In this guide
In Itauguá it pays to have two vets saved: a regular clinic near home for vaccines and check-ups, and one with a 24-hour emergency service for night-time problems. Choose them now, while there is no rush, and save the numbers in your phone; searching at 2 a.m. with a sick dog is the worst way to do it.
What should a licensed vet clinic have?
In Paraguay, vet clinics are licensed by SENACSA, the national animal health service. Its registry office says a clinic needs a veterinary technical adviser with a professional registration, must be set up as a business and must hold a trade licence (patente comercial) (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Under Law 6810/2021, vets also have to register their degree with SENACSA and renew it every year (Ferrere (opens in a new tab)).
It is perfectly normal to ask who the responsible vet is and whether the clinic is registered. Complaints about malpractice or animal mistreatment go to SENACSA's Animal Health and Welfare directorate or to the public prosecutor (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
Finding a 24-hour emergency vet
Itauguá is about 30 km from Asunción and Ruta PY02 splits it in two (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). If you live in a rural compañía away from the highway, an emergency can mean a long drive, so check in advance:
- Whether they really open at night or only after a phone call, and which number to ring.
- What they can handle: overnight stays, emergency surgery, X-rays or ultrasound, or whether they refer you elsewhere.
- How to get there: on your side of the highway or in a neighbouring town such as Capiatá or Ypacaraí (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), depending on where you live.
In an emergency, call as you leave so they are ready and you don't waste time if nobody is on duty.
Free rabies vaccine and low-cost care
Rabies vaccination for dogs and cats is free at the Centro Antirrábico Nacional on the UNA university campus in San Lorenzo, Ruta Mcal. Estigarribia km 10.5, on the same PY02 corridor that runs through Itauguá. In 2024 it opened Monday to Friday 7:00 to 22:00, and weekends and public holidays 7:00 to 19:00; bring dogs on a lead, cats in a carrier, and the vaccination booklet (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
The schedule: first dose from three months old, boosters at 30 days and at six months, then once a year (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
If cost is an issue, UNA's Faculty of Veterinary Sciences on the same campus offers low-cost care with limited places; book ahead (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
Do you keep farm animals?
Itauguá's rural compañías have poultry, dairy and small-scale cattle, horse and pig farming (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). If that is you, ask whether the vet treats large animals, makes farm visits and what they charge for travel. Not every pet clinic does.
Heatstroke: what to do on the way
In Itauguá's hot, humid summers, heatstroke is a real risk for dogs and cats. Signs in dogs and cats include heavy panting, drooling, weakness, very red or bluish gums, vomiting, staggering or collapse. Move the animal to the shade, wet it with cool (not cold) water and head to the vet (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)). Walk your dog early or at dusk and never leave a pet in the car, even for a minute.
Prices and payment
Ask for an estimate before tests or surgery. Paraguay's consumer law requires prices to include taxes and any extra cost that comes up during the service to be flagged before it is incurred, unless stopping would harm the animal (Law 1334/98 (opens in a new tab)). QR is the country's most used electronic payment (68.1% in April 2026, according to Bancard) (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)), but carry cash for a night emergency.
FAQ
How do I choose a vet in Itauguá?
Pick a regular clinic near home and a second one with a 24-hour service. Ask who the responsible vet is and whether the clinic is licensed by SENACSA.
Is there a 24-hour vet in or near Itauguá?
Check before you need one whether the night service is on site or by phone call first, and what it can handle. Depending on where you live, the closest may be in Itauguá or a neighbouring town like Capiatá.
Where can I get a free rabies vaccine?
At the Centro Antirrábico Nacional on the UNA campus in San Lorenzo, Ruta Mcal. Estigarribia km 10.5. Rabies shots for dogs and cats are free.
What should I do if my dog has heatstroke?
Move it to the shade, wet it with cool, not cold, water and set off for the vet, calling ahead.
