Placed majestically on the picturesque background of hills of Sahyadris, the KNPCVS was established in December, 1988 under the auspices of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri.
The institute was named as "Krantisinh Nana Patil College of Veterinary Science" in order to honour the contributions made by Krantisinh Nana Patil to the Indian freedom struggle. Nana Patil, a great freedom warrior and social reformer is remembered for his parallel government through which he fought with the erstwhile British regime. Consequent upon establishment of Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University at Nagpur, the institute was transferred under its control in the year 2000.