Veterinary Services in Kampot & Kep: Your Guide to Trusted Pet Care in Coastal Cambodia
As pet ownership rises steadily in Cambodia’s coastal towns of Kampot and Kep, so does the demand for accessible, high-quality veterinary care. This trend is especially prominent among expats, digital nomads, and tourists, many of whom bring or adopt pets while living in the region. Additionally, growing awareness around animal welfare has created a more compassionate and responsible pet culture, supported by NGOs and private initiatives alike.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at veterinary care options in Kampot and Kep from trusted local clinics to mobile services and international NGO outreach. Whether you’re a resident or just traveling with your pet, understanding what’s available can ensure your furry companion stays healthy and safe.
Veterinary Services Landscape in Kampot & Kep
Veterinary services in these provinces are a blend of Cambodian-run clinics, foreign-trained professionals, and NGO-supported outreach programs. The availability of care has significantly improved over the past decade, particularly in Kampot, where more clinics now cater to the specific needs of English-speaking clients, travel documentation, and pet export/import procedures.
Key challenges still persist, such as the lack of advanced diagnostics and specialist care. However, most common veterinary needs including vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter services are reliably met by local providers. Rabies control remains a national priority, with organizations like PPAWS actively leading vaccination drives and community education initiatives (PPAWS Veterinary Services).
Top Veterinary Clinics and Providers in Kampot
Koh Pich Veterinarians
Conveniently located across from Kampot’s main market (Psar Samaki), Koh Pich Veterinarians is a Cambodian-run clinic known for its affordable pricing and basic veterinary services. It serves as a go-to option for vaccinations, deworming, and minor treatments.
- Hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: 183 Street 713, Kampot
- Contact: Local walk-ins only (source)
Phnom Penh Animal Welfare Society (PPAWS) – Kampot Branch
Backed by a reputable NGO, PPAWS Kampot provides full-service veterinary care delivered by qualified, licensed veterinarians.
Services include:
- Spay/neuter surgeries
- Vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Export documentation
- Diagnostics and minor surgery
This clinic also supports animal rescue projects and community health education, while conducting regular outreach visits to Kep. PPAWS is highly recommended for both locals and expats seeking ethical and professional care.
- Hours: Monday to Friday
- Website: ppaws.com
Kampot Veterinary Services (Dr. Reggie)
Run by a Russian-trained veterinarian, Dr. Reggie’s practice is widely recommended within the expat community. Known for his 24/7 emergency availability, house calls, and expertise in pet export documentation, this service is ideal for urgent needs or international travel preparation.
- Languages: English and Russian
- Specialties: Emergency care, spay/neuter, consultations
- Reputation: Strong word-of-mouth endorsements in expat forums
Veterinary Services and Access in Kep
While Kep is a smaller town with fewer permanent veterinary clinics, access to care is regularly supplemented by mobile services and NGO outreach. PPAWS schedules monthly visits to the area, offering vaccinations and spay/neuter campaigns.
Local private clinics, though limited, can provide basic care, including:
- Routine vaccinations
- Deworming
- First aid treatment
For serious injuries or specialized treatments, pets are typically referred to Kampot clinics or Phnom Penh’s advanced veterinary hospitals, such as VSL Veterinary in the capital (VSL Veterinary).
Range of Veterinary Services Available
| Type of Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Routine Care | Wellness exams, vaccinations, deworming, and microchipping |
| Surgical Services | Spay/neuter, wound treatment, minor surgeries |
| Emergency Care | 24/7 consultations and urgent response (limited to select providers) |
| Travel-Related Documentation | Export/import papers, rabies certificates, health exams |
| Community Outreach | Free clinics, education, rabies control, spay/neuter drives (via NGOs) |
For a full guide to bringing pets abroad from Cambodia, check out the CDC guidelines on pet travel.
Choosing the Right Veterinary Provider
When selecting a veterinarian in Kampot or Kep, keep these factors in mind:
- Clinic Reputation: Ask other pet owners and check NGO affiliations.
- Languages Spoken: English-speaking staff is crucial for expats.
- Service Scope: Ensure the clinic handles your specific needs travel docs, emergencies, or routine exams.
- Emergency Support: Choose a vet with 24/7 or after-hours availability if possible.
Challenges and Opportunities in Local Veterinary Care
The veterinary sector in Cambodia’s coastal provinces is still developing. While basic and preventive care is widely accessible, more complex diagnostics and specialist treatments often require travel to Phnom Penh. This gap presents an opportunity for investment, training, and mobile clinic expansion, particularly in under-served rural areas.
Cost-wise, veterinary services in Kampot and Kep remain relatively affordable compared to Western standards, making them attractive for long-term pet owners and retirees. NGOs like PPAWS and regional initiatives continue to push forward animal welfare awareness, sterilization campaigns, and rescue operations critical for managing the region’s growing stray animal population.
Summary Table: Veterinary Clinics in Kampot & Kep
| Clinic/Provider | Location | Key Services | Language Support | Contact/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Pich Veterinarians | Kampot | Vaccinations, routine checkups | Khmer | Across from Psar Samaki, 7:30–5 |
| PPAWS Kampot Clinic | Kampot | Full-service vet care, NGO outreach | English, Khmer | ppaws.com |
| Kampot Veterinary Services | Kampot | 24/7 emergency, export docs | English, Russian | House calls available |
| Local Private Clinics | Kep | Basic care, minor treatments | Khmer | Often served by PPAWS outreach |
Conclusion
Kampot and Kep are steadily becoming more pet-friendly, thanks to a growing network of local clinics, internationally trained vets, and dedicated NGO outreach. Whether you’re in need of routine pet care, emergency services, or documentation for international travel, there are trusted veterinary providers available to support you and your animal companions.
As animal welfare continues to gain traction in Cambodia, so does the quality of care. The future looks promising for both pets and the people who love them.
