In this guide
To choose a vet in Asunción, start with what you need: a night-time emergency, a routine check-up, or a low-cost neutering or vaccine. For emergencies, Nantes Hospital Veterinario in Villa Morra runs a 24-hour service all year. For cheaper consultations, there is the UNA veterinary hospital in San Lorenzo, and for free vaccines, the municipality's neighbourhood clinics.
Where to take your pet in a night-time emergency
Nantes Hospital Veterinario (Andrade 689, between Garay and Salaskin, Villa Morra). It sees dogs and cats in separate areas, with emergencies, emergency surgery, imaging and inpatient care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (official site (opens in a new tab)). Routine consultations run Monday to Saturday, 7:00 to 19:00. On public holidays the clinic, grooming and shop close, but emergencies, surgery, ultrasound, X-ray, CT and boarding stay open. It accepts cash, bank transfer, credit and debit cards and cheques, and has more than 100 parking spaces (official site (opens in a new tab)). Emergencies need no call ahead; exotic pets (hamsters, birds, turtles, rabbits) need an appointment (Infonegocios, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
Tip: without a car, Nantes offers door-to-door pet transport in Asunción and Greater Asunción, return trip included, booked via WhatsApp (official site (opens in a new tab)). Save the number before you need it.
Where to find cheaper veterinary care
Hospital Veterinario, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (UNA). It is on the San Lorenzo campus, Ruta Mariscal Estigarribia km 11.5, a short drive from Asunción (FCV-UNA (opens in a new tab)). It offers general consultations (check-ups, vaccines, deworming), low- and medium-complexity surgery supervised by experienced vets, and lab tests, X-rays and ultrasound, at low cost for owners in financial difficulty (ABC Color, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). Places are limited by time slot and number of animals, so call (021) 328 5997 or (021) 328 5380 first to book and ask the price (ABC Color, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). The hospital area of the campus is open 6:00 to 20:00 (FCV-UNA (opens in a new tab)).
Free vaccination and neutering in Asunción
The municipality's Zoonosis Prevention Unit runs neighbourhood days with rabies vaccination, deworming, checks for external parasites, skin problems and anaemia, and feeding advice, free for residents. It works through the municipal centres, so ask at yours when the next one is (Municipality, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). In May 2025, for example, it held a free clinic outside the Facultad de Derechos Humanos downtown, then in Santa Rosa, barrio Trinidad, the next day (Municipality, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). In 2026 the unit is still neutering dogs and cats, mainly colonies at markets, petrol stations and public spaces, together with rescuers (Municipality, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
Rabies vaccination starts at three months, with boosters at 30 days and six months, then once a year (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
How to check that a vet clinic is licensed
SENACSA, the national animal health service, licenses veterinary clinics. Each clinic needs a technical adviser who is a registered vet (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)). In 2022 about 300 clinics were registered, and SENACSA itself estimated twice as many might be operating without a licence. Ask to see the licence at the front desk; complaints go to the Dirección de Salud y Bienestar Animal or the public prosecutor (ABC Color, 2022 (opens in a new tab)).
What to bring and ask before you go
- The vaccination booklet and, for an emergency, a short note of what happened and since when.
- A leash for dogs and a carrier for cats. Clinics with separate species areas make the wait calmer.
- Ask whether it is booked or first come, first served, and whether today's slot covers what you need (vaccine, check-up, surgery or follow-up).
- Ask how to pay before tests or admission, where bills climb.
Keep two options on your list: a 24-hour emergency hospital and a clinic or the UNA hospital for routine care.
FAQ
Which vet in Asunción is open 24 hours?
Nantes Hospital Veterinario, Andrade 689 (Villa Morra), runs emergencies, emergency surgery and imaging 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays. Routine consultations are Monday to Saturday, 7:00 to 19:00.
Where can I find an affordable vet in Asunción?
The UNA veterinary hospital on the San Lorenzo campus offers low-cost care with limited places. Call (021) 328 5997 to book and ask the price.
Does Asunción offer free pet vaccinations?
Yes. The municipal Zoonosis Prevention Unit holds free rabies vaccination and deworming days in the neighbourhoods. Ask at your municipal centre for the next date.
How do I know a vet clinic is licensed in Paraguay?
SENACSA licenses clinics, and each must have a registered vet in charge. Ask to see the licence at the clinic.
