Archive · 27 Jan 2026
India Sets National Veterinary Clinic Standards
The Indian government has created new rules to make sure that veterinary clinics and hospitals across the country provide good care for animals.
These rules include what buildings and equipment are needed, how many staff should work there, and what services should be offered.
The goal is to make sure that all animals, whether they are pets like dogs and cats or farm animals like cows and goats, get the same high-quality care no matter where they live.
The rules also set up a system with different levels of clinics and hospitals, from small ones in villages to big speciality hospitals in cities.
This will help make sure that animals get the right kind of care, whether it's a simple check-up or a complicated surgery.
The government hopes that these new rules will improve animal health and make sure that veterinary clinics are well-staffed and well-equipped.
The Indian government has introduced comprehensive national guidelines for veterinary clinics and hospitals to modernize medical care for livestock and companion animals.
The guidelines set minimum infrastructure and service benchmarks, including specific physical requirements and a structured four-tier institutional system.
The new framework mandates adequate staffing, with a minimum of 19 professionals for district hospitals and at least one veterinary doctor and one para-vet for every 1,000 cattle heads.
India's livestock sector contributed 5.49% (₹8.86 trillion) to the total gross value added (GVA) in FY24, with exported products reaching ₹66,249 crore in FY25.
The guidelines aim to reduce regional disparities, ensure ethical practices, and strengthen disease surveillance, with a focus on improving the quality of animal healthcare nationwide.
- Who
- Indian government, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD)
- What
- Introduced comprehensive national guidelines for veterinary clinics and hospitals
- When
- Guidelines formulated and accepted by the government, with recommendations submitted on 19 November
- Where
- India
- Why
- To modernize medical care for livestock and companion animals, ensure consistent service, and reduce regional disparities in access to quality veterinary care
- Market Value
- $2.1 billion
- Government Veterinary Dispensaries
- 30,184
- Government Veterinary Aid Centres
- 24,532
- Government Veterinary Hospitals
- 13,173
- Private Veterinary Clinics
- 10,000
- Pet Population in India
- 35 million
- Livestock Animals in India
- 535.78 million
- Livestock Sector Contribution to GVA (FY24)
- ₹8.86 trillion (5.49%)
- Exported Livestock Products (FY25)
- ₹66,249 crore