Sahal, Health and Quality is a reference veterinary clinic in Santa Maria. Professional, approachable and highly effective, it stands out for its commitment to local animals and visitors alike. Not luxurious, but reliable, humane and essential on an island where animal care truly matters.
Not a place you plan to visit… until you need it
No one usually puts a vet on their list of daily plans. But on an island — with heat, stray animals and limited resources — knowing where to go can make all the difference. In Santa Maria, one name comes up again and again: Sahal, Health and Quality.
It’s not flashy. It’s useful. And out here, that matters.
A functional, committed veterinary clinic
Sahal, Health and Quality is a veterinary clinic serving residents’ pets, stray animals and visitors who need urgent care or help with travel paperwork for their animals. It’s led by Dr. Fátima, widely described as direct, empathetic and highly effective.
Don’t expect luxury or cutting-edge European hospital tech. Expect clinical judgement, experience and a genuine willingness to help, even when resources are limited.
It works extremely well for people who need real solutions. It’s not a “pretty” place — it’s a necessary one.
Fast diagnosis and a lot of know-how
The most common cases mentioned are clear: infections, tick-borne diseases, eye problems, deworming, long treatments and delicate situations involving rescued animals.
The clinic is also a key contact point for anyone needing documentation and support to travel with animals out of Cabo Verde — something that can be stressful and is handled here with patience.
There are even cases of home visits, which is rare on the island and especially appreciated with large or very anxious animals.
Professional, close-knit and no theatrics
The atmosphere is calm, human and practical. The team inspires confidence, even in challenging situations. It’s clear they’re used to working with limited resources, without lowering their standard of care.
No long speeches or empty promises here. Just clear explanations, tailored treatments and prices many visitors consider fair and reasonable, especially by European standards.
They don’t perform miracles. They simply do their job well.
If you expect a postcard-perfect clinic
If you’re expecting a large, ultra-modern clinic like in a European capital, this may surprise you. This is Sal — not Lisbon or Berlin.
And that’s precisely why the work done here deserves respect.
So you don’t have to improvise
– Save the contact if you travel with animals or move around the island a lot.
– Also ideal if you want to help a stray animal responsibly.
– Ask in advance if you need paperwork to travel with your pet.
– In emergencies, the team often tries to help even outside opening hours.
A place that doesn’t look for applause
Sahal, Health and Quality doesn’t sell image. It sells peace of mind — knowing that, if something happens, there are capable people on the other side.
On an island where not everything is easy, that’s worth far more than a nice façade.
Here, animals aren’t a formality. They’re the priority.
