The San Miguelito District in Panama has inaugurated its first municipal veterinary clinic. The facility, named “Más Colas,” officially opened its doors this week. It provides low-cost medical services for dogs and cats in response to a rising number of abandoned and mistreated animals.
Located in Los Andes 2, behind the local sports court and next to the Los Andes 2 school, the clinic aims to deliver dignified and accessible care. Services include general consultations, surgeries, vaccinations, deworming, and sterilization. The project is a collaborative effort between the Manchitas Foundation, the Presidency, and the office of the first lady.
“We are going to have a quality clinic,” said San Miguelito Mayor Irma Hernández during the inauguration ceremony. She called on other municipalities across the country to replicate this initiative. [Translated from Spanish]
“In Panama, there are thousands of animals living in abandonment,” warned First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino. She attended the event alongside volunteers from the Misión Patitas program. “Sterilizing is preventing, caring, and doing the right thing. This clinic is an opportunity for more people to access dignified veterinary care at affordable prices.” [Translated from Spanish]
The clinic will be operated by the Manchitas Foundation. Operating hours run Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with weekend hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It will remain closed on Tuesdays. Pricing is designed to be accessible, with a general consultation costing $9.00, a complete blood count at $14.00, and cat sterilization for $18.00.
Affordable Care and Sterilization Drive
Sterilization services for mixed-breed dogs cost $35.00, while purebred procedures are $55.00. Additional services include deworming and vitamins for $5.00, multiple vaccines at $8.50, and a rabies vaccine for $6.00. The clinic also offers ultrasound exams for $39.00 and specialties such as orthopedics and soft tissue surgery.
The initiative is part of a broader push by the Misión Patitas program. Since its launch, the program has completed 25 sterilization campaigns, performing a total of 25,248 procedures on dogs and cats. This work has been supported by the foundation Spay Panamá. The focus on sterilization is a direct response to the growing crisis of animal overpopulation.
First Lady Cohen de Mulino stressed the importance of these efforts. She said the clinic represents a tangible step forward for Animal welfare in Panama. The goal is not only to provide treatment but also to foster responsible pet ownership.
For appointments, residents can contact the clinic via WhatsApp at 6817-1965. Updates and information are also available through the Instagram account @mascolasveterinariaabajocosto. The clinic hopes to serve as a model for other districts looking to address the needs of their animal populations.