Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away on October 9 in Mumbai at the age of 86. Admitted to Breach Candy Hospital after a sudden drop in blood pressure, Tata’s health deteriorated, leading to his death. He was widely respected not only for his monumental contributions to India’s industrial growth but also for his immense compassion towards animals, particularly dogs. His legacy of compassion, particularly for stray dogs, is most evident at the headquarters of the Tata Group, Bombay House.
Bombay House stands apart from other corporate headquarters, not just for its colonial-era architecture but also for its welcoming atmosphere towards street dogs. While visitors are frisked at the entrance, strays are free to roam the premises, thanks to Tata's specific instructions allowing them unrestricted access. This practice began after Tata was reportedly moved by a stray dog struggling in the rain outside the building.
In a testament to Tata’s empathy, a dedicated kennel was constructed on the ground floor of Bombay House in 2018 during a renovation. This kennel, spanning a spacious room, is equipped with amenities that many humans would envy. It features a bathing area tended by an attendant, a bunk bed for napping, and climate-controlled blinds to ensure the comfort of its canine residents.
Some strays have made Bombay House their permanent home, while others are welcomed as visitors, receiving the same level of care.
Skipping Buckingham Palace for a Dog
One of the most heartfelt moments that demonstrated Tata’s love for animals occurred in 2018. Tata was scheduled to receive a prestigious lifetime achievement award for his philanthropic work from Prince Charles (now King Charles III) at Buckingham Palace. This event, hosted by the British Asian Trust, was significant, as it was set to recognize Tata’s longstanding commitment to charitable causes. However, Tata canceled his trip to London at the last minute. The reason? His dog had fallen gravely ill.
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Suhel Seth, a close friend of Tata, recounted the story in a video. He shared how he received multiple missed calls from Tata before finally connecting with him. “Tango and Tito, my dogs—one of them has fallen terribly ill. I can’t leave him and come,” Tata explained to Seth. Upon hearing this, King Charles expressed admiration, stating, “That’s a man. That’s the man Ratan is. That’s why the house of Tata is what it is. That’s why it’s on a stable course.”
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Goa, the Beloved Stray-Turned-Companion
Among Tata’s many dogs, one stood out—Goa, a stray who became a close companion. Tata shared the story behind the dog’s name, explaining how Goa was a stray puppy who managed to climb into a colleague’s car in Goa and ended up at Bombay House, Tata’s headquarters. “He was a stray puppy when he got into my colleague’s car in Goa, and came all the way to Bombay House, hence the name Goa,” Tata said, further emphasizing his deep bond with his canine friends.
A Vision Realized: The Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai
Tata’s love for animals didn’t stop with his personal pets. In July 2023, after years of planning and delays, Tata opened India’s first Small Animal Hospital in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai. The state-of-the-art facility, spread across 98,000 square feet, includes cutting-edge technology such as ICUs, HDUs, CT scans, MRI, X-rays, and ultrasound machines. It offers specialized treatments in dermatology, dental care, ophthalmology, and other areas.
The project was personal for Tata, who had previously struggled to find adequate care for one of his dogs. He once had to fly his pet to the University of Minnesota for a joint replacement surgery, but due to delays, the procedure couldn’t be completed as intended. This experience fueled Tata’s determination to establish top-notch veterinary care in India. His efforts resulted in a ₹165 crore not-for-profit hospital that offers 24x7 emergency care for critically ill animals.
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A Hospital Built with Philanthropic Spirit
The Small Animal Hospital is not just a veterinary facility; it is a testament to Tata’s philanthropic vision. Alongside its services for pets, the hospital also plans to build an annexe dedicated to the sterilization and treatment of stray dogs. The project will be managed in partnership with the NGO Welfare of Stray Dogs, ensuring that even animals without homes receive care.
Shantanu Naidu, a close aide to Tata and founder of the animal welfare startup Motopaws, serves on the board of directors of the Advanced Veterinary Care Foundation (AVCF), which operates the hospital. Motopaws, known for making reflective collars to protect stray dogs from road accidents, reflects Tata’s broader commitment to animal welfare.
Dr. Thomas Heathcote, chief veterinary officer and CEO of AVCF, praised the initiative, stating, “Opening this hospital has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my career. The not-for-profit small animal veterinary hospital is going to cater to thousands of animals 24 hours a day, providing the services most need to the owners, animals, and vets of Mumbai.”
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Expanding Care for Animals: Phase Two on the Horizon
The hospital has already made an impact in the animal care space, but Tata’s vision extends beyond its current offerings. Plans for Phase Two are already in place, which will introduce specialized surgeries like orthopaedics, laparoscopic work, physiotherapy, and advanced oncology. This next phase aims to ensure that animals in Mumbai receive world-class medical treatment for complex conditions.
A Testament to Tata’s Legacy
Since its opening, the hospital has been praised by pet owners and animal lovers alike. One dog parent described it as “a godsend” for emergency animal healthcare in Mumbai. “The vets and the staff are excellent and more importantly very kind when you’re distraught wondering whatever could be wrong,” the pet owner shared.
Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty also expressed her gratitude after her dog Truffle underwent minor surgery at the facility. In an Instagram post, she said, “My baby Truffle recently underwent minor surgery and is doing well now, thanks to the vets’ quick intervention. I have to applaud the doctors and hospital staff for their expertise and aftercare services. It’s wonderful to have such a state-of-the-art facility for animals in our city.”
Ratan Tata’s love for animals remains a central part of his enduring legacy. His vision for the Small Animal Hospital is a testament to his commitment to providing care for creatures who cannot speak for themselves. Through this initiative, Tata’s philanthropic spirit and compassion for animals will continue to make an impact, ensuring that his love for “man’s best friend” is remembered for generations to come.
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