Dog Home Foundation deploys water safety net for animals

Dog Home Foundation has installed over 10,000 water tanks, locally known as khelis, across Jodhpur to help animals cope with summer temperatures that often soar to 45°C.

Using scientific mapping, the foundation identified “high-risk” dry zones—areas with little to no natural water availability—and prioritised them for tank installation.

Veterinary experts associated with the project report significant health benefits. Continuous access to water has reduced cases of heatstroke and dehydration among strays by an estimated 80 percent during peak summer months.

Authorities and volunteers have observed a noticeable decline in animal aggression and a reduction in road accidents linked to distressed strays wandering in search of water.

Actor John Abraham, who was in Jodhpur during the filming of Veda, visited the foundation after rescuing an injured dog. He praised the organisation’s round-the-clock emergency ambulance service and its specialised medical facilities, calling them a benchmark for urban animal care.

A key pillar of the project’s success is its zero-maintenance model, driven entirely by public participation. Local shopkeepers voluntarily refill water tanks each day as they open their businesses, while children and young volunteers help clean and monitor the units in their neighborhoods. This decentralised approach has ensured sustainability without imposing recurring operational costs.