BBMP to Open 8 Vet Hospitals for Street and Pet Animals

Bengaluru may soon get eight new government-run veterinary hospitals, each fully equipped to treat rescued animals and offer low-cost services to pet owners from low-income families. The project is being led by the BBMP’s Animal Husbandry Department and aims to help reduce the high costs many rescuers face at private clinics.

According to a report by Bangalore Mirror earlier this week, this move comes after nearly 60 government vet clinics were shut down in the city over the past ten years. Officials had earlier said there was no need for so many clinics because there aren’t many farm animals in the city. But now, with more people keeping pets and a growing number of street animal rescues, there is a fresh demand for government hospitals.

The eight new clinics will come up in Jayanagar, Prakash Nagar, Talaghattapura, Garudacharpalya, Jeevanahalli, Doddabettahalli, Dasarahalli, and Vijaya Bank Layout. The BBMP is fixing up the old clinic buildings and adding modern medical equipment.

Each hospital will be able to treat up to 50 animals a day.

Dr. Chandraiah, Joint Director of the BBMP’s Animal Husbandry Department, reportedly told Bangalore Mirror that many people in the city, especially those who can’t afford private clinics, own pets or take care of community animals. He added that animal rescuers have long been asking for more affordable and nearby vet care.

These new clinics will also support BBMP's own animal rescue work. Each hospital will be able to treat up to 50 animals a day. Only postgraduate vets will be hired to make sure the animals get proper care. The government has set aside ₹6.05 crore for this project, which will cover infrastructure, medicines, equipment, and staff salaries. BBMP has already started the tender process for buying medical tools and furniture.

Animal lovers and rescuers in the city have welcomed the plan. Harini Raghavan from Citizens for Animal Birth Control said it’s a good step, but she hopes the BBMP clearly mentions what kind of cases the hospitals will treat. She pointed out that many rescued animals need surgeries or long-term treatment, and most clinics don’t have the facilities for that. 

These new clinics will also support BBMP's own animal rescue work.

Nandita Subbarao, a civic activist involved in animal rescue, told Bangalore Mirror that some of the clinics must stay open 24/7. She explained that many accidents happen at night, especially with street animals, and it's hard to find treatment during those hours. She mentioned that the existing government hospitals in Hebbal and Queens Road shut early and don’t offer tests on Sundays.

Subbarao also reportedly said it’s important for the BBMP to work closely with private clinics and shelters that are already helping street animals. Experts believe that while this project looks promising, its real success will depend on how well it's managed, and whether the clinics are properly staffed, well-stocked with supplies, and well-connected with the rescue network in the city.

If things go smoothly, these hospitals could bring a big change to how animals are cared for in Bengaluru.