September 14, 2006
Roatan, Honduras

I have good news for you pet owners. A full-time veterinarian has now moved to Roatan and is setting up shop here.

Dr. Santiago Soto - a young, enthusiastic, and caring person…just what you want your pet doctor to be - has just finished his veterinary thesis (on heartworm in the region) and has been hired by Anthony's Key Resort to take care of their dolphins, horses, and other animals. But he'll also be starting his own private practice here on the island.

We're delighted by this turn of events, and from the volume of e-mails I get from readers with pets, I know you will be, too. We took our three-year-old Rottweiler, Cheech, to Dr. Soto this week. (I had nothing to do with naming this dog or his brother…you guessed it…Chong.) We found Dr. Soto to be gentle and caring, and very skilled as a veterinarian. An added plus is his excellent English. Cheech took to him right away and was happily wagging his tail as we left the doctor's office. 

Dr Soto has a temporary office at Anthony's Key resort, but is looking for a permanent office. He offers veterinary services six days a week, and he can be reached by cell phone for emergencies. You can reach him at +504-909-0595.

As delighted as we are that Dr. Soto is here, we are also happy that Dr. Calderon will continue to make regular visits. From the mainland, Dr. Calderon has tirelessly visited Roatan every Wednesday, and he will continue to do so.

If you are considering a move to Roatan but have been reluctant to bring your pets, worry no longer. You now have two excellent resources here for veterinary care.

Do be aware, though, that when you bring your pets to Honduras, you will need to present an international health certificate to a local veterinarian. In the past, that has been sometimes difficult since there was not a full-time vet here on the island. Obviously, that is no longer a problem.

If you do bring pets with you, be sure to check with your airline and make sure it will accept animals on the dates you plan to fly. There are some times of the year when temperatures are considered too high for animal safety. (By the way, the shipping company that used to allow animals to travel on its freighters, no longer offers this service, so flying or driving are your only options.)

Best Regards,

Janine Goben
International Living / Honduras
E-mail: Honduras@InternationalLiving.com.

P.S. The International Living Live and Prosper in Honduras Seminar is taking place very soon, September 25-27…and we still have room for you if you'd like to join us. We'll be meeting on the mainland this time - in La Ceiba at the Quinta Real Hotel. Find out more about this fun, extraordinary event here. We will visit Roatan after the seminar, so you'll have the opportunity to see both of these beautiful areas.