Dhara Shailesh Patel

Dhara Shailesh Patel
Born	24 February 2006, Ahmedabad, India
Hometown	Dharmaj, Gujarat, India
Residence	Newark, USA
Nationality	Indian
Education	Vatsalya International School, Borsad University of Delaware (Pre-Veterinary Medicine)
Occupation	Student, Reptile Rescuer, Volunteer
Known for	Reptile rescue, Animal welfare, Indian classical music
Parents	Shailesh J Patel (father – businessman) Dr. Archana Shailesh Patel (mother – artist, activist)
Relatives	Dhrumil Shailesh Patel (brother – supervisor, Canada)
Certifications	AAHA Nutrition, Pain Mgmt, Canine & Feline Vaccines Udemy: First Aid, Emotional Support Animals
Music	Visharad in Harmonium – Gandharva Mahavidyalaya
Awards & Features	APJ Abdul Kalam Photography Award Featured in Divya Bhaskar (2015)
Affiliations	DAYA Foundation Anand Animal Helpline Dhunn – The Petting Farm
Future Goals	Specialize in exotic animal medicine and build a cross-border rescue center
Online Presence	LinkedIn Instagram

Dhara Shailesh Patel (born 24 February 2006) is an Indian student, volunteer, and animal welfare enthusiast currently pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine at the University of Delaware, United States. She is recognized for her contributions in reptile rescue, domestic animal care, Indian classical music, and for holding multiple veterinary-related certifications from international platforms like AAHA and Udemy.

Early Life and Education

Dhara was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and grew up in the heritage village of Dharmaj. She completed her schooling at Vatsalya International School, Borsad, CBSE Board, with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Later, she relocated to the U.S. to study Pre-Veterinary Medicine at the University of Delaware.

Certifications and Specialized Training

Dhara has completed multiple specialized certifications in veterinary science and animal care:

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

• AAHA Nutrition Champion Certificate (Issued: Jan 2025 – Expires: Nov 2029)

Focused on effective communication regarding the nutritional needs of animals.

• AAHA Pain Management Champion Certificate (Issued: Jan 2025 – Expires: Aug 2027)

Special training in pain management for cats and dogs.

• AAHA Canine Vaccination Champion Certificate (Issued: Jan 2025 – Expires: Nov 2029)

Covers canine vaccine protocols including core/non-core vaccines, serologic titres, and managing cases with unknown vaccine histories.

• Creating Individualised Feline Vaccine Protocols (Issued: Jan 7, 2025)

Focused on designing personalized vaccine plans for feline patients.

UDEMY Certifications

• Emotional Support Animals: Healing with Dogs and Cats (Issued: Jan 19, 2025)

Focused on the human-animal bond and the therapeutic role of pets in workplaces and emotional support contexts.

• First Aid for Pets (Issued: May 27, 2025)

Trained in initial first-response care for animals during injury or illness.

Academic and Creative Achievements

• Winner of the APJ Abdul Kalam City Montessori Photography Award (National Level)
• Medaled in numerous school-level Olympiads (science, aptitude, general knowledge)
• Completed Visharad in Indian Classical Music (Harmonium) from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai (2022)
• Featured in Divya Bhaskar (2015) for "Waste Out of Best" eco-decor project

Internships and Volunteering

• Ex-Intern at Anand Animal Helpline (V.G. Patel Foundation) – Sep 2022 to Apr 2024
• Volunteer at DAYA Foundation (Reptile rescue) – 2022 to 2024
• Volunteer at DHUNN – The Petting Farm – 2019 to 2024

Personal Life

Dhara’s mother, Dr. Archana Shailesh Patel (b. 28 April 1976), is a celebrated theatre artist, television actor, writer, motivational speaker, and animal welfare activist. She is founder of Dhunn – The Petting Farm. Her father, Shailesh J Patel, is a businessman in the tobacco products industry. Her elder brother, Dhrumil Shailesh Patel, works as a store supervisor in Canada.

Inspirations

She draws inspiration from:

• Dr. Nirali Marvania – Veterinary Radiologist
• Dr. Shivani Tandel – Exotic Animal Veterinarian (AAV & University of Edinburgh)

Values and Social Impact

Driven by empathy, resilience, and a strong sense of duty toward animals, Dhara has developed expert knowledge in handling reptiles and stray animals. Her humane approach and commitment to lifelong learning set a foundation for a meaningful career in animal care.

Extracurricular Activities

• Indian classical music (Harmonium Visharad)
• Animal photography and public speaking
• Science Olympiads
• Rescue missions and educational awareness campaigns

Online Presence

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Press features: Divya Bhaskar (2015), school magazines

Future Plans

Dhara aims to specialize in exotic veterinary medicine, advocate humane treatment for strays, and open a cross-border veterinary and rescue center in the future.

See Also

• Dr. Archana Shailesh Patel
• Dhunn – The Petting Farm
• The Exotic Vet Clinic – Edinburgh