Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai: Ratan Tata’s Final Heartfelt Project
Ratan Tata’s last venture, a tribute to his love for animals, especially dogs, is the Small Animal Hospital, Mumbai (SAHM). Located in Mahalaxmi and spread across 98,000 square feet, the hospital opened on July 1. It continues to operate successfully, honouring Tata’s vision.
This ₹165-crore, state-of-the-art pet hospital is India’s first of its kind. It provides 24/7 emergency care and offers a wide range of services, including ICUs, HDUs, diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound), specialized treatments, and an in-house pathology lab. Separate waiting areas for cats and dogs, along with inpatient wards, ensure comfort and efficiency.
Tata’s personal experience with his dog, who required joint replacement surgery abroad, inspired the hospital’s creation. Delays in treatment led to his pet’s joint being frozen, sparking Tata’s determination to build world-class veterinary care in India.
The project, initiated by Tata Trusts in 2017, was initially planned for Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai. It later shifted to Mahalaxmi, a more central location, on a 30-year lease from the BMC. COVID-related delays postponed the opening, but trial runs set the hospital on track.
Dr Thomas Heathcote, CEO and chief veterinary officer of the Advanced Veterinary Care Foundation (AVCF), which manages the facility, described it as one of the most rewarding projects of his career. He emphasized the hospital’s role in providing 24/7 care to thousands of animals.
Shantanu Naidu, a member of the AVCF board and founder of Motopaws, was entrusted with furthering Tata’s animal welfare initiatives. Reflecting Tata’s philanthropic spirit, the hospital will soon add a connected facility for the sterilization and treatment of stray dogs, managed by the NGO Welfare of Stray Dogs.
In Phase 2, the hospital plans to introduce specialized surgeries, advanced oncology, physiotherapy, and complex medical treatments. The facility has already garnered praise from pet owners, with many calling it a “godsend.”Actor Shilpa Shetty expressed gratitude after her dog, Truffle, underwent surgery at SAHM. “The doctors and staff were excellent, and I’m grateful for this incredible facility,” she shared on Instagram.