In 2015, when the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Science University approved the proposal to launch a post-graduate certificate course in veterinary homeopathy, Dr Akshay Shah was one happy man. While homeopathy's place in veterinary medicine has been a source for contention in the fraternity, Dr Shah is a vociferous advocate. "I've found it [homeopathy] to be safe and a holistic form of treatment for humans. The same logic extends to animals as well," he argues.

Homeopathy is a 200-year-old branch of medicine which rests on the principle that diseases can be cured by strengthening the body's natural defense mechanism. But to be able to practice it on animals, meant he required a degree. In 2018, he acquired a diploma, and says that makes him the city's first certified veterinary homeopath.