From little Beagles to giant Saint Bernards, dogs of around 37 breeds marked their presence on the first day of Pet Fed Delhi 2018 on Saturday. This year, eight Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and pet care bands from Canada and Thailand have also marked their presence.

 "Eight NGOs including Friendicoes and Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) have come. Some of them have brought several dogs with them for adoption as part of our #AdoptDontShop campaign," said Akshay Gupta, Founder, Pet Fed. The NGOs this time have brought several indie pups and abandoned dogs with them that are open for adoption, he added.

"People usually do not want to adopt Indian breeds so we are also promoting the cause. For this, the entry for people who are coming with Indie dogs has been kept free. We are charging around Rs 250 on the entry of each foreign breed," said another organiser.

Amidst this, with various competitions and activities, the event is also attracting people without pets.

"I do not have a pet but I feel that this is a great place to spend your weekend with animals. Also there are several pets up for adoption, I might take one home," said one of the visitors.

Another pet owner said, "My beagle is very well-mannered, it doesn't bite but ever since, we have entered the park it started sniffing other dogs and even engaged in a small and healthy fight. My dog is so excited today."

According to the organisers, adding to the attractions, this year, paramilitary dogs of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) are also participating to give glimpses of their military training on the last day of the event, informed the organisers. 

"On Sunday, the paramilitary dogs of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) will be demonstrating their military training and will showcase how they with the help of their sniffing power and training help military staff in protecting the country," Akshay said. Among the other attractions, two mobile grooming vans have also been set up by different organisations offering bathtubs and other luxuries to the pets.

Apart from that, counselors from various organisations have also come to advise people who are willing to adopt foreign breeds regarding which breed would suit them according to their life style and size of the house.

Besides national, various international pet care brands from Thailand and Canada have also come this year offering products ranging from food to clothes. Besides dogs, a separate zone has also been designated to cats.