Paraguay is preparing to open its first national public veterinary hospital, marking a historic milestone in the country’s animal welfare policy. The Paraguay veterinary hospital, known as the Centre for Animal Healthcare Services (CASA), will provide comprehensive medical care to domestic animals, with free services for low-income families. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 in the city of Luque, east of Paraguay’s capital Asunción.
The announcement represents the fulfilment of a long-held ambition within Paraguay’s animal welfare sector. Héctor Rubin, director of the National Department of Defence, Health and Animal Welfare, described CASA as “a dream that has long been cherished” and emphasised the facility’s importance for families seeking veterinary care for their pets.
Services at the Paraguay veterinary hospital
CASA will operate as a public facility available to the entire population, offering services including clinical care, diagnostic examinations, surgical procedures, emergency treatment, and hospitalisation. The hospital will also feature a veterinary blood bank, recovery facilities, and an adoption service.
The facility’s approach prioritises comprehensive animal welfare. Emergency cases, rescued animals, and situations presenting an immediate risk to animal health will receive priority treatment. Beyond these urgent cases, the hospital will serve companion animals such as dogs, cats, and other domestic pets.
Free care for those in need
All individuals experiencing socioeconomic vulnerability will have access to veterinary services completely free of charge. To ensure assistance reaches those most in need, the hospital will implement a social assessment system coordinated with relevant public institutions.
The government also plans to offer preferential rates for the broader population. These discounted fees will help sustain the hospital’s operations, strengthen public infrastructure, and promote responsible animal care across Paraguay.
Part of a larger vision
CASA represents the first component of a planned National Veterinary Network (RENAVET), designed to expand the state’s capacity to respond to animal welfare issues, public health concerns, and community education across Paraguay’s regional capitals.
The project has received backing from Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, who has endorsed the initiative as part of his administration’s commitment to expanding public services. The construction announcement comes as Paraguay addresses various public health priorities, with the hospital positioned to contribute to both animal welfare and broader health sector goals.
The centre’s establishment responds to a gap in Paraguay’s public health infrastructure, where comprehensive veterinary services for low-income populations have been limited. The Paraguay veterinary hospital aims to establish a new standard for animal healthcare accessibility in the country by offering professional, high-quality care alongside free and reduced-cost options.
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