Kolkata has always held a special place in its heart for its furry street residents. However, with apartment restrictions and busy lifestyles, traditional pet adoption isn’t always an option. Enter passive adoption – a growing trend where animal lovers provide food, medical care, and financial support to strays, without bringing them into their homes. “Despite the enthusiasm, continuity remains a challenge,” says Titas Mukherjee, founder of an NGO in Thakurpukur. Still, with the power of social media and the city’s love for these furry companions, passive adoption is making a meaningful impact.
Passive adoption gives a stray access to good food and proper care
How you can be a partTo adopt a pet passively, you need to take full responsibility of a stray by donating a fixed amount per month for it’s food, shelter and healthcare. One can also sponsor a stray’s food or medical care through an NGO, participate in feeding programmes, and contribute to sterilisation and vaccinations. To take it a step further, it’s important to encourage communities to adopt strays as
‘society pets’.
Why passive adoption is becoming popular Many societies do not allow pets
People often lack the time for pet care but are willing to contribute financially
Some are hesitant about direct interaction
Celebrity endorsements and social media posts have fueled awareness
Local NGOs and neighbourhood groups are encouraging collective care for strays, reducing the individual burden
Passive adoption is the easiest way to give a struggling life a chance. My first adoption, in 2012-13, succumbed
to cancer. This month, I adopted a puppy, February
– Mimi Chakraborty
Mimi with February
I found Shabitri in bad shape in Madh Island during a shoot. She was frail and I knew I couldn’t unsee it. In fact, strays have always inspired me to do more for them – more than I can
– Swastika Mukherjee
Swastika with Shabitri
₹1,000– ₹4,500 per month is the cost of passive adoption
Kolkata’s animal lovers warm up to passive adoptionWhat celebrities and NGOs have to say about passive adoption in Kolkata
Actor Mimi Chakraborty says, “Passive adoption is the easiest way to give a struggling life a chance, but it shouldn’t be just up to individuals. Municipal bodies must also intensify sterilisation efforts to manage the stray population responsibly.” To this, Swastika Mukherjee adds, “The strays have inspired me to do more for them. Since my college days, we had almost 11 stray dogs in our garage, and I remember how my mother used to page me in case of a stray-related emergency.” Susmita Roy, who is the founder of an NGO in Behala, says, “Many love animals but hesitate to keep them at home. Passive adoption helps them care for the animals from a distance.”
About 50% stray animals in our care find sponsors. We mostly post about disabled animals who need extra care
– Chaitali Roy, founder of an NGO in DurgapurInputs by Ruman Ganguly
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