How to Get a Street Dog Vaccinated and Sterilised Near You

To get a street dog sterilised and vaccinated, contact your city municipal corporation's Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre or a local animal-welfare NGO. In most Indian cities these run free or low-cost spay/neuter and anti-rabies drives for community dogs. They will pick up the dog, operate, give a vaccine, and return it to the same spot after recovery.

What does sterilisation and vaccination actually do?

Sterilisation (spay for females, neuter for males) is a one-time surgery that stops a dog from reproducing. It calms territorial fights, reduces roaming, and slowly lowers the street-dog population in a humane way.

A rabies vaccine protects the dog and everyone around it. Under India's national programme, vaccinated and sterilised dogs are returned to their original area, where they keep new, unvaccinated dogs out.

If you are new to the system, our companion guide on what ABC is and how stray dog sterilisation works in India explains the policy in plain language.

Who do I contact to get a stray dog sterilised?

You usually have three doors to knock on. Try them in this order:

• Your municipal corporation's veterinary or ABC department. Most corporations (Ahmedabad's AMC, Mumbai's BMC, Delhi's MCD, and others) run ABC centres. Call the city helpline or visit the official website and search "Animal Birth Control".
• Registered animal-welfare NGOs and trusts. Many cities have NGOs empanelled by the corporation to carry out ABC surgeries. They often have a WhatsApp number for pickup requests.
• Local private vets. If municipal slots are full, a private clinic can sterilise a dog for a fee. Some vets offer a discount for community dogs.

What is the step-by-step process?

1. Identify the dog and its spot. Note where it lives so it can be returned to the same place.
2. Register a pickup. Phone or message the ABC centre/NGO with the location and a photo. Some cities have an app or online form.
3. Help with safe catching. A familiar feeder makes catching far less stressful. Offer a few biscuits so the dog is calm and trusting.
4. Surgery and vaccination. The dog is operated under anaesthesia, gets an anti-rabies shot, and the ear is notched or marked so everyone knows it is done.
5. Recovery (3–5 days). The dog rests at the centre, then is released exactly where it was picked up.

How will I know the dog has been sterilised?

Look for a small "V" notch or clipped tip on one ear. This standard mark means the dog has been through ABC and vaccinated, so it should not be picked up again.

How much does it cost in India?

Through a municipal ABC programme, sterilisation and the rabies vaccine are usually free for community dogs, because the city funds the drive. At a private clinic, expect roughly ₹1,500–₹4,000 depending on the city, the dog's size and sex, and post-op care.

If cost is a worry, ask the NGO about sponsored slots, or pool money with fellow feeders and your housing society. Many residents are happy to chip in once they understand it reduces fights and litters in the colony.

How do I care for the dog after surgery?

• Keep it in a quiet, shaded spot for the first day or two if possible.
• Offer plenty of clean water and easy, light food.
• Watch the stitches for swelling, bleeding or the dog licking the wound; report anything unusual to the centre.
• Note the date of the next vaccine booster if the vet gives one.

Good food speeds recovery. Soft, gentle treats your dog already trusts make medication and rest much easier — see our feeder kit checklist for what to carry.

What if the dog is sick or injured, not just unsterilised?

If a dog has a wound, fever, severe limp, or seems very weak, sterilisation can wait. Tell the NGO it is a medical case so a vet can examine it first. Never attempt to treat a serious injury yourself; always consult a qualified veterinarian.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a female street dog with puppies sterilised?

Not while she is heavily pregnant or actively nursing very young puppies. Tell the centre her situation; they will usually wait until the puppies are weaned, then sterilise both mother and grown pups.

Is it legal to relocate a dog after sterilisation?

No. Under AWBI guidelines, dogs must be returned to the exact spot they were picked up from. Relocation is not allowed and only creates new conflicts.

How long does the whole process take?

From pickup to return is generally about 3–5 days, including surgery and recovery. Vaccination drives can be even quicker.

Sterilising and vaccinating the dogs you feed is the kindest, most lasting thing you can do for them. While they recover and on every ordinary day after, keep them well-fed: a Bhau Bhau 4 KG vegetarian biscuit pack at ₹500 comes with a free 500g jaggery treat and ships across India. Order one today and look after your colony's dogs for the long run.