Let's take a moment to consider the stray animals that live on our streets and those who do not have that luxury as the rain pours down and we seek comfort under warm roofs. For animals like dogs freezing beneath cars, kittens hiding in shadowy nooks, or cows battling their way across flooded roadways, the monsoon season is not only annoying but also potentially fatal.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) and numerous animal welfare organisations estimate that India has more than 62 million stray dogs and over 9 million stray cats. These figures reflect not only animals but also living things in need of kindness, care, and modest gestures of humanity.

Here's how you can make a difference for street animal rescue monsoon. I have written down the key details on how you can make their life easier and comforting.

Create safe shelters: When it rains a lot, street animals don't have a dry, safe place to sleep. Place old cardboard boxes, gunny bags, plastic sheets, or wooden crates in covered locations such as balconies, staircases, and porches. Protect local rest spots from rain by covering them with tarpaulin sheets. Encourage retailers or housing organisations to provide temporary shelter for animals on the hottest days of the monsoon season. A little shaded shelter for animals can save a life!

Food and water: The monsoon season contaminates water and causes a scarcity of safe drinking water for stray animals. Place bowls of dry food or rice and clean water in places where strays are likely to congregate. Don't serve food that is wet or leftover because it will soon deteriorate in the rain. Instead of using plastic bowls, use steel or ceramic ones, and store them in a dry, covered area.
According to PETA India, strays have difficulty staying hydrated during the rainy season due to dirty puddles. Clean water bowls make a big difference.

Signs of illness: Street animals are prone to respiratory issues, diarrhoea, skin illnesses, and tick fever during this time of year.  Keep an eye out for signs of exhaustion, frequent scratching, coughing, limping, or drab eyes. If you see any symptoms, call a veterinarian or a local animal rescue agency or a helpline right away. Avoid direct contact with unidentified sick animals; instead, use a towel or gloves. Keep contact information for animal welfare NGOs, feed, and veterinarians in your phone. 

Medical aid and vaccination: During the monsoon, skin illnesses, respiratory problems, and parasitic infestations are prevalent and spread quickly. Contact local veterinarians or NGOs if any animal exhibits symptoms of disease (limping, coughing, frequent scratching, etc.). Help raise funds or make donations to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for vaccination campaigns and sterilisation programmes. If you are a frequent feeder or rescuer, keep some simple antiseptic spray, tick powder, or skin ointment with you.
Street dogs are more likely to get tick fever, fungal diseases, and maggot wounds during the wet season.

Drive slowly: Wet roads, low visibility, and rushing automobiles frequently lead to fatal accidents involving street animals. Reduce your speed and remain vigilant, particularly in places where cows or dogs are known to wander. Softly honk to wake up animals that are sleeping beneath automobiles or parked motorcycles. If you spot an injured animal, do not ignore it; instead, contact an animal ambulance, non-governmental organisation, or a local feeder. NGOs provide services for emergency animal rescue.

Local animal welfare: You do not have to do everything on your own. NGOs, feeders, and community animal lovers are always searching for help—whether it's time, money, or logistics. Volunteer for food distribution campaigns or emergency rescue calls. Sponsor a raincoat or plastic kennel cover for stray dogs through non-governmental organisation programmes.

Conclusion
While monsoons bring life to the planet, they can also bring suffering and danger to street animals. The good news? That is something you can alter. You can not only save lives by taking a few simple measures, but you will also contribute to a more compassionate and conscious society. They live on the streets; we owe it to them to make them safer. So, with this monsoon weather, don’t forget to help street animals during the monsoon.

Disclaimer - The information contained in this blog is for informational purposes only and the readers may use or apply the same at their will. We believe in the uniqueness of every pet and its parent. Therefore, not every piece of information and idea presented here may be suited to all.