KTR visits HyCan 2025 pet show in Hyderabad with his dog Cherry
HYDERABAD: HyCan 2025, Hyderabad’s biggest pet show, began at Om Convention in Narsingi on Saturday morning, bringing together more than 500 dogs and 100 cats. The two-day event, organised by the Hyderabad Canine Club, will conclude on Sunday evening.
KTR attends with his pet Shih Tzu
Industries and Information Technology minister KT Rama Rao inaugurated the event and attended along with his pet, Cherry, a Shih Tzu — a toy dog breed originating from Tibet.
Speaking to the media, Rama Rao said, “I am a pet lover. I love dogs. Since my childhood, I have had pets with me. My son has seven different breeds of dogs. Dogs are like your own kids. Playing with my Cherry is my stressbuster. However busy I may be, I make it a point to spend time with her.”
Despite his campaign schedule in the Jubilee Hills constituency, Rama Rao spent over an hour at the venue, interacting with visitors and pet owners, enquiring about various breeds, and obliging requests for selfies.
HyCan 2025 promotes responsible pet ownership
The show features a wide range of attractions, including an “Aqua Zone” displaying 80–100 varieties of fish, pet businesses, grooming competitions, and workshops. “This event celebrates the deep bond between humans and animals,” said Philip Butt, honorary secretary of the Hyderabad Canine Club.
This year, HyCan introduced two new civic initiatives. In collaboration with the Telangana government and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the event launched “Safe With Dogs” — a public awareness campaign promoting responsible pet ownership and dog safety. GHMC will invite pet-friendly cafés and establishments to participate in workshops, earn certification, and display a “Safe With Dogs” sticker as a mark of commitment.
The campaign will be inaugurated by Hyderabad Collector Harichandana and conducted four times daily over the two days.
National Canine Bravery Awards honour K9 heroes
Another highlight was the National Canine Bravery Awards, jointly presented by Rashtra Raksha University’s Commando K9 Academy and the Hyderabad Canine Club. The awards recognised dogs serving in central and state police forces across India. The top K9s were honoured for their exemplary service in the presence of senior police and Central Paramilitary Organisation officers.
The event also includes All-Breed Championship Dog Shows judged by six international judges, a Cat Championship, and an International Dog Grooming Competition.
From elite contests to family workshops, HyCan 2025 promises a weekend of learning, fun, and pet-friendly celebration.
