Introduction
Delhi is home to countless stray animals needing medical care, rehabilitation, and loving homes. Thankfully, compassionate NGOs across the city work tirelessly to rescue, treat, and rehabilitate animals while raising awareness about animal welfare. These organizations rely on donations and volunteers to carry out their life-saving work. This article highlights some of the most impactful animal rescue NGOs in Delhi that make a remarkable difference in the lives of the city’s stray and abandoned dogs, cats, cows, birds and more.
1. Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre, Delhi (SGACC)
Address: M44C+WWP, Shivaji College Rd, Shivaji Enclave, Raja Garden, Delhi, 110027.
The SGACC is Delhi’s largest city-run animal shelter focused on the welfare of sick, injured, and abandoned animals. They have rescued and treated over 3000 animals since 1983. The non-profit provides round-the-clock veterinary care, including anti-rabies vaccinations, sterilization drives, emergency treatments, and hospitalization. Animals brought to the SGACC receive medical intervention and shelter before being rehomed or released. They also respond to cruelty and abuse cases. The SGACC promotes ethical treatment of animals through education programs in schools and communities.
2. The Charity Bird Hospital, Delhi
Address: Next to Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir (, opposite to Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006.
In 1929, Charity Birds Hospital was established in accordance with the desires of Maharaj Ji, a great Jain saint. Dedicated to caring for birds, this specialized hospital provides emergency and long-term medical treatment to Delhi’s sick and injured avian species. Currently, there are about 500 birds of various kinds present, all of which are in varying phases of healing and therapy. A daily average of 50–60 birds are admitted to the hospital (indoor section), with about equal numbers being turned away. Treatment ranges from rehydration therapy and broken bone setting to diagnostics, lab tests, and medications. They also research avian diseases and nutrition. Public awareness campaigns promote bird welfare. The Charity Bird Hospital strives to alleviate bird suffering while advocating a harmonious human-bird coexistence.
3. Pet Animal Welfare Society, Delhi (PAWS)
Address- Masoodpur, Badam Singh Market, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi 110070.
In 1998, PAWS was established and commenced operations on the same day. The society’s goal is to raise public awareness of the needs for the administration, care, and feeding of homeless and companion animals. PAWS rescues Delhi’s abandoned and injured animals. They operate an ambulance service to collect strays and transport them to partner veterinary clinics for treatment. PAWS covers all medical expenses, and animals are released or adopted out upon recovery. They conduct humane education sessions in schools to sensitize children about animal rights. PAWS volunteers also work hands-on by distributing food to strays, providing primary care and medications, and reporting cruelty cases. Their compassionate assistance aids Delhi’s voiceless stray population.
4. Friendicoes, Delhi
Address: No 271 & 273, Jangpura, Block M, Jungpura Extension, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024.
A group of schoolchildren formed a kindness club for stray animals in need under the Defence Colony flyover at some point in the 1970s. The government of Indira Gandhi, the Indian prime minister at the time, made the space available. There were only two rooms and a few animals in the little setup. However, the shelter quickly expanded beyond all expectations, and in April 1979 Friendicoes SECA was officially founded once it was registered as a society. Serving Delhi-NCR, Friendicoes rescues and rehabilitates homeless animals through adoption, medical aid, and community outreach. Their sanctuary in Gurgaon houses over 1700 rescued animals while they facilitate 1000+ adoptions annually. Friendicoes administers mass sterilization drives and offers heavily subsidized vet care services. Education campaigns spread awareness on animal issues, from cruelty and abandonment to proper care. They accept animal donations and encourage volunteer involvement. Friendicoes works holistically to improve urban animal welfare.
5. Red Paws Rescue, Delhi
Address: 29A, 1st Floor, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi, Delhi 110016.
For the previous 12 years, Red Paws Rescue has been providing care for homeless animals in New Delhi. Red Paws utilizes a foster-based model to rescue and rehome canines and felines. Their dedicated team of volunteers provides temporary foster homes while working to find permanent adoptive families for each animal. Foster volunteers ensure pets receive vet care, nutrition, training, socialization, and love. Adopters go through a screening process to ensure a good fit. Red Paws heavily advocates spaying/neutering while conducting adoption drives and assisting with cruelty cases. Their grassroots, hands-on approach gives animals a fresh start.
6. Jeevashram, Delhi
Address: near Shiv Temple, Golden Gate, Rajokri, New Delhi, Delhi 110038.
Established in 1990 as a modest shelter for rescued animals, Jeevashram in Rajokri Village, New Delhi, quickly gained prominence. Jeevashram cares for Delhi’s unowned elderly and disabled dogs who cannot survive on the streets. Their humble shelter near Humayun’s Tomb provides these vulnerable animals with food, housing, medication, care, and love. With no government funding, Jeevashram relies solely on donations and volunteers to manage operations and vet expenses. After complex lives on the streets, animals enjoy peace and comfort in their final years. Jeevashram’s compassionate end-of-life care honors senior dogs.
7. People for Animals, Delhi
Address: 14, Ashoka Rd, Sansad Marg Area, New Delhi, Delhi 110001.
Founded by Maneka Gandhi, People for Animals operates 16 shelters/sanctuaries across India, helping abused and abandoned animals of all species. In Delhi, their hospital and shelter rescue and treat various animals. Beyond hands-on recovery, PFA conducts disaster animal relief operations, mass sterilizations, humane education programs in 3000 schools nationwide, and advocacy campaigns. Their objective is to end animal exploitation while instilling compassion. PFA continues making enormous strides for animal welfare in India.
8. Stray Relief and Animal Welfare, Delhi (STRAW)
Address- D-2/2303, Vasant Kunj, Delhi – 110070.
Active since 2001, STRAW has impacted Delhi’s massive stray dog population through rescue, medical aid, and adoption. They operate sterilization programs across Delhi, conducting over 50,000 procedures so far to control the homeless population humanely. STRAW houses rescued animals and adopts healthy strays. Fighting misconceptions about stray dogs, their information campaigns promote coexistence. STRAW’s compassionate, ethical approach improves life for street dogs while reducing conflict. They serve as a model for effective urban animal welfare initiatives.
Conclusion
Delhi is home to many animal rescue organizations that are faithfully working to alleviate the suffering of stray and abandoned animals across the city. These NGOs are making a significant difference for the voiceless creatures around us through rehabilitation, medical care, education, adoption services, and improving public awareness. Supporting organizations like these through donations, volunteering, or adoptions enables their significant animal welfare efforts to continue. Our furry neighbors, thank you!
