Siliguri, March 12: Retired air force employee Malay Goswami and his wife found in a German Spitz a companion to spend their lonely life with as their children have settled elsewhere. But the couple had found it difficult to travel out of station since there was no one to take care of their pet dog. “Where would we leave the dog,” asked Goswami.

The problem faced by over 3,000 residents like Goswami here was solved thanks to Animal Lovers Organisation (ALO). The Siliguri-based organisation of animal activists has started a dog care centre or a “dog hostel” where people can farm out their pets.

According to Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) records, there are 3,029 pet dogs in the town.

The centre is at the Dog Sterilisation Unit — a project of the SMC, animal resources department and Siliguri Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The unit is located along Sevoke Road (Second Mile), behind Don Bosco School.

“I heard of it from a friend and paid a visit before leaving my dog there on two occasions — first for 12 days and then 20 days,” said Goswami. “On my return, I was so happy to see it enjoy a holiday of sorts there. We can go about our trips freely without being bothered about its health or safety. I must say the hostel is the best thing to happen for pets in Siliguri.”

Bimlesh Basu, the working president of the ALO, said the centre — opened in January this year — was meant for other pet animals as well. The per-day charge of keeping a dog at the centre is Rs 100.

“We have two attendants to look after pets round the clock,” said Basu. “Plus, there are weekly check-ups by a visiting veterinarian. We have well-built kennels and an open space for them to play about. The centre will help us raise funds for our other activities related to animal care.”

“We also rescue injured birds and animals from the streets and treat them,” said Basu. He said since the sterilisation of street dogs became expensive of late, funds from the SMC were not sufficient.