The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has launched a new digital platform to improve the management of pets and stray dogs in the city. The portal was inaugurated by Mayor R. Priya and will work alongside a microchipping initiative starting October 8, 2025.This is the first system of its kind in India, giving GCC better control over both pet and stray dog populations. The platform is accessible to officials, veterinarians, pet owners, and the public for lodging complaints. It provides ward- and zone-wise data on abandoned animals, sterilization and vaccination coverage, animal cruelty complaints, disease outbreaks, and registered breeders.
All licensed pets will have their details stored in the database, including owner information, vaccination, and medical history. The system links government and private veterinary hospitals to help monitor health conditions and respond quickly to outbreaks.
Pet owners must upload a photo, address proof, and the petâs breed, gender, photo, and anti-rabies vaccination certificate online to obtain a license for âč50. Veterinarians record vaccination details, and GCC verifies the information before issuing a license. Licenses are valid until the vaccination expires and must be renewed annually.
From 2024 to September 2025, GCC issued 12,393 licenses. Starting November, staff will visit homes to verify licenses and educate owners on compliance. Microchipping is now mandatory, with free services available at six GCC veterinary centers. Licenses will be issued only after microchip verification.
The website is also integrated with GCCâs stray dog management program. Since 2021, 72,345 stray dogs have been sterilized and vaccinated, with 12,250 tagged with QR-coded collars and microchips. A vaccination and deworming drive started on August 9 has covered 67,297 dogs, with the rest expected to be completed by November.
This initiative aims to improve animal welfare in Chennai by ensuring better health management and easier identification and care for both pets and stray dogs.