In a move aimed at enhancing public health and safety, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has announced that pet dog registration will be mandatory from January 1, 2025. This initiative, which aligns with the National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination from India (NAPRE), will see pet owners registering their dogs through an online portal on the AMC’s official website, ahmedabadcity.gov.in.
This digital-first approach makes Ahmedabad the first city in Gujarat to implement an entirely online pet registration system. Owners will have a 90-day window to complete the process, with a nominal fee of Rs 200 per dog. With an estimated 50,000 to 55,000 pet dogs in the city, the AMC is anticipating a smooth transition as it prepares to collect vital data that could help manage rabies control efforts. Ahmedabad has been rabies-free for the past five years, and the municipal body is determined to maintain this status.
This initiative serves as an essential part of the city’s commitment to public health. By registering pets, the AMC aims to monitor the dog population more effectively, ensuring that vaccination and rabies control measures are implemented consistently across the city. The registration will also contribute to responsible pet ownership, encouraging owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated and healthy. As rabies is a preventable disease, this proactive measure seeks to protect not only the dogs but also the broader community.
From a sustainability and urban planning perspective, the pet dog registration system presents an opportunity to integrate animal welfare with public health strategies. With urban areas expanding, the need to address both human and animal safety concerns is more pressing. By implementing such measures, Ahmedabad demonstrates its commitment to creating a safe, sustainable environment for both its residents and their pets, setting a model for other cities to follow in terms of animal welfare and public health.
