Bangladesh has recently inaugurated its first-ever Canine Cancer Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, located in Birulia, Savar. Launched on July 17, 2025, by the Furry Friends Foundation, the state-of-the-art facility offers free diagnosis and treatment specifically for dogs with cancer—marking a pioneering step in the country’s animal healthcare landscape.
The center is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including digital X-ray, ultrasound, and biopsy services, alongside chemotherapy, pain management, and post-treatment rehabilitation. These critical services were previously inaccessible to most stray and rescued dogs in Bangladesh, often leaving them to suffer in silence or face euthanasia due to a lack of care.
In addition to clinical services, the facility also serves as a research and training hub for veterinary students, interns, and professionals. It will offer specialized modules in veterinary oncology, palliative care, and shelter medicine—disciplines that are underrepresented in existing veterinary curricula in the country.
With hundreds of stray dogs reportedly suffering from untreated cancer and other chronic diseases each year, this hospital provides a beacon of hope. The initiative not only gives affected animals a renewed chance at life but also highlights the urgent need for integrating animal welfare into broader public health planning.
The center is currently staffed by a dedicated team of veterinary oncologists, surgeons, nurses, and volunteers. It also runs awareness campaigns to help communities recognize symptoms of cancer in animals early—such as abnormal swelling, sores that don’t heal, and sudden weight loss.
The facility was established with strong backing from veterinary professionals, philanthropists, and animal rights organizations who have long campaigned for humane and accessible treatment options for street animals. Additional support came through public donations and partnerships with international animal welfare groups.
Its launch marks a major milestone not only in veterinary medicine but also in Bangladesh’s evolving relationship with animal welfare. It reflects a growing public consciousness around the rights and dignity of voiceless animals—especially strays that are often overlooked in policy and healthcare systems.
The Furry Friends Foundation has also announced plans to expand the model in the coming years, with satellite clinics and mobile cancer screening units in divisional cities, aiming to reach more neglected and underserved animal populations across the country.