Nestled in the heritage-rich Fontainhas neighborhood of Panjim, Dr. Sasha Pinto’s Vetcare and Cure Clinic is more than just a veterinary clinic—it is a place where passion, experience, and modern science meet to provide top-notch care for animals. This clinic, co-owned by Dr. Sasha and her father, Dr. Gustavo Pinto, holds a legacy of over 20 years of practice, with a recent revival after Dr. Gustavo’s retirement from government service. Dr. Sasha, a modern veterinarian equipped with the latest knowledge and diagnostic techniques, combines her father’s decades of wisdom to bring a unique, holistic approach to animal care.
A Family Legacy of Veterinary Excellence
The story of Dr. Sasha Pinto’s clinic begins with her father, Dr. Gustavo Pinto, who has practiced veterinary medicine for over 40 years. He retired as the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in the Government Hospital and later joined forces with his daughter to re-open the clinic. With Dr. Gustavo’s wealth of experience and Dr. Sasha’s cutting-edge expertise, their clinic offers an unparalleled balance of tradition and innovation. This synergy allows them to address complex cases with confidence, blending tried-and-true methods with modern advancements.
Comprehensive Services with a Homely Touch
The clinic offers a wide range of services, from basic check-ups and vaccinations to intricate surgeries such as neutering, tumor removal, and complicated dental procedures. Unlike many clinics, they boast both injectable and gas anesthesia, which ensures safer surgeries for pets. Their expertise in dental work, including scaling and extractions, is a rare offering in veterinary care, and their dedication to trying every possible solution for their patients stands out. Dr. Sasha emphasizes that their clinic does not shy away from difficult cases; they believe every effort should be made to improve the quality of life for each animal that walks through their doors.
Beyond medical expertise, the clinic is also designed with care and attention to detail. Separate rooms for cats and other pets ensure a peaceful environment, and their spacious facility helps keep animals calm during treatment. The clinic exudes a homely, welcoming vibe, adorned with antique collectibles, many of which are cherished pieces from Dr. Gustavo’s career. This unique setting not only offers a comforting environment for pets but also aligns with the heritage aesthetic of the Fontainhas area, creating a clinic experience that is both professional and personal.
The Core Philosophy: Animals Come First
At the heart of Dr. Sasha’s practice is her unwavering commitment to putting animals first. She emphasizes that no matter the circumstances, the well-being of the pet always takes precedence. Dr. Sasha’s personal approach ensures that every pet receives individual attention and care, going as far as treating animals on Sundays or holidays if needed. If she is unavailable, she ensures a secondary vet is arranged, so the pet never goes without care.
Moreover, Dr. Sasha’s compassion extends beyond clinical care to the financial realities of pet ownership. The clinic offers reasonable rates, and in cases where long-term treatment is necessary, they adjust charges or even provide care at no cost for clients who cannot afford it. Dr. Sasha’s philosophy is rooted in her genuine love for animals and her belief that financial constraints should not stand in the way of proper veterinary care.
A Unique Connection with the Goan Community
Being based in Goa, Dr. Sasha’s clinic serves a unique clientele—primarily locals who are deeply connected to their pets but may not always have access to expensive treatments. This connection shapes the clinic’s approach to care. While expensive diagnostic tests are sometimes necessary, Dr. Sasha is aware of the financial limitations of her clients and ensures that treatments are both effective and affordable. Additionally, the close-knit nature of Goan society fosters a deep emotional bond between veterinarians, pets, and pet owners, enhancing the overall treatment process. This community bond helps make pet care in Goa a more personal and heartfelt experience.
Innovating with Natural Remedies and Alternative Treatments
One of the clinic’s distinctive features is its openness to alternative treatment methods. Dr. Sasha recognizes the growing awareness of the side effects of allopathic medications, particularly their impact on the liver and kidneys. As a result, she offers alternative therapies such as home remedies and natural treatments where possible, which is a refreshing change from the conventional reliance on drugs. This approach helps prevent illnesses before they arise and aligns with the clinic’s commitment to holistic pet care.
In Goa, where ancestral knowledge and home remedies play a significant role in daily life, Dr. Sasha’s embrace of these methods resonates with her clientele. She blends modern veterinary techniques with time-tested, natural remedies, offering a unique, well-rounded approach to animal wellness.
Going Above and Beyond: Heartwarming Success Stories
The clinic’s commitment to giving every case a fighting chance is evident in some of their most memorable success stories. One such case involved a pug suffering from pyometra, a life-threatening condition that required surgery. However, due to the pug’s critical kidney values, she could not be operated on immediately. Her previous veterinarian deemed her a lost cause, but Dr. Sasha took her in, meticulously brought her kidney levels back to normal, and eventually performed the surgery that saved her life. The pug’s recovery was slow, but watching her gradually return to her energetic self brought immense joy to both Dr. Sasha and the pet’s owner.
Another heartwarming story is one that touched Dr. Sasha personally. She rescued two abandoned puppies, one of whom was paralyzed and unable to lift his head. Through a combination of medications, relentless care, and the efforts of the clinic’s staff and interns, the puppy made a miraculous recovery. After a month of intensive treatment, the once-paralyzed pup was able to stand on his own, a moment that remains a highlight of Dr. Sasha’s career.
Challenges and the Future of Veterinary Care in Goa
Dr. Sasha acknowledges that practicing veterinary medicine in Goa comes with its own set of challenges. One of the primary difficulties is the logistical problem of pet owners not being able to bring their animals to the clinic. Although Dr. Sasha previously offered house calls, the growing demand at the clinic has made it impossible for her to continue this service. She now refers clients to nearby vets for urgent care or specialized services that are not available in Goa.
Another challenge is the availability of advanced diagnostic tools and technologies. While Dr. Sasha continually updates her knowledge through courses and consultations with colleagues, certain specialized tests or procedures must be outsourced to other regions. Despite these hurdles, she remains optimistic about the future of veterinary care in Goa. With more people adopting pets and treating them as family members, she foresees significant growth in the demand for quality pet care, which will drive the need for better diagnostic tools and treatments.
Advice for Pet Parents: Prevention Is Key
Dr. Sasha’s primary advice to pet parents is to prioritize preventive care. Regular vaccinations, deworming, tick and flea treatments, and dental checkups are essential to maintaining a pet’s health. In a tropical environment like Goa, these preventive measures are even more critical to avoid infections and other health issues. Dr. Sasha encourages pet owners to be proactive in their pets’ health management, emphasizing the importance of grooming, regular checkups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for their animals. Prevention, she believes, is far better than having to deal with a serious illness down the road.
A Bright Future for Vetcare in Goa
Dr. Sasha Pinto’s dedication to her craft and her compassion for animals make her a standout figure in Goa’s veterinary scene. Her clinic, with its combination of experience, innovation, and personal touch, sets a high standard for animal care in the state. As more Goans adopt pets and seek better veterinary services, Dr. Sasha is poised to lead the way, offering the best care possible while maintaining a deep emotional connection with her patients and their owners.
