From skipping a royal meeting to a first-of-its-kind animal hospital: Ratan Tata's love for dogs

Ratan Tata's deep empathy for stray animals was frequently displayed through his social media posts.

Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away on October 9 at the age of 86 in Mumbai. Tata, who was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital following a sudden drop in blood pressure, saw his health deteriorate over the subsequent days. He leaves behind an enduring legacy as one of India’s most respected business leaders, known for his significant contributions to the nation’s industrial development and his unwavering compassion for animals, especially dogs.

Tata’s compassion for animals was well-known, and his philanthropic efforts extended beyond business into animal welfare. One such instance that captured his love for dogs occurred in 2018, when he cancelled a trip to London to receive a prestigious lifetime achievement award from Prince Charles (now King Charles III). The reason for his decision was the grave illness of one of his dogs, leading Tata to prioritise his pet's health over the award ceremony.

Suhel Seth, a close friend of Tata, shared the incident, recounting Tata's words: "Tango and Tito, my dogs—one of them has fallen terribly ill. I can’t leave him and come." Prince Charles, upon hearing this, reportedly expressed admiration, noting that it reflected Tata’s character and values.

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Among his many dogs, one stray named Goa became a close companion, further exemplifying Tata’s deep affection for animals. Goa, who was found as a stray puppy in Goa, ended up at Bombay House, Tata’s headquarters, and soon became an integral part of his life. Tata shared this story fondly, noting that the dog's name was a reference to his origins.

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Tata’s commitment to animal welfare took a concrete shape in 2023 when he opened India’s first Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai, a project that had been years in the making. Spread across 98,000 square feet, the facility is equipped with advanced technology, including ICUs, CT scans, and specialised treatment options. The hospital also plans to cater to stray dogs, partnering with the NGO Welfare of Stray Dogs to provide sterilisation and care services. Tata’s personal experiences, including struggling to find adequate care for one of his own dogs, motivated him to build this state-of-the-art facility.

The Small Animal Hospital, a Rs 165 crore not-for-profit venture, represents Tata’s vision for improving animal care in India. Managed by the Advanced Veterinary Care Foundation (AVCF), the facility has already garnered praise from pet owners and animal welfare advocates. Dr. Thomas Heathcote, Chief Veterinary Officer and CEO of AVCF, described the opening of the hospital as "one of the most exhilarating experiences of my career," recognising the hospital's potential to serve thousands of animals around the clock.

In addition to his work with the hospital, Tata's deep empathy for stray animals was frequently displayed through his social media posts, where he urged the public to take measures for their safety, especially during monsoon seasons. One such post read: “Now that the monsoons are here, a lot of stray cats and dogs take shelter under our cars. It is important to check under our car before we turn it on and accelerate to avoid injuries to stray animals taking shelter. They can be seriously injured, handicapped and even killed if we are unaware of their presence.”

Tata’s last dog-related post expressed gratitude to donors who helped in a blood transfusion for a seven-month-old dog.

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A touching example of his compassion also emerged from Mumbai's iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, where a photograph of a stray dog resting peacefully at the hotel’s entrance was shared widely online. Rubi Khan, an HR professional who stayed at the hotel, posted the image on LinkedIn, recounting her surprise at seeing the dog so comfortably settled in such an unexpected setting.

Curious about the scene, Khan spoke to the hotel staff and learned that Tata had personally given strict instructions for the humane treatment of stray dogs.

Tata, known for his deep love of animals, especially dogs, has long been an advocate for their welfare. His compassion is not limited to personal gestures; Bombay House, the Tata Group's headquarters in Mumbai, even has a dedicated space for stray dogs in the area.

Ratan Tata’s compassion extended beyond his personal pets to broader causes of animal welfare. His vision for the Small Animal Hospital and his advocacy for the care of strays remain a significant part of his legacy.