New Delhi, Jan. 27 -- The central government has for the first time firmed up comprehensive national guidelines, including infrastructure and human resource requirements, to modernize medical care for livestock and companion animals such as dogs and cats, according to two government officials and a document reviewed by Mint.

The development is significant for India's veterinary clinics and hospitals market, valued at $2.1 billion, according to Ken Research, a market intelligence and consulting firm.

"The guidelines will help set minimum infrastructure and service benchmarks for veterinary hospitals and dispensaries across states, reducing regional disparities. The benchmarks act as a planning and funding guide for states while upgrading...