Free emergency pet care expands in Pereira as quake survivors face rising costs

Pereira's public veterinary hospital operated at full capacity on Saturday (August 15), treating earthquake-injured pets around the clock as Colombia's disaster response extended to four-legged victims of the devastating August 10 tremors. 

The facility performed eight high-complexity surgeries on Friday alone (August 14), including operations on animals rescued from rubble, according to Felipe Medina Burbano, the hospital's general coordinator. Staff treated "Coffee," a dog injured in the quake, and a cat pulled from debris on Saturday, providing free emergency care to all Pereira residents regardless of economic status. 

Estefania Henao, whose 13-year-old dog "Negro" suffered a crushed back leg in the disaster, praised the specialized attention and cost-free service as "a blessing" amid widespread job losses. The hospital's Maraya location now provides 24-hour vital emergency care without requiring documentation, eliminating barriers during crises. 

Beyond medical treatment, the facility transformed into a distribution hub for donated pet food, delivering supplies to animal shelters and residents on the city's outskirts. Medina said the hospital serves people "who sometimes become invisible" during disasters. 

Camera and Production: Juan Felipe Leon and Sergio Queiroz, Editing: Hugo Monnet/Reuters