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Vets in Antigua: Complete Guide to Pet Care, Clinics & Stores 2026

By AntiguaSearch Team•June 22, 2026

Antigua has a small but capable network of vets, pet stores, and animal welfare organizations. The Ark Veterinary Clinic (Dr. Fiona Francis, +1 268 460 8552) is the island's go-to full-service practice with 24/7 emergency cover. Pioneer Kennel & Veterinary Clinic offers boarding and routine care. Happy Pets stocks supplies in St. John's. Every dog must be microchipped and registered. Sailors and expats bringing pets need an import licence from the Veterinary & Livestock Division at least two weeks before arrival.

TL;DR: Antigua has a small but capable network of vets, pet stores, and animal welfare organizations. The Ark Veterinary Clinic (Dr. Fiona Francis, +1 268 460 8552) is the island's go-to full-service practice with 24/7 emergency cover. Pioneer Kennel & Veterinary Clinic offers boarding and routine care. Happy Pets stocks supplies in St. John's. Every dog must be microchipped and registered. Sailors and expats bringing pets need an import licence from the Veterinary & Livestock Division at least two weeks before arrival.

Antigua is a paradise for people, but what about the pets they bring with them? Whether you're an expat settling in on a Nomad Digital Residency visa, a sailor making English Harbour your base for the season, or a long-stay visitor who picked up a rescue pup on the island, you need to know where the vets are.

Vets in Antigua are fewer than you'd find in a North American city, but the island's animal health community is tight-knit, knowledgeable, and genuinely dedicated. This guide pulls together every vet clinic, mobile vet, pet store, boarding kennel, animal welfare organization, and government pet import requirement in one place. It's the resource that simply doesn't exist anywhere else.

From The Ark's emergency line to the Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society's spay and neuter clinic, here's everything you need to keep your pet healthy and happy in Antigua and Barbuda.

Where Can I Find a Vet in Antigua?

The Ark Veterinary Clinic and Kennels on Collins Lane, off Vivian Richards Street in St. John's, is Antigua's primary full-service veterinary practice. Run by Dr. Fiona Francis (B. Vet. Med. MRCVS), it handles routine check-ups, vaccinations, surgeries, and emergency care for the island's pet community. For after-hours emergencies, Dr. Francis takes calls directly on +1 268 770 8844.

The Ark is the clinic most expats, yacht crews, and long-stay visitors come to first, and for good reason. Dr. Francis and her team serve both locals and visitors with a range of veterinary supplies available on-site. One reviewer summed it up well after their dog was treated during an evening emergency on holiday: Dr. Francis was the only vet on the island who responded to the call.

The Ark Veterinary Clinic at a glance:

Address: Collins Lane (off Vivian Richards Street), St. John's
Phone: +1 268 460 8552
Emergency: +1 268 770 8844
Email: vetenaryclinic@candw.ag
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm; Saturday, 8am to 4pm
Services: Consultations, vaccinations, surgery, dental care, kenneling, pet supplies

The clinic is centrally located in St. John's, making it easy to reach from anywhere on the island. If you are based near English Harbour or Falmouth in St. Paul, the drive is roughly 20 minutes on the main road.

Are There Other Vet Clinics in Antigua?

Yes. Pioneer Kennel & Veterinary Clinic in St. John's is a well-regarded second option. It's a full-service facility combining routine veterinary care with boarding services for dogs and cats. The clinic holds a 4.5-star rating from 65 reviews and is a solid choice for pet owners who need vet care plus a safe place to leave their animal during travel. Contact them at (268) 463-6794.

Beyond the two main practices, Antigua has several mobile and government vets who cover the island:

Dr. Chere Kellman (Mobile Vet): +1 268 788 0709
Dr. Diandre Payne: +1 268 724 3721
Dr. Nneka Hull-James: +1 268 728 2495
Chief Government Vet, Dr. Edwards: +1 268 728 9030

The Antigua & Barbuda Vet listing on AntiguaSearch also connects you with veterinary services in St. John's and the surrounding area.

For low-cost spay and neuter specifically, the Antigua Spay and Neuter Clinic provides affordable services and can be reached at +1 268 788 3647.

If your pet needs boarding without veterinary care, Lilian Bank Boarding Pet Style & Resort offers dedicated pet boarding at +1 268 720 5478.

A note for sailors: The Superyacht Services Guide lists Dr. Fiona Francis under Vivian Richards Street, St. John's, as the go-to vet for yacht crews. If your boat is based in Falmouth or English Harbour for the season and your dog needs shots or treatment, The Ark is the practical choice. Call ahead.

How Do I Bring My Pet to Antigua?

Every cat or dog entering Antigua and Barbuda needs a valid import licence from the government's Veterinary & Livestock Division. Apply at least two weeks before arrival. Without it, your pet will not be cleared through customs.

