Chivo Pets Hospital is El Salvador’s first public veterinary hospital, offering affordable medical services for pets. Located in Antiguo Cuscatlán, the facility provides consultations, emergency treatment, surgeries, and specialized animal healthcare.
President Nayib Bukele’s administration opened the hospital in February 2022 as part of the Salvadoran government’s efforts to improve animal welfare and make veterinary care more accessible.
Chivo Pets gives Salvadoran families an affordable alternative to private veterinary clinics, especially when medical bills start adding up. Its low fees help more pet owners get the care their animals need.
History of Chivo Pets Hospital in El Salvador
Chivo Pets opened its doors on February 26, 2022, becoming El Salvador’s first public veterinary hospital. The project marked an important step toward making animal healthcare more accessible across the country.
President Nayib Bukele first announced the hospital in 2021 as part of his government’s efforts to improve animal welfare. The government used profits from El Salvador’s Bitcoin trust fund to help finance its construction.
According to Bloomberg Línea, the hospital’s construction cost approximately $4 million. The government said the project used profits associated with Fidebitcoin, the country’s Bitcoin adoption trust.
When Chivo Pets opened, it had 12 general consultation rooms, four emergency rooms, and four operating rooms. The hospital also offered rehabilitation services and dedicated spaces for specialized animal care.
Veterinary Services Available
Chivo Pets cares for animals with all kinds of health needs, from routine checkups to serious emergencies. Its facilities give veterinarians the tools to diagnose illnesses, perform treatments, and help pets recover.
The hospital offers several veterinary services, including:
- General consultations: Medical examinations, preventive care, and evaluations of common illnesses.
- Emergency services: Immediate attention for animals with urgent medical conditions.
- Veterinary surgery: Surgical procedures performed by trained veterinarians.
- Hospitalization: Medical supervision and treatment for animals requiring extended care.
- Diagnostic imaging: X-rays and other imaging procedures to identify health problems.
- Clinical laboratory: Tests that help veterinarians diagnose diseases and monitor treatments.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and recovery assistance for injured or recovering animals.
- Pet grooming: Bathing, trimming, and other grooming services.
These services make Chivo Pets more than a basic veterinary clinic. Pet owners can access several stages of medical treatment within the same facility, depending on their animal’s condition.
How Much Does Chivo Pets Hospital Cost?
One of Chivo Pets’ most distinctive features is its affordable pricing. The hospital advertises a symbolic charge of just $0.25 per veterinary medical service.
Payments are made through Chivo Wallet or other compatible digital wallets. This payment system connects the hospital’s original operating model with El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin-related financial technology.
Even though the medical fee is low, pet owners should check the costs and payment options before visiting, especially if their pets need additional treatment or specialized care.
Location and Opening Hours
Chivo Pets Hospital is located along the Pan-American Highway in Antiguo Cuscatlán, within the department of La Libertad. Its location provides road access for families traveling from surrounding communities.
The hospital opens every day, but regular consultation hours differ from emergency services. Check the official schedule before heading out, especially if you’re planning a routine visit for your pet.
According to the hospital’s published information, general consultations run from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Emergency veterinary services operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can find updated information about operating hours, available services, and appointments on the official Chivo Pets website. The hospital also provides assistance through its telephone line, 195.
What Animals Does Chivo Pets Treat?
Dogs and cats make up most of the hospital’s patients, but Chivo Pets also provides medical attention to certain less conventional pets, depending on specialist availability.
Animals such as rabbits, hamsters, reptiles, and other small species may receive veterinary care. Owners should confirm that the hospital has an appropriate specialist before scheduling an appointment.
The facility also forms part of broader efforts to improve animal welfare, including initiatives addressing abandoned animals and encouraging responsible pet ownership throughout El Salvador.
Chivo Pets and Animal Welfare in El Salvador
Beyond medical treatment, Chivo Pets represents a public investment in animal welfare. The hospital supports a broader approach that recognizes pets as an important part of family life.
Its development coincided with the establishment of El Salvador’s Animal Welfare Institute, known as IBA, and legislation aimed at improving protections for companion animals.
Chivo Pets also helps train future veterinarians through its hospital-school program. Students gain hands-on experience, develop their skills, and work alongside professionals while learning how to care for animals.
For many Salvadoran families, affordable veterinary care makes a big difference. Chivo Pets gives pet owners another option to keep their animals healthy without spending too much money.
To sum up, Chivo Pets gives Salvadoran families another option for affordable animal care. It’s one of many services that shape daily routines. Discover what it’s really like to live in El Salvador.
