2 years. The dogs are taught to obey commands, handle dangerous situations, and build a strong bond with their handlers. Indian breeds such as Rampur Hound, Mudhol Hound, and Rajapalayam are now trained along with foreign breeds.

When dogs grow older, become less fit, or develop health problems, they are retired. This is done so they can leave service while still in good condition and enjoy a peaceful life after the army.

Current Retirement and Care Procedures

After retirement, army dogs are taken to the Canine Geriatric Centre at the RVC Centre in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. There, they get medical treatment, safe shelter, and regular check-ups for problems like joint pain or injuries from their service. The centre also checks if the dogs are healthy enough to be adopted by families.

If a dog is not adopted right away, it is sent to animal care groups like Voices of Stray Dogs (VOSD). This group never puts animals down and looks after retired army and police dogs. VOSD has saved and cared for hundreds of such dogs, giving them medical help, open space, and lifelong care. The Army works with these groups to make sure the dogs are treated with honor for their brave service in duties like fighting terrorism and guarding borders.

Similar systems are used by paramilitary forces like the CRPF. In 2024, the CRPF started an online website where people can see the profiles of retired dogs, apply to adopt them, and take them home after approval, all for free. Even though the rules of the CRPF and the Army are a little different, both focus on taking good care of the dogs.

Step	What Happens	What Is Needed
Application	Send a form or affidavit to RVC Centre & College, Meerut Cantt – 250001, or by email if available.	Personal details and promise to take good care of the dog. Army background is helpful but not required.
Checking & Verification	RVC officials check your background and may visit your home.	You must have enough space, food, time, exercise, and access to a vet. Experience with trained dogs is preferred.
Matching & Approval	A suitable dog is chosen based on your lifestyle and the dog’s nature.	No adoption fee. The process may take a few weeks or months.
Take the Dog Home	You collect the dog from Meerut and receive support after adoption.	You must give updates. In some legal ways, the dog remains government property and cruelty is punishable by law.

Civilians people can also apply to adopt these dogs, as seen on social media and in the news. However, army families or special care programs may be given first preference.

Case Studies and Examples

In December 2024, on the 246th RVC Day, 12 retired Army dogs were adopted. Some of them are listed below:

Dog Name	Breed	Adopter	Role After Retirement
Bullet	German Shepherd	Benevolent citizen	Companionship
Cuba	Labrador	Asha School	Therapy for special children
Alex	Belgian Malinois	Sri Ram Jaganath	Family pet
Maggie	Golden Retriever	Asha School, Prayagraj	Emotional support
Daira	Mudhol Hound	Individual	Guard dog
Kuka	German Shepherd	30 Punjab Dei	Unit mascot
Kali	Labrador	Asha School, Drag Mula Ki	Cognitive aid
Mimi	Doberman	Pankaj Rana	Companion
Samba	Rajapalayam	Asha School, Amala Can	Therapy

These adoptions help the people who take the dogs, especially in Asha Schools where the dogs help children with disabilities improve their social and emotional skills. Brave dogs like Phantom and Zoom, who gave their lives while serving, inspire these kinds of programs.

Even though things have improved, there are still problems. Many retired dogs need special care because of stress from their past work, joint pain, or special food needs. This means their new owners must be patient and caring. Places like the RVC center and VOSD sometimes have too many dogs, which shows the need for more people to adopt and for more financial support. Animal welfare groups also want stronger laws, such as giving medals to these dogs and making sure proper retirement homes are provided for them.

In the future, online adoption websites like the CRPF’s could also be started by the Army, making it easier for people to adopt retired dogs. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube can help spread awareness and encourage more people to give these dogs a home, so they can live with respect and comfort after retirement.

In the end, the way Indian Army dogs are retired shows a kind and caring change. It respects their service to the nation and their rights as animals. By adopting these loyal dogs, people not only thank them for their hard work but also gain loving and valuable companions.

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