Every Indian state runs veterinary hospitals, polyclinics and dispensaries through its animal husbandry department. They vaccinate pets for a fraction of private prices, and most city pet parents never use them. This guide explains what they charge, what they do well, where they fall short, and how to get the most out of a visit.
State animal husbandry departments run a network that ranges from large veterinary polyclinics in cities to small dispensaries in towns and villages. Most were set up for livestock, and many now see a large share of dogs and cats as well. Some cities also have municipal veterinary hospitals and hospitals attached to veterinary colleges, which often have specialist departments.
| Item | Government hospital | Private clinic, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Registration or consultation | Nominal, often under ₹50 | ₹200 to ₹1,000 |
| Dog vaccination series | ₹100 to ₹300 | ₹4,500 to ₹8,000 in the first year |
| Anti-rabies for pets | Low cost, often free in drives | ₹400 to ₹700 per dose |
| Deworming | Low cost or free | ₹150 to ₹400 |
| Neutering and spaying | Much lower, where offered | ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 |
Charges differ by state and hospital, and some items are free under specific schemes. Call ahead to confirm what is in stock.
A sensible pattern many Indian pet parents use: government hospitals for routine rabies boosters and deworming, and a private clinic for the puppy or kitten series, diagnostics, surgery and anything that needs follow-up. The dog vaccination guide and vet cost guide show where the savings are largest.
The one thing that makes mixing work is a single record of everything, whoever gave it. Otherwise the next vet cannot see the last one's work, and you pay for tests and doses twice.
Typically a nominal registration fee plus a low charge for the vaccine, often ₹100 to ₹300 for the whole series. Anti-rabies vaccination is frequently free during municipal drives. Charges vary by state, so call ahead.
Many do, particularly for anti-rabies. Availability of the feline combination vaccine varies more than dog vaccines, so call ahead and ask whether it is in stock before travelling.
Many operate mainly in the morning, commonly opening around 8 or 9 am and closing in the early afternoon, with limited evening or emergency cover. Timings vary by state and hospital, so check before you go.
For vaccination, deworming and common illnesses, yes. The vets see a very high volume of cases. The trade-offs are queues, short consultations, limited hours and sometimes limited diagnostics or stock.
In many states, 1962 connects to mobile veterinary units run under a central livestock health scheme. They mainly serve livestock and rural areas, but can direct pet owners to the nearest government facility.
Pawspert stores your pet's vaccinations, prescriptions and visit history behind one QR code any vet can scan, and lets you book clinic, at-home or video consultations.
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