Ratan Tata's vision for pet care comes to life with launch of Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital

Not for his wealth, Ratan Tata is renowned for his love for animals and his philanthropy. Time and again he uses his social media accounts to help those in need. Just recently, he had appealed to the public to help find a blood donor for a dog.

In the past, he has expressed that pets are considered a part of one’s family. As someone who has cared for several? pets over the years, the man with a golden heart understands the necessity to have a hospital dedicated to animals.?

The man kept his word and inaugurated the Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai's Mahalaxmi recently.

indiatimes

"We are open," he wrote with details of the hospital's helpline numbers.

?

Speaking to the Times of India about his dream project Ratan Tata had said, “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.”

Also Read:?Ratan Tata comes to the aid of 115 Tata Institute of Social Sciences employees facing termination

x

Recognizing the importance of a world-class animal hospital firsthand, the 86-year-old industrialist shared that the necessity became apparent when he had to fly a pet to the University of Minnesota for a joint replacement. “But I was too late, and so they froze the dog's joint in a particular position. That experience enabled me to see what a world-class veterinary hospital was equipped to do,” he said.

Details about the newly opened Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital

The Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital, constructed at a cost of Rs 165 crore, spans five stories and accommodates up to 200 patients. Leading the team is Thomas Heathcote, a British veterinarian who relocated to Mumbai specifically for this hospital. Tata's new animal hospital has forged partnerships with five UK veterinary schools, including the Royal Veterinary College London, for training initiatives. It will provide comprehensive services including surgical, diagnostic, and pharmacy facilities, alongside multidisciplinary care.

Ratan Tata/ Instagram

Initially planned for Navi Mumbai when announced in 2017, the hospital's location was shifted to a more central area in Mumbai at the behest of Ratan Tata. He believed that the long commute to Navi Mumbai would discourage pet owners from seeking treatment for their pets.

“This (distance) could've been a major deterrent for pet parents, especially those in need of emergency services. With this in mind, finding the right space for land and getting permissions was also a reason for delay,” he explained.

“It then took us about a year and a half to realign the agreements, documentation, and paperwork. By the time we returned to normalcy, the expenses of the hospital had also been impacted owing to inflationary costs of steel, manpower and availability of raw materials,” said Tata.

Also Read:?Do You Know Ratan Tata Once Skipped His Meeting With King Charles For This Heartwarming Reason?