We would rather tell you plainly what this is than dress it up. If your question isn't answered here, write to us — a real person reads every message.
The Basics
What is Shri Hari Hive?
Shri Hari Hive is a sanctuary in Mohali, Punjab, India, spread across 15,000 sq ft. It does two things at once: it is a permanent home for 47 rescued Indian street dogs, and it is a quiet retreat space open to anyone who needs one.
These two halves are not separate projects. The dogs are not an attraction laid on for visitors, and the retreat is not a fundraising device for the dogs. The whole idea is that being around animals who carry no regret about yesterday and no anxiety about tomorrow is itself the thing that heals you.
Where exactly is the sanctuary?
In Mohali, Punjab, India — a short drive from Chandigarh. We share the exact GPS coordinates when you schedule a visit rather than publishing them, because most of our dogs arrived here traumatised and a stream of unannounced visitors would undo that work.
Is the sanctuary finished?
No. The campus is under active construction right now. The dogs are already here and already cared for, but the meditation huts, the langar hall and the permanent shelters are still being built. We would rather say this honestly than show you photographs of something that doesn't exist yet.
Is this a religious organisation? Do I need to believe in anything?
No. You do not need to believe in anything, follow anything, or perform anything to come here. The philosophy we hold to is simple enough to fit in a sentence — there is no past, there is no future, there is only now — and you are free to ignore even that and just sit with the dogs.
The Dogs
How many dogs live at Shri Hari Hive, and where did they come from?
47. Every one of them was a street dog — the Indian pariah dogs, the desi dogs, that millions of people walk past every day. They were picked up hungry, injured, or abandoned on highways, and brought here.
How are the dogs cared for day to day?
They are fed twice a day, every day — morning and evening, 47 bowls, each dog's name called out as their bowl goes down. They receive monthly vet visits, vaccinations and deworming. Wounds are dressed and mange is treated.
They are not caged and they are not leashed. They have open land to run on, trees to explore, and each other.
What does it cost to run the dog sanctuary?
Roughly ₹4.5 lakh every month — food, medicine, shelter and the people who do the work. We have no investors and no corporate sponsors. That entire amount comes from individuals who decided to help.
Visiting
Can I visit? Is there an entry fee?
Yes, you can visit, and there is no entry fee. But please schedule ahead through the visit page so someone is free to receive you.
This is not a zoo and not a tourist stop. It is a place where frightened animals are recovering, so we keep it calm and we keep numbers low.
What are the visiting hours?
Mornings 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM and evenings 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Please avoid the peak afternoon heat — it is hard on the dogs and hard on you.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers are welcome to take part in seva — selfless service — whether that is helping at feeding time, assisting with care, or simply spending unhurried time with the dogs. Mention it when you schedule your visit so we can plan for it.
What is a langar?
A langar is a communal kitchen from the Sikh tradition where food is served free to everyone who comes, seated together as equals — no hierarchy at the table, regardless of who you are or what you can pay. The langar hall is one of the buildings currently going up on the campus.
Giving
Where does my donation actually go?
Into food, veterinary care, shelter, and finishing the campus. Concretely:
₹100 feeds one dog for a week. ₹500 covers one dog's full monthly medical care — vaccines, deworming, vet visits. ₹2,000 builds one kennel shelter.
How do I donate?
Our online payment gateway is still being set up. Until it is live, register your pledge on the support page and our team will come back to you with transfer details directly.
Will my name be published if I donate?
No. Every donor on the Believers Wall stays anonymous. The giving is the point; the credit isn't.