In this guide
To choose a vet in Fernando de la Mora, sort out two things: the everyday clinic for vaccines, checkups and deworming, and the emergency vet you will call at night. The first should be on your side of Avenida Mariscal Estigarribia, in the north or south zone; the second you need to find and save in your phone before you ever need it.
North or south zone? Pick a vet close to home
Avenida Mariscal Estigarribia splits the city into a north zone and a south zone (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Crossing it at rush hour with an anxious dog or a crying cat in a carrier feels long, so for routine visits look for a clinic on your own side.
- North zone: depending on where you live, clinics in Luque or San Lorenzo, which border that side of the city, may be just as close.
- South zone: if you live near Acceso Sur (Ruta PY01), also look toward Villa Elisa or Ñemby.
- If you work in Asunción: a vet along Avenida Eusebio Ayala or near the city line lets you stop by on the way home.
Do a test drive on a weekday, at the time you would actually go.
What to ask before the first visit
A quick call or WhatsApp message saves you a wasted trip. Ask:
- Which species they see. Almost every clinic sees dogs and cats; rabbits, birds or reptiles, not always.
- Appointment or walk-in, and how long the usual wait is.
- What they do on site and what they refer out: lab tests, ultrasound, X-ray, surgery, overnight care.
- Whether they have their own night service or which clinic they send you to after hours.
- How to pay. QR codes are now the most used electronic payment in Paraguay (La Nación (opens in a new tab)), but carry some cash just in case.
For surgery or a long treatment, ask for a written estimate. Paraguay's consumer law requires service providers to state the price including taxes, the payment terms and how long the estimate is valid, and to tell you before any extra cost (Law 1334/98, arts. 15 and 16 (opens in a new tab)).
Emergencies: finding a 24-hour vet in Fernando de la Mora
Not every clinic has a night service, and 2 a.m. is the worst time to find out. Do this today:
- Ask your vet whether they cover nights and weekends, or where they refer you.
- Save that number, plus a backup, in the phone of everyone at home.
- In an emergency, call before you leave: say the species, rough weight and what happened, so they are ready when you arrive.
Bring dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier, even if they seem weak. If your pet ate something toxic, such as rat poison or a human medicine, bring the package.
Heatstroke: the classic summer emergency
In the hot months, heatstroke is one of the emergencies worth recognizing early. Warning signs are heavy panting, drooling, weakness, very red or bluish gums, vomiting, diarrhea, staggering or collapse (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)). If you see them, move the animal somewhere cool, wet it with cool (not ice-cold) water and go straight to the vet.
To prevent it: walk early in the morning or at dusk, keep fresh water out and never leave a pet in the car, not even for a minute. Before a walk, press your palm on the pavement; if it burns your hand, it burns their paws.
Free rabies shots a few kilometers away
The National Rabies Center (Centro Antirrábico Nacional) vaccinates dogs and cats against rabies for free at its site on Ruta Mariscal Estigarribia, km 10.5, on the UNA campus in San Lorenzo, the same avenue that runs through Fernando de la Mora (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). The schedule starts at three months, with boosters at 30 days and six months, then one shot a year. Bring the vaccination booklet, dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier.
Other vaccines, deworming and checkups are done by your own vet. Ask them to record everything in the same booklet and give you the next due date.
What to bring to the appointment
- The vaccination booklet and the names of any medicines your pet takes.
- A short video if the symptom comes and goes (coughing, a seizure, limping).
- What your pet ate or drank in the last few hours, if there is vomiting or diarrhea.
- For cats: a closed carrier and a towel to cover the door; they travel calmer.
FAQ
Are there 24-hour vets in Fernando de la Mora?
Not every clinic has a night service. Ask your vet today whether they cover nights or where they refer you, and save that number plus a backup.
Where can I get a free rabies vaccine near Fernando de la Mora?
At the National Rabies Center on Ruta Mariscal Estigarribia km 10.5, on the UNA campus in San Lorenzo. Dogs and cats are vaccinated free; bring the booklet.
How often does a dog or cat need a rabies shot?
First dose from three months, boosters at 30 days and six months, then once a year for life.
What should I do if my dog has heatstroke?
Move it to shade, wet it with cool (not ice-cold) water and go to a vet right away. Heavy panting, drooling, very red or bluish gums and staggering are warning signs.
