Tiruchi Corporation Rolls Out Trial for Pet Licensing System

Tiruchi: In a move aimed at regulating pet ownership and curbing the abandonment of animals, the Tiruchi City Corporation has launched trial runs of its new online pet registration system. The digital platform is designed to issue licences for dogs, cats, and cattle within city limits.

Under the new system, registration is mandatory for pet dogs, while cats and cattle are also encouraged to be enrolled. Owners must pay ?300 to register a cat or dog, and ?450 for cattle such as cows and horses. These licences are valid for one year, with annual renewal required at the same fee.

To apply, pet owners must upload basic information including the animal’s breed, age, vaccination history, and any existing health issues, along with a recent photograph. The application will be reviewed and approved by a veterinary doctor, after which a payment link will be issued. Once the fee is paid, owners can download their pet's licence.

The registration data will be integrated with the city’s Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres. Sanitary officials will conduct field checks to verify vaccination, particularly for anti-rabies protection, and ensure general welfare standards are maintained.

Additional regulations are being enforced through the licensing process. These include provisions for controlled breeding, proper waste disposal, and ensuring that pet ownership does not create a nuisance in residential areas.

“The pet licencing portal is under trial run, and necessary modifications would be made to offer a hassle-free process. The system will be launched in May,” said M. Vijay Chandran, City Health Officer. 

Officials estimate there are currently 10,000 to 12,000 pet dogs within Corporation limits. The digital system will allow for more accurate zone-wise tracking of pet populations and their vaccination status.

For cattle owners, the registration also opens access to government schemes under the Animal Husbandry Department, including health cards and periodic medical check-ups.

The trial run is expected to iron out operational issues before a city-wide rollout, bringing structure to pet ownership in one of Tamil Nadu’s busiest urban centres.