New veterinary hospital in Karbala elevates pet care with advanced services for growing cat-owner community

KARBALA – A newly opened veterinary hospital in Karbala is transforming pet care in the city, offering luxury services tailored to the rising number of pet owners, particularly cat lovers. Al-Ameen Veterinary Hospital, located in the Ramadan neighborhood, provides advanced treatments and amenities previously unavailable in the area.

Mehdi Al-Sindi, the hospital’s director, emphasized that the facility is the first of its kind in Karbala, equipped with state-of-the-art veterinary technology such as ultrasound and respiratory equipment, as well as therapeutic lodging for sick animals needing extended care. “Many families in Karbala are interested in raising pets, and we, in turn, try to provide everything they need in terms of care, including bathing and grooming services,” Al-Sindi told 964media.

Karbala, located about 100 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, is historically known as a major pilgrimage site due to its religious significance in Shia Islam, but the city’s pet care infrastructure is expanding to meet growing demand.

The hospital offers comprehensive services including surgical procedures, diagnostics, and treatments for various medical conditions. It also features a boarding section divided into areas for healthy pets and those requiring quarantine or medical care.

Al-Ameen Veterinary Hospital also serves as a space for veterinary professionals and students to gain practical training and conduct research, including postgraduate studies.

Across Iraq, pet ownership is on the rise, with cities like Baqubah in Diyala province also seeing a notable uptick in pet adoptions. This trend reflects changing cultural attitudes, with pets becoming popular gifts among engaged couples. In Al-Hussainiya, a northern neighborhood in Baghdad, residents are increasingly adopting pets, even predatory animals, prompting the growth of shops and clinics dedicated to their care.