Nagpur’s dog shelter capacity is set to more than triple, with a new facility coming up at Bhandewadi that will accommodate 280 dogs, compared to around 80 at the existing shelter nearby. Construction of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) shelter began in the summer of 2025 and is expected to be completed by October 31, 2026, according to the deadline given by the contractor. Three of the five planned sheds have been completed, while work on the remaining two is underway. The project has been taken up at an approximate cost of Rs 5.59 crore. “The new shelter will have a proper medical wing, with X-ray machines and equipment for blood tests.

 

This will help us diagnose animals here itself instead of depending on outside facilities, so that intervention can be done in time,” said Dr Sunny Magar, Veterinary Officer, NMC. The five sheds have been designed and positioned in the shape of a dog’s paw, with an open area also planned for the animals. The facility will have qualified veterinarians, medical personnel and sanitation staff. The NMC already has one vehicle in each of its 10 zones for animal-related work, besides an ambulance that operates across the city. These will also support the new shelter, particularly when animals need to be transported for specialised treatment.

 

According to Dr Magar, the medical facilities are significant because stray dogs are often brought in only after their condition has become critical. “Dogs cannot express pain or injuries in the way humans can. Even when they are severely unwell, have failing organs or broken bones, they will continue looking for food and walking around because that is how they survive,” he explained. “With pet animals, changes in behaviour or health are more likely to be noticed early because someone is monitoring them, so treatment can begin sooner. A stray dog does not have anyone constantly keeping an eye on it. By the time somebody notices that something is wrong and brings it to the shelter, the condition may already have become very serious.” The shelter will be equipped to handle minor ailments and injuries, vaccinations, and other things. For dogs arriving with severe illnesses, multiple fractures or conditions requiring further specialised treatment, NMC is already working with animal welfare organisations and activists. “If a dog requires further treatment, NGOs take charge of it, and we provide our ambulances so that the animal can be transported safely,” said Dr Magar. 

 

The NMC is also considering handing over the management of the new shelter to an NGO, though no decision has been finalised. If the proposal goes ahead, an Expression of Interest will be floated. Recognition by Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), along with an organisation’s reputation, experience, and record of work, will be considered.