Animal Welfare in India: What You Need to Know Before You Travel

When you think of animal welfare, the way living creatures are treated in society, especially in public and religious spaces. Also known as animal rights, it's not just a policy issue in India—it's woven into the rhythm of everyday life. You’ll see cows wandering freely through busy streets in Delhi, monkeys stealing snacks near temples in Rishikesh, and stray dogs sleeping peacefully outside markets in Jaipur. This isn’t chaos—it’s a cultural norm shaped by centuries of belief, law, and practical coexistence.

India’s approach to animal welfare is unlike anywhere else. The cow, a sacred animal in Hinduism, protected by law in most states and often seen as a symbol of motherhood and non-violence. Also known as sacred cow, it doesn’t just roam—it’s fed, bathed, and sometimes even worshipped. In contrast, stray dogs, millions of free-roaming canines that live alongside humans, often cared for by local communities despite lacking formal shelter systems. Also known as street dogs, they are protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, meaning you can’t harm them—even if they bark at your door. You’ll find volunteers feeding them daily, and many temples have their own dog wards. Then there are the temple animals, monkeys, elephants, and even peacocks that live within religious sites, often treated as divine messengers or companions. Also known as sacred wildlife, they are fed by pilgrims, bathed by priests, and sometimes even given special diets. In Kerala, elephants wear silk and gold during festivals. In Varanasi, monkeys sit on temple steps like silent guards.

What does this mean for you as a traveler? It means you need to adjust your expectations. Don’t expect clean, controlled animal zones like in Western parks. Expect surprise encounters—maybe a dog sleeping on your hotel doorstep, or a monkey grabbing your chapati. That’s not a problem—it’s part of the experience. And if you want to help, you can. Many NGOs run feeding programs, sterilization drives, and rescue centers. Some travelers even volunteer for a day or two. You don’t need to be an expert—just show respect. Don’t feed elephants sweets. Don’t chase monkeys. Don’t throw stones at stray dogs. And if you’re unsure, watch what locals do—they’ve been doing this longer than you’ve been planning your trip.

Underlying all this is a deeper truth: in India, animal welfare isn’t a trend. It’s not something you read about in a report. It’s lived. It’s in the way a woman gives her last roti to a dog, or how a temple priest gently shooes away a crow that’s pecking at offerings. It’s messy, imperfect, and deeply human. And that’s what makes it real.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical guides from travelers who’ve seen it all—from feeding cows in Vrindavan to spotting tigers in Ranthambore. Whether you’re here for the temples, the trekking, or the food, you can’t ignore the animals. They’re not background noise. They’re part of the journey.