Delhi is set to strengthen its stray dog welfare infrastructure by constructing a 1,500-capacity dog shelter in Dwarka Sector 29. The foundation stone was laid on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards a more organised and humane system for managing stray dogs in the national capital.
Spread across approximately 6,050 square metres, the shelter is being developed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) with financial support from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation. The facility is expected to be completed by November 2026.
The foundation stone ceremony was attended by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Mayor Pravesh Wahi, South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, MLA Kailash Gahlot, and senior MCD officials.
Speaking at the event, the Lieutenant Governor described the project as a successful public-private partnership, noting that CSR funding allows the shelter to be developed without any financial burden on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. He also stressed that the shelter should operate with compassion, scientific planning, and long-term sustainability.
Sandhu directed the MCD to work closely with resident welfare associations (RWAs), animal welfare organisations, NGOs, veterinarians, dog lovers, and other experts when preparing the operational framework for the facility. He said the goal is to ensure the shelter prioritises both public safety and animal welfare.
The new shelter will be constructed within an existing animal care complex that already houses two Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres and Delhi’s only crematorium for small animals. While the current kennels accommodate around 300 dogs, the expanded facility will significantly increase capacity.
Officials said the design aims to create a healthier environment for the animals. About 20 percent of the area will be enclosed kennels, while the remaining 80 percent will be open spaces, allowing dogs greater freedom of movement after their observation period.
According to the MCD, dogs brought to the shelter from across the city will first undergo veterinary examination and rabies screening. They will be vaccinated and monitored before moving from kennels to larger open enclosures, ensuring animal health and public safety.
The civic body is also considering additional facilities in other parts of Delhi. Plans include an integrated Animal Birth Control centre, dog shelter, and pet crematorium at Mukundpur, while another shelter is proposed at Bela Road. Authorities are evaluating government veterinary hospitals and dispensaries as potential locations for future shelters.
The expansion is part of Delhi’s broader strategy to improve the management and welfare of stray dogs in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines. The shelters are expected to accommodate dogs rescued or relocated from hospitals, schools, transport hubs, parks, airports, and other public spaces where their presence may pose safety concerns.
The new Dwarka facility represents one of the largest planned dog shelters in Delhi and reflects an increasing focus on balancing humane animal care, responsible stray dog management, and community safety through improved infrastructure and collaborative planning.