Veterinary Care on Île de Ré

The island's main veterinary clinic, in the Croix Michaud artisan zone at La Flotte, central to the whole island. The team handles routine consultations, vaccinations, surgery, hospitalisation, on-site imaging and laboratory analysis for dogs, cats and exotic pets, and covers out-of-hours emergencies for residents and visitors on the same number. It is the first call for any health concern on the island; for the most serious cases requiring a full 24/7 hospital they coordinate with the mainland hospital in La Rochelle.

The nearest full 24/7 veterinary hospital, on the mainland about ten minutes over the bridge in La Rochelle. A large facility with two dozen vets offering general and specialist medicine, surgery and round-the-clock emergency cover for dogs, cats and exotic pets. This is where the island clinic refers the most serious out-of-hours cases, and the place to head directly for a night-time or weekend emergency that cannot wait. Call ahead so the emergency team is ready when you arrive.

The free national veterinary on-call number, reachable 24/7 from any phone in France. Dial 3115 to be connected to the nearest on-duty veterinarian. It is a useful back-up if the island clinic is closed and you are unsure where to go, and it works across the whole Charente-Maritime area including Île de Ré and La Rochelle. Keep it saved alongside the two clinic numbers above.