Valentine’s Day is not just a day of love for humans but also for our furry floofballs. This year, the former chairman of the TATA industry is proving his love for animals by building a dedicated hospital for them in Mumbai. Much up to their famous reputation, this initiative is a key focus for the TATA family, reflecting their commitment to animal welfare. Set for inauguration in the first week of March, Mumbai’s pets can bid farewell to discomfort! The hospital, spanning 2.2 acres and built for INR 165 crore, is poised to offer 24/7 care to dogs, cats, and rabbits, to mention a few.
Ratan Tata is well-known for being an animal lover, in addition to his successes in the business sector. He has a special affection for our four-legged friends’ health and provides care and healing to them. At age 86, the industrialist again turned his dreams into reality with his long-pending pet project: an Animal Hospital in Mumbai.
In an interview with the Times of India, the billionaire stated, “A pet is no different from a member of one’s family today. As the guardian of several pets throughout my life, I recognise the need for this hospital. “
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Award or Loyalty: Ratan Tata’s Noble Choice
Sometime back, Ratan Tata was stuck in a situation straight out of a Shakespearean drama. Prince Charles invited him to Buckingham Palace to receive a lifetime achievement award. However, his beloved dog, Tito, fell seriously ill at the same time. Tata chose to stay with Tito, skipping the prestigious ceremony and instead putting his pet’s needs above the formal recognition.
Motivated by love and loyalty, his decision won him widespread respect and strengthened his relationship with his four-legged companion. In his remarks about Mr. Tata, Prince Charles emphasised the breadth of his moral principles. Ratan Tata stated that the highest honour is sometimes found in the heart, not in the spotlight, in a society where praise is often sought after. Considering this, he launched India’s top-notch canine hospital in Mumbai with a first-class veterinarian staff.
Furthermore, Ratan Tata is often witnessed as a guardian of the homeless stray animals. Many stray dogs have found sanctuary at Bombay House, the TATA Group’s worldwide headquarters. Among them, Goa, a striking black and white dog, is rumoured to be his preferred companion, often seen by Tata’s side during meetings. Tata has also supported “Motopaws”, a project led by his assistant Shantanu Naidu, which focuses on rehabilitating stray dogs injured in accidents.
The Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai
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Located in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, the Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital is a shining example of dedication to animal welfare. It aims to provide top-notch veterinary care to the city’s pets. Announced in 2017, the project faced delays due to the need to realign agreements, documentation, and paperwork complexities. Ratan Tata highlighted that by the time these issues were resolved, the costs associated with building the hospital had escalated due to rising labour, steel, and raw material prices.
The hospital is strategically placed next to the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals in Parel. The land has been leased from the BMC trust for 30 years. Its convenient location makes it easily accessible from various parts of the city.
This modern hospital operates 24/7, ensuring that small animals and pets receive immediate expert medical care at all hours. It’s fully equipped to handle various treatments. These include routine check-ups and vaccinations to specialised care for illnesses, emergency services, etc. This capability comes from its cutting-edge diagnostic equipment and fully outfitted surgical facilities, providing comprehensive care under one roof.
TATA International Veterinary Collaboration
Ratan Tata’s innovative animal hospital is setting a new standard in veterinary care. Five partners collaborate with the UK veterinary schools, such as the Royal Veterinary College in London, to offer the best training. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped to provide a full suite of services, from surgery and diagnostics to pharmacy needs and more.
The five-floor hospital can accommodate 200 patients and provide the animals the care and attention they require. Thomas Heathcote, a British veterinarian, is leading this innovative project and can guide the hospital towards being a healing and hope-filled shelter for animals in need.
Mumbai’s Pet Haven: 24/7 Emergency & Advanced Treatments
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The animal hospital provides exemplary services and treatments to our four-legged friends. The following services will be given in the hospital –
Comprehensive Care Hub for Pets
- Around-the-Clock Assistance: They offer 24/7 services and immediate medical attention for pets in urgent need.
- Advanced Surgical Care: The Small Animal Hospital facility has four operation theatres for soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeries.
- Specialised Hospitalisation: Pets who need extended care can benefit from general wards, intensive care units (ICU), and high dependency units (HDU).
- Holistic Treatment Options: They provide various services, including dental care, ophthalmology, dermatology, endoscopy, and physiotherapy to address multiple medical conditions.
Additional Pet Care Excellence
- Isolation Units: These are specially designated areas to halt the spread of infectious diseases among pets.
- Blood Bank: A critical resource for life-saving transfusions when needed.
- Nutrition-Focused Food Preparation: A dedicated unit ensuring hospitalised pets receive balanced and specific dietary care.
- 60+ Veterinary Team: The hospital has a staff of over 60 veterinary doctors, nurses, technicians, and support staff.
- Massive Project: It is the largest single-site multi-speciality animal healthcare centre in India.
- Affordable Palace: The hospital is committed to providing accessible and affordable care for all pets, including strays and animals in underprivileged communities.
Final Bow – Mumbai’s Pet Care Legacy
Ratan Tata’s dream for the Mumbai Pet Hospital continues to captivate us all, setting an example for the common people to be more caring towards animals. His vision has become a haven for animal welfare, offering an array of services for pet lovers. It’s a commitment to accessible care and the legacy it’s building in the heart of Mumbai. Let’s celebrate a project where love for animals and visionary philanthropy intersect, proving that the journey of compassion and care is endless.
