Veterinary care in Okinawa offers a plethora of options to keep your fur babies healthy and happy. Whether your furry companion needs a routine check-up or specialized care, Okinawa has you covered.

On Base Veterinary Care in Okinawa

Kadena AB’s Okinawa Veterinary Activity is the primary source for information regarding pet PCS and travel, and vaccination and health certificates. The clinic also supports wellness exams, sick call appointments, general surgery, and specialty surgery procedures.

Keep in mind this clinic is the sole military clinic on the island. Their appointments fill up quickly and it may be difficult to get ahold of them during peak PCS season. Some of their testing and equipment availability is limited. But fret not – the options for local veterinary offices are abundant.

Off Base Veterinary Care in Okinawa

Author’s Choice:

As a family with four feline companions, proficient veterinary care is incredibly important to us. Taking advantage of the Japanese remedies and yen rate, we found commodious care with Chubu Vet Clinic. Located only a few minutes from Kadena Gate 5, Chubu Vet is open 7-days a week and holidays. They treat kitties and canines for preventative medicine (vaccines, spay/neuter), general medical care (internal medicine/surgery, dental), specialized treatment (cardiology, oncology, orthopedics), and provide referrals to more advanced medical institutions if necessary. The staff are exceedingly friendly, and for a small fee of 500¥, in-house English translation support is available. Chubu supports both walk-ins and appointments. The best part: you can schedule online!

South Okinawa:

• Ryukyu Animal Medical Center – ER for Naha Area.
  • Services: CT scan, oncology, cardiology, spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates.

• Sakura Pet Clinic
  • Services: spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates.

• Anesis Pet Clinic – ER for MCAS Futenma.
  • Services: spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates.

• Anju Animal Clinic – ER for MCAS Futenma and Camp Foster.
  • Services: spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates.

• Nansei Animal Hospital
  • Services: MRI and CT scan by referral, exotics, spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates.

North Okinawa:

• Kunjan Animal Hospital – ER for Nago Area.
  • Services: spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates.

• Kinjo Animal Hospital – ER for Nago Area.
  • Services: spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates.

• Megumi Veterinary Hospital – ER for Nago Area.
  • Services: spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates. *Appointment only*

Central Okinawa:

• Noah Animal Hospital – ER for Camp Shields and Kadena Air Base.
  • Services: spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates. *Recommended provider by on base clinic*

• Friends Animal Hospital – ER for Camp Foster.
  • Services: spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates. *Must bring Japanese translator*

• Pet Medical Center EIR – ER for Kadena Air Base and Camp Foster.
  • Services: spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates.

• Iris D&C.
  • Services: spay/neuter, general surgery, vaccinations, health certificates.

• Coco Animal Hospital – ER for Torii Station.
  • Services: spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates.

• Misato Animal Hospital – ER for Kadena Air Base and Camp Foster.
  • Services: spay/neuter, general surgery, dental, microchip, vaccinations, health certificates.

Need a Translator?

Vet Nurse Support Okinawa on Facebook supports local vet visits for pet owners who do not speak Japanese.

In a land where even the most stoic shisa dogs need a check-up now and then, the veterinary care in Okinawa stands ready to keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching with their care and expertise!

Looking for more? Check out these other popular articles on moving to Okinawa.

Kaily Watson is an Air Force spouse living in Okinawa with her husband and 4 cats. She is a criminal defense and insurance bad faith paralegal working remotely for two law firms based in Washington. Kaily is a master’s degree holder in legal studies and has a passion for advocacy. 

The Watsons arrived to Okinawa in September 2023 and have been enjoying every second. Snorkeling, coffee tasting, and shopping are some of her favorite things to do.