Rwanda: Inside Kigali's Specialised Hospital for Dogs and Cats

What the report says

In Kigali, a specialised veterinary hospital is trying to fill a long-standing gap in pet care in Rwanda. The New Times reported that New Vision Veterinary Hospital in Nyarutarama, led by Dr Jean-Bosco Turikumwenayo, offers advanced treatment for dogs and cats that many owners previously struggled to find, including care for fractures, infections, cancer, skin disease and other conditions.

The hospital uses digital X-ray, ultrasound, laboratory testing, modern gas anaesthesia and a team of veterinary doctors and nurses to provide services such as orthopaedic surgery, soft-tissue operations, vaccination, parasite control, microchipping, dental care, spaying and neutering. Turikumwenayo, who studied veterinary medicine at the University of Rwanda and later trained in Austria, said his experience showed him the limits of specialised pet treatment in Rwanda and motivated him to help address them.

The article said the clinic sees about 10 to 15 owners a day on average, with higher numbers at times, and also receives clients from outside Kigali and neighbouring countries. It noted that transport remains a barrier for some pet owners, which limits access beyond the capital. The hospital is also involved in training other veterinary professionals.

The report places the clinic’s work within broader animal-health efforts in Rwanda, including vaccination campaigns, rabies prevention and dog registration drives led by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board. That context matters because officials want to improve disease surveillance and reduce rabies risk while encouraging more responsible pet ownership.