This is the question that sailors and relocating expats search hardest for, and the answer is rarely explained clearly anywhere online. Here is the complete checklist:

Step-by-step pet import requirements:

Apply for an import licence from the Veterinary & Livestock Division. Call +1 268 562 1814 or +1 268 460-1759. Email them with your estimated time of arrival at least 72 hours before you land or dock, or expect significant delays.
Microchip your pet with a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785-compliant chip before the rabies vaccination. If your pet already has a 9 or 10-digit chip, bring a compatible scanner.
Rabies vaccination must be administered between 30 days and 12 months before arrival. It must happen after microchipping.
Core vaccinations: Dogs need protection against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Cats need feline viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia vaccines.
Disease testing: Dogs must be tested for Ehrlichia and Lyme disease. Cats must be tested for FIP, FeLV, and FIV. Results go with the import permit application.
Parasite treatment (internal and external) must be administered within seven days before export. Record the product names on the health certificate.
Official health certificate issued by a government-accredited vet in your home country, no more than seven days old on arrival. For UK pets this is EHC 6592 (endorsed by APHA). For US pets it must be issued by a USDA-accredited vet and countersigned by an APHIS endorsement office.
Notify authorities 72 hours before arrival so a veterinary inspector can be present at the port of entry.

Important restrictions:

Pitbull breeds and pitbull mixes are not permitted to land in Antigua and Barbuda. Any dog physically resembling the breed needs written certification from a recognized kennel club confirming it is not a pitbull.
Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats (unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree) are also restricted.
Birds, reptiles, and rodents fall under a separate set of regulations. Contact the Veterinary & Livestock Division directly for those requirements.

There is no quarantine period for dogs and cats that meet all requirements. Get the paperwork right before you leave and clearance on arrival is straightforward.

Once you arrive: All dogs over six months of age must be registered with the Dog Registration & Control Authority (DRCA). Call 562-7277 within 7 to 10 days of arrival to start the registration process. The Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society manages registration on behalf of the DRCA (more on this below).

Running a pet-related business in Antigua? Make sure your clinic, grooming service, or boarding kennel is visible to the thousands of pet owners searching online. List your business free on AntiguaSearch and get found by expats, sailors, and locals who need you.

Do All Dogs Need to Be Registered in Antigua?

Yes. Under the Dog Registration and Control Act (enacted in 2006), every dog over the age of six months must be microchipped, registered, and wear a dog tag. This applies to all residents of Antigua and Barbuda, including NDR visa holders and long-stay expats.

The Humane Society pushed for this legislation and submitted the draft to government in 2004. The Act came into force in 2006 and is now actively enforced. Registration fees are reduced significantly for spayed or neutered dogs, so getting your pet fixed saves money.

The Act also requires that all dogs be on their owner's property or under direct control at all times. That means on a lead in public.

How to register: Contact the Dog Registration & Control Authority (DRCA) at 562-7277. The Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society serves as the official Registration Agent and handles the microchipping and licensing process. Their number is +1 268 461 4957.

Where Can I Buy Pet Supplies in Antigua?

Happy Pets on New Street in St. John's (+1 268 562-7959) is the island's best-stocked pet supplies store. You'll find tropical fish, cats and dogs, accessories, fish food, toys, leads, collars, and more. The team is well-trained and genuinely helpful if you're new to the island and figuring out what your pet needs.

Other options around St. John's include:

Pet Supplies (New Street): +1 268 462-2785
Glen's Pet Paradise: Contact details available through local directories
Kats Pets Supplies Plus: Another St. John's option for basics

The honest truth is that Antigua's pet supply market is limited compared to North America or the UK. Specialty items, prescription food, and specific brands may not be stocked. If you are relocating long-term, bring a good supply of your pet's regular food and medication. You can also ship goods to the island via freight forwarding services.

For veterinary supplies specifically, The Ark carries a range of products on-site. It is worth calling ahead to check availability of anything specific before making the trip.

The Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society: Adoptions, Spay & Neuter

The Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society was established in 1991 as a registered non-profit animal welfare organization. It is one of the most active animal organizations in the Eastern Caribbean and plays a critical national role in animal welfare, control, and public education.

What they do:

Adoptions: The shelter runs the Take Me Home program, pairing dogs and cats with families. Adoption fees are EC$100 for dogs and EC$80 for cats. Fees include parasite treatment, vaccination, and spay/neuter surgery. Dog registration is included in the adoption fee.
Spay & Neuter Clinics: Conducted every other Friday at the animal shelter by appointment. Cost is EC$100 per pet (dog or cat). This is the most affordable spay/neuter option on the island.
Education Outreach: The Humane Society runs programs in schools teaching responsible animal ownership and compassionate treatment of animals.
Dog Registration: As the official agent for the DRCA, they manage mandatory microchipping and licensing for all dogs over six months old.
Donkey Sanctuary: The Humane Society also operates Antigua's Donkey Sanctuary, welcoming visitors of all ages to interact with the island's rescued donkeys.

