A Cuenca Vet Clinic Is Under Investigation for Faking Pet Cremations and Losing a Dog

Two Complaints, One Clinic

Pet owners in Cuenca, take note: a veterinary clinic in the Otorongo sector is facing two separate formal complaints that paint a troubling picture of how some animals are being treated behind closed doors.

The first complaint alleges the clinic committed fraud in its pet cremation services — specifically, that the remains returned to grieving pet owners may not have been their actual pets. The second complaint involves a dog that went missing during a routine grooming appointment at the same facility.

Both cases are now under investigation.

The Cremation Complaint

Losing a pet is devastating enough without wondering whether the ashes you received are actually theirs. According to the complaint filed with authorities, a pet owner who paid for individual cremation services has reason to believe the process wasn't carried out as promised.

While the specific details of the evidence haven't been made fully public, the allegation is serious: that the clinic either did not perform the cremation as contracted, or returned remains that may not belong to the client's pet. This is the kind of breach of trust that, if proven, would constitute fraud under Ecuadorian law.

The Missing Dog

In a separate incident at the same clinic, a dog was brought in for a routine grooming appointment and never came home. The owner filed a complaint after the clinic allegedly could not explain what happened to the animal.

Details remain under investigation, but the fact that two unrelated complaints have surfaced against the same facility raises obvious red flags.

What Pet-Owning Expats Should Know

Cuenca's expat community is full of pet lovers — walk along the Tomebamba on any morning and you'll see dozens of dogs out with their owners. Many expats have rescued local strays or brought pets from abroad. The emotional (and financial) investment is real.

Here's how to protect yourself and your animals:

Choosing a Vet Clinic

• Ask the expat community for recommendations. Facebook groups like Cuenca Expats and GringoTree regularly have threads about