In a big relief for animal owners, especially dairy farmers and pet lovers, the Animal Husbandry Department of Kerala has started night-time veterinary services in Kannur district under the Rebuild Kerala Programme. This new initiative began on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, and aims to provide emergency animal care during nighttime hours.
How does the Service Work?
Now, if an animal falls sick or is injured at night, the owner just needs to call the helpline number 1962. A mobile veterinary unit will then be dispatched to the animal’s location.
- Service Hours: 6 PM to 5 AM (Night-time only)
- Helpline Number: 1962 (Single emergency contact)
- Treatment Cost: ₹450 for cattle, ₹900 for dogs and cats
New Veterinary Mobile Units
To make this possible, three new mobile veterinary vehicles have been deployed in the following areas:
- Thalassery
- Taliparamba
- Koothuparamba
Each vehicle is equipped with:
- A qualified veterinary doctor
- A driver who also acts as an assistant
Once a call is received, the nearest available unit will be sent for treatment.
Part of a Larger Statewide Expansion
This step is part of a broader plan where the Kerala government has approved 47 mobile veterinary clinics across the state. In Kannur, two mobile units already operate in Iritty and Payyanur under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme.
According to Dr. O.M. Ajitha, the District Animal Husbandry Officer, this expansion was made due to strong positive feedback from local dairy farmers, who often face emergencies with livestock after normal working hours.
Launch Event Details
The handover of the mobile vehicles took place at the District Veterinary Hospital. Present at the event were:
- Dr. O.M. Ajitha – District Animal Husbandry Officer
- Dr. P.K. Padmaraj – Chief Veterinary Officer
- Anil Kumar – Deputy Director
- K.V. Santhosh – Project Officer
