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Dhara Shailesh Patel
Dhara Shailesh Patel 
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| Born | 24 February 2006, Ahmedabad, India |
| Hometown | Dharmaj, Gujarat, India |
| Residence | Newark, USA |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education |
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| Occupation | Student, Reptile Rescuer, Volunteer |
| Known for | Reptile rescue, Animal welfare, Indian classical music |
| Parents |
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| Relatives | Dhrumil Shailesh Patel (brother – supervisor, Canada) |
| Certifications |
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| Music | Visharad in Harmonium – Gandharva Mahavidyalaya |
| Awards & Features |
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| Affiliations |
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| Future Goals | To work in exotic animal medicine and set up an international rescue facility |
| Online Presence | |
Dhara Shailesh Patel (born 24 February 2006) is an Indian student and animal rights advocate currently pursuing her studies in Pre-Veterinary Medicine at the University of Delaware in the United States. She is widely appreciated for her reptile rescue efforts, work in stray animal welfare, and her academic focus in veterinary sciences with certifications from global institutions including the American Animal Hospital Association and Udemy.
Background and Education
Originally from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Dhara spent her childhood in the culturally rich village of Dharmaj. She studied at Vatsalya International School, Borsad under the CBSE board, majoring in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. She later moved to the United States to study at the University of Delaware in the Pre-Veterinary program.
Veterinary Certifications and Training
She has completed several advanced courses in veterinary medicine and animal care:
AAHA
- Nutrition Champion Certificate (Valid: Jan 2025 – Nov 2029) – Focuses on diet-based communication and planning.
- Pain Management Champion Certificate (Valid: Jan 2025 – Aug 2027) – Trains in canine and feline pain care.
- Canine Vaccination Champion Certificate (Valid: Jan 2025 – Nov 2029) – Covers vaccine management and tailored protocols.
- Feline Vaccine Protocols (Issued: Jan 2025) – Specializes in creating individualized feline vaccine strategies.
UDEMY
- Emotional Support Animals (Issued: Jan 19, 2025) – Explores therapeutic roles of pets in mental health.
- Pet First Aid (Issued: May 27, 2025) – Provides knowledge on basic emergency care for animals.
Academic & Artistic Distinctions
- Secured the APJ Abdul Kalam Photography Award in a national competition
- Medalist in school-level Olympiads across various subjects
- Earned a Visharad in Indian classical music (Harmonium) from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai (2022)
- Featured in Divya Bhaskar for an innovative eco-project in 2015
Volunteer Work and Internships
- Intern at Anand Animal Helpline (V.G. Patel Foundation) – Sep 2022 to Apr 2024
- Volunteer, DAYA Foundation – Assisted in reptile rehabilitation (2022–2024)
- Volunteer, Dhunn – The Petting Farm – Since 2019, involved in interactive animal care education
Family and Personal Life
Her mother, Dr. Archana Shailesh Patel (b. 28 April 1976), is a known figure in Indian theatre, TV acting, writing, and animal activism. She founded Dhunn – The Petting Farm. Dhara’s father, Shailesh J Patel, is a businessman in tobacco manufacturing. Her elder brother, Dhrumil Patel, resides and works in Canada.
Role Models
Her veterinary inspirations include:
- Dr. Nirali Marvania – Veterinary Radiologist
- Dr. Shivani Tandel – Exotic animal expert with credentials from AAV and University of Edinburgh
Values and Mission
Guided by values of compassion, responsibility, and lifelong learning, Dhara’s commitment to animal rescue and exotic care reflects in her on-ground work with both reptiles and domestic animals.
Extracurricular Interests
- Devoted practitioner of Indian classical music
- Passion for animal photography and public speaking
- Participation in Olympiads and awareness campaigns
Online Presence
- Media coverage: Divya Bhaskar (2015), school journals
Vision
She envisions a future where she contributes to exotic veterinary care, advocates for humane practices, and establishes a cross-border rescue and treatment center.