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BMC's Veterinary Health Department runs Mumbai's anti-rabies vaccination and Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme for stray dogs. Report dog bites, find vaccination centres and access the official VHD portal.
Wash the bite wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. Apply antiseptic (Betadine). Go to the nearest BMC hospital or government hospital immediately for anti-rabies treatment. Do NOT delay — rabies is fatal if treatment is not started promptly.
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Who Must Register | All pet dog owners in Mumbai must register with BMC — mandatory under BMC Act |
| Registration Fee | ₹100–₹500 per year depending on dog breed and ward |
| How to Register | Online via MCGM portal or at your BMC ward office |
| Documents Needed | Aadhaar / address proof, pet vaccination record, photo of dog |
| Rabies Vaccination | Pet dogs must have annual rabies vaccination — certificate required for renewal |
| Dog Tag | BMC issues a metal dog tag after registration — must be worn by dog at all times |
Keeping an unregistered pet dog in Mumbai is a violation of BMC Act. BMC can seize the dog and owner may face fine. Register your dog promptly via the MCGM portal or at your ward office.
Mumbai's stray dog population is estimated at over 95,000 dogs managed by BMC's Veterinary Health Department (VHD). Under the Supreme Court's mandate and the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules 2001, BMC cannot kill stray dogs but must sterilise and vaccinate them under the ABC programme. The VHD portal at vhd.mcgm.gov.in tracks all registered stray and pet dogs in Mumbai.
Mumbai has significantly reduced rabies incidence due to the ABC + anti-rabies vaccination programme. However, rabies is still present and every dog bite must be treated seriously. The incubation period of rabies can range from 10 days to 1 year — which is why immediate treatment is critical even if the wound seems minor.
Yes, feeding stray dogs is permitted and protected by the Supreme Court of India (2015 ruling). However, the Bombay High Court has also ruled that feeding must not cause nuisance to neighbours and should be done at designated spots. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and housing societies cannot ban feeder residents from feeding stray dogs in public spaces adjacent to the building.
In case of disputes between stray dog feeders and residents who are afraid of stray dogs, the matter should be addressed to the local ward's Animal Welfare Officer or through the BMC complaint portal. BMC has a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for conflict resolution in such cases, including marking feeding spots and ensuring regular ABC of the dogs being fed.