By Mia Anthony
In a groundbreaking move for animal healthcare in Guyana, the Animal Kingdom Pet Hospital will soon be opening at Lot 18, Mon Repos Public Road, East Coast Demerara.
The three-storey facility which cost in excess of US$1 million and is spearheaded by veterinary surgeon Dr Nardeo Bassoodeo, marks a pivotal step in providing comprehensive care for pets in the region.
During a media tour yesterday, Dr Bassoodeo proudly introduced the hospital’s array of services, which range from advanced surgical procedures to routine pet care and supplies. He emphasised that the facility is more than just a clinic, “It’s a sanctuary for pets in need,” adding, “This hospital is the realisation of a lifelong dream, inspired by my love for animals and the gaps in proper care that I witnessed growing up.”
24/7 care and ambulance service
A standout feature of the Animal Kingdom Pet Hospital is its round-the-clock service. With a dedicated 24-hour hotline, pet owners can seek immediate assistance for emergencies at any time of day. The hospital also boasts a pet ambulance service, making it easier to transport animals in critical situations.
The hospital is staffed by a team of eight veterinary technicians and 12 support personnel specialising in areas such as radiology, pharmacology, and administrative services. During the tour, reporters were given a firsthand look at the advanced facilities, which include an infectious animal unit – designed to safely isolate and treat animals with contagious diseases; a sterilization unit – to ensure strict hygiene standards for all procedures; an automated surgical theatre – equipped with modern equipment to handle complex surgeries; oncology and haematology services – among the first in the Caribbean, the hospital offers specialised cancer care and blood work for pets; and a robotic qPCR [quantitative polymerase chain reaction] machine – cutting-edge technology can quickly analyze animal DNA, aiding in genotyping and diagnosing genetic conditions in minutes.
Beyond medical care, the hospital also caters to the everyday needs of pets. It features a pet toy store and stocks popular brands like Purina, making it a convenient stop for pet owners seeking both care and supplies.
Dr Bassoodeo shared that his passion for animal welfare began in childhood. “This hospital is a testament to my commitment to ensuring that animals in Guyana receive the care they deserve. It’s not just a facility – it’s a promise to our animal companions and their owners.”
The veterinarian took into consideration not only the health of furry friends, but also the health and wellbeing of his staff. He has equipped the hospital with a kitchen and sleeping area along with showers and a common space for family members of veterinarians and animal surgeons alike who will be working late or on the 24-hour shift system.
He said that given Guyana’s limited human resources in this field, he has engaged persons from Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, and India who will train his staff along with veteran vets from across Guyana who will assist when needed.
Further, the hospital will also train other persons from the Guyana School of Agriculture and provide employment opportunities for them after their training making the location of the hospital a pivotal one, he stressed that the hospital is not only for our furry friends but other animals too who may need urgent care.
The facility is expected to officially open its doors sometime between March and April.