Contact: +1 268 461 4957 | antiguaanimals.com

If you want to adopt a pet while living in Antigua, the Humane Society is the place to start. It is also a great way for expats and long-stay visitors to give back to the island's animal community.

The national professional body for veterinary professionals is the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Association (ABVA), based at PO Box W362, Woods Centre, St. John's. The ABVA regulates the profession, provides continuing education, and maintains a directory of licensed vets in the country. If you need to verify a veterinarian's credentials, ABVA is your starting point.

Emergency Vet Care: What to Do If Your Pet Gets Sick Outside Business Hours

This is the question every pet owner dreads, and on a small island it carries more weight. Here is your action plan:

Step 1: Call Dr. Fiona Francis on her emergency line: +1 268 770 8844. She takes emergency calls outside regular clinic hours and has helped visitors who found injured animals during evenings and weekends. One tourist found an injured pup at night during their holiday and Dr. Francis was the only vet who responded.

Step 2: If you cannot reach The Ark, try the mobile vets. Dr. Chere Kellman (+1 268 788 0709), Dr. Diandre Payne (+1 268 724 3721), and Dr. Nneka Hull-James (+1 268 728 2495) are all contactable directly.

Step 3: Contact the Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society (+1 268 461 4957) for advice on injured or abandoned animals. They can often direct you to the right resource quickly.

Step 4: For government veterinary support during weekdays, the Vet & Livestock Division is reachable at +1 268 562 1814 or +1 268 562 7592 (office), Monday to Friday.

One practical tip for sailors: If you sail into English Harbour or Falmouth Harbour with a sick pet, the trip to St. John's is manageable but allow 20 to 25 minutes. Call The Ark before you leave the marina so they can prepare for your arrival.

Conclusion

Antigua has a genuine, caring animal health community. It's small, but it works. The Ark Veterinary Clinic is your anchor. Dr. Fiona Francis and her team handle everything from routine check-ups to emergencies, and that after-hours number (+1 268 770 8844) is worth saving in your phone the moment you arrive on-island with a pet.

For everything else, the pieces are in place: Pioneer Kennel for boarding and routine care, Happy Pets for supplies in St. John's, the Humane Society for affordable spay/neuter and adoption, and the Veterinary & Livestock Division for import licences and dog registration.

Three takeaways to remember:

Import licence first. Apply to the Veterinary & Livestock Division at least two weeks before arrival. No licence means no entry for your pet.
Register your dog within 10 days. The DRCA requirement applies to every dog over six months on the island, including expat and NDR visa pets.
Save the emergency number. Dr. Francis on +1 268 770 8844 has helped stranded tourists and sailors. Keep it handy.

Browse all health and medical services in Antigua on AntiguaSearch, including vet clinics, kennels, and pet care providers across St. John's parish and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many vets are there in Antigua? Antigua has a small number of licensed veterinary practices. The main clinics are The Ark Veterinary Clinic and Kennels (Dr. Fiona Francis) and Pioneer Kennel & Veterinary Clinic, both in St. John's. Several mobile vets also operate island-wide, including Dr. Chere Kellman, Dr. Diandre Payne, and Dr. Nneka Hull-James. The Antigua Spay and Neuter Clinic provides low-cost services for sterilization procedures.

Do I need a permit to bring my dog or cat to Antigua? Yes. Every dog and cat entering Antigua and Barbuda requires a valid import licence from the Veterinary & Livestock Division. Apply at least two weeks before arrival. Your pet also needs a government-issued health certificate (no more than seven days old), an ISO-compliant microchip, up-to-date vaccinations including rabies, and parasite treatment within seven days of export. Notify the division at least 72 hours before arrival or face delays at the port. Full details are available from the APHIS pet travel page for Antigua and Antigua's official Nomad Digital Residency pet entry guide.

Is there a 24-hour vet in Antigua? There is no round-the-clock walk-in emergency clinic on the island. However, Dr. Fiona Francis of The Ark Veterinary Clinic takes emergency calls outside business hours on +1 268 770 8844. Several mobile vets are also contactable directly. For after-hours emergencies, call The Ark emergency line first, then try the mobile vets if there is no answer.

Do I have to register my dog in Antigua? Yes. Under the Dog Registration and Control Act (2006), all dogs over six months old in Antigua and Barbuda must be microchipped, registered with the Dog Registration & Control Authority, and wear a dog tag. This applies to expats, NDR visa holders, and long-stay visitors. The Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society manages registration on behalf of the DRCA. Contact them on +1 268 461 4957 or call the DRCA directly on 562-7277 within 7 to 10 days of arrival.

Where can I adopt a pet in Antigua? The Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society runs the Take Me Home adoption program from its animal shelter. Adoption fees are EC$100 for dogs and EC$80 for cats. Both include vaccinations, parasite treatment, and spay/neuter surgery. Dog registration is included in the fee. The Humane Society can be reached at +1 268 461 4957 or at antiguaanimals.com. The shelter also hosts visiting volunteers and welcomes people to interact with the donkeys at the adjoining Donkey Sanctuary.

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