Aishwarya Likhite

SCAN BUDDY: Improving Stray Dog Welfare in India through Community Care and QR Codes

This project focuses on a challenge close to my heart: the welfare of stray dogs in India. Despite ongoing efforts, we still need better ways to involve communities in caring for these animals. The sheer number of these animals on the streets is staggering, and the issues they face – from malnutrition to disease – are heartbreaking. But I’m also inspired by the countless individuals and organisations who work tirelessly to help these dogs. That’s where my idea comes in – a mobile app using QR codes to create accessible dog profiles with vital information like health records and feeding schedules. This area of research is significant because it combines the use of technology, community involvement, and animal welfare, offering a different approach to an ongoing social issue. By creating a system that’s both user-friendly and scalable, this project aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of stray dogs in India, while inculcating a culture of care and responsibility within the community.

The main audience is anyone and everyone who loves dogs, which specifically includes animal welfare groups, community members, and tech developers interested in social good. This project builds on my passion for user-centred design and community-driven solutions, exploring how technology can address real-world problems practically.

The key question I’m investigating is:

How can mobile technology improve the health and security of stray dogs in India by providing communities with accessible tools for care and monitoring?