India’s first Japanese venture in pets care DCC Animal Hospital opens in Gurugram

NEW DELHI/GURUGRAM: February 23 (Tuesday) marked the formal opening of India’s first-ever Japanese pet care facility DCC Animal Hospital in Gurugram, the suburb of India’s national capital New Delhi.

Armed with its philosophy “Pet to Partner” that aims to create a world of parity in health care for pets at par with humans, DCC Animal Hospital is the first-ever Japanese venture in India in this segment.

DCC (Dogs Cats Companions) Animal Hospital, a multi-specialty pet healthcare facility that opened its doors to facilitate pet parents and animal lovers, is promoted by Japan/Singapore-based company A’alda Pte. Ltd.

The state-of-the-art animal healthcare facility spread over 38,000 sq. ft in size, with emergency, in-patient, and out-patient facilities for all pets/companions, was inaugurated by Masamichi Okuda, Founder/Managing Director, A’alda Pte. Ltd., and Yasuyuki Murahashi, Chief Director-General, Japan external trade organization, (JETRO ).

Present on the occasion were Hiroshi Daikoku, Senior Investment Advisor, JETRO, E. Watanabe, 1^st Secretary, Embassy of Japan in India, Dr. Umesh Sharma, President, Veterinary Council of India (VCI), and Dr. Pradeep Yadav, VP, VCI.

Ohhun Kwon, Director, A’alda Vet India Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Vinod Sharma, Head of Veterinary Service Division /Director, A’alda Vet India Pvt. Ltd./DCC Animal Hospital, Dr. Yasuko Watanabe, Veterinary Advisor, Shiv Whorra, Chief Technology Officer, DCC Animal Hospital, and other veterinary experts were also present during the launch.

In his address, Yasuyuki Murahashi, Chief DG, JETRO said, “Ever since we (JETRO) was set up in India, DCC Animal Hospital is the first Japanese investment in a veterinary hospital in India, It’s a very unique project in India. Within a short time of two years, they have set up such a good facility. Japanese technology and know-how can come to India as there is huge potential in the veterinary profession here.”

“Japan can give what India doesn’t have. And Japan also can get many things from India. It’s a good combination and partnership program. I wish to see some more pet hospitals coming up in India in near future,” JETRO chief added.

Mr. Murahashi quipped, “Personally, I have never had a pet but If see your success and  will change my mind and have a pet in near future.”

An ardent animal lover Masamichi Okuda, Founder/Managing Director, A’alda Pte. Ltd., who owns 10 pets including five dogs, a cat, a rabbit, a pig, and two tortoises, said, “For me – No Pet No Life. They are families like humans. Our purpose is to make humans and animals happy.  The happiness of humans and animals consists of a combination of healthcare and lifestyle. Based on this philosophy is started this company two years ago with the vision “Pet to Partner” – from member of the family to member of society.”

“We have to create a completely new ecosystem to supply everyone who needs tender care with high standards of veterinary services. I am sure DCC Animal Hospital will be an essencial ecosystem,” he added.

Commenting on the launch of DCC Animal Hospital Ohhun Kwon, Director, A’alda Vet India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Reports suggest that India is the fastest-growing pet care market in the world, and we are elated to introduce the first revolution of its kind in the millennium city of Gurugram. DCC Animal Hospital is India’s first-ever multi-specialty veterinary hospital and has been built to function at par with a human hospital.”

Mr. Kwon added, “We are confident that our global expertise, the collective knowledge of pet health care, and the strong medical team backed with the latest technology will help raise the bar of veterinary services across the country.”

The hospital team led by Dr. Vinod Sharma, who is also credited with the honor of setting up India’s first blood bank for dogs, has also helped the group in designing the services and treatments for the veterinary hospital.

Dr. Vinod Sharma, Head of Veterinary Service Division/Director, A’alda Vet India Pvt. Ltd./DCC Animal Hospital said, “At DCC Animal Hospital we offer our pets the best of global veterinary practices and treatments. We emphasize the significance of an annual physical examination for pets just as we do for ourselves. Through regular check-ups and preventive care, we can help diagnose and improve serious pet health problems in a timely manner. We offer a wide range of veterinary services to keep your companions feeling their best.”

DCC Animal Hospital is also the first animal healthcare facility in India to create a unique technological offering via the website and a mobile app that will provide a digital bridge between veterinary practices and pet owners. The interface will facilitate pet parents’ access to their pet’s medical notes, vaccines, prescriptions, doctors, reminders, and invoices at the touch of a button and will transform the traditional communication path between vets and pet parents. ‘Simplifying veterinary’ is what they are out to establish and create a benchmark.

A Rottweiler owner from New Delhi who visited DCC Animal Hospital on Tuesday said that he felt a huge difference in the pet care standards here, and was thrilled to see the veterinary experts treated the pets with utmost and personalized care.

“This is something we miss in other animal care facilities in Delhi NCR. DCC Animal Hospital not only has ample hygienically clean space to accommodate pets but also the expertise, professionalism, and technology to treat pets with utmost care designed to their individual needs,” he added.

The professional Japanese pet care expertise has witnessed the transition from Japan to India under the guidance of Dr. Yasuko Watanabe, Veterinary Advisor, DCC Animal Hospital, who has been at Gurugram facility for the last one year and imparting training to the medical staff.

With about eight years of experience in multiple cities of Japan, she completed her degree in Veterinary Sciences in Australia in 2010 before moving back to Japan. In Japan, she worked in the small animal practice for 8 years in multiple cities.

Related article: EXCLUSIVE: Pets care – the Japanese way. First Japanese animal hospital coming up in India