With the growth of the pet care industry in India, there have been massive advancements in healthcare for pets, similar to those in human medicine over the years. While new technologies and specializations like oncology, orthopedics, internal medicine, ophthalmology, and dermatology are expanding in the companion animal space, they are currently in their nascent stages.
It was precisely to address this gap that The SkinVet was founded in 2023 by Dr. Diu Somani, an alumna of the prestigious Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London. For Dr. Somani, the inspiration behind The SkinVet was deeply personal. Having watched her own pet beagle suffer from chronic skin issues, she experienced firsthand not only the challenges pet parents face when looking for an accurate diagnosis and treatment, but also the heartbreak of failing to receive the right care.
Operating out of Mumbai’s Worli, with a second branch soon to open in Chembur, The SkinVet is India’s first specialty clinic dedicated exclusively to veterinary dermatology. In just under three years, it has become one of the country’s premier referral centers, successfully treating over 1,000 complicated dermatological cases, including chronic allergies, recurrent skin and ear infections, and persistent itching.
While general veterinary clinics manage a broad spectrum of medical problems, The SkinVet focuses solely on dermatology. Because their doctors conduct all diagnostics in-house, they are able to uncover the precise cause of an issue, and chart out a treatment plan that targets the very root of the illness, rather than simply suppressing temporary symptoms. This helps patients achieve stable, long-term health.
Furthermore, The SkinVet ensures its reach is not limited by geography. Through its online consultation services, the clinic actively helps pet parents manage chronic skin diseases across the globe, with special focus, of course, on cases within India.
However, for Dr. Somani, running a successful specialty practice is just one component of a larger vision. She believes that advancing veterinary medicine requires not just implementing good clinical practices, but also sharing knowledge and experience with other specialists in the field. Alongside her practice, Dr. Somani mentors young veterinarians exploring specialties and actively supports animal welfare programs dedicated to stray animals.
Pushing this vision even further, The SkinVet is organizing India’s first-ever seminar focused exclusively on Companion Animal Practice: The SkinVet Symposium 2026. Scheduled for October 11, 2026, at the B.D. Somani International School in Cuffe Parade, Mumbai, this one-day, clinician-focused symposium aims to unite 200 practicing veterinarians from across the country, including surgeons, specialty practitioners, and veterinary students.
Departing from the traditional conference format, the Symposium is designed to deeply engage participants by addressing the most pressing challenges faced in modern veterinary medicine. The keynote speaker, renowned international expert Dr. Fiona Lee, will deliver a clinical session on Dermatology and Therapeutics, alongside a non-clinical session exploring Cross-Cultural Challenges in the Veterinary Landscape. The program will also feature expert panel discussions on critical, evolving subjects: the Management of Chronic Pain in Small Animals and the Responsible Use of Antibiotics.
Reflecting on the milestone event, Dr. Diu Somani, Founder of The SkinVet, shared:
“Specialization is no longer a luxury within veterinary medicine; it has become a necessity. Through The SkinVet and this Symposium, our goal is to not only offer advanced healthcare solutions in dermatology but to also build collaborative channels that help Indian veterinarians learn, specialize, and elevate their skills right here at home.”
As pet ownership across India continues to rise, the demand for evidence-based, specialized veterinary care has never been higher. Through the targeted clinical work of The SkinVet and collaborative initiatives like The SkinVet Symposium, Dr. Diu Somani is doing more than just revolutionizing the treatment of chronic skin disorders. She is laying the foundation for a continuous learning, collaboration, and clinical excellence in the veterinary sector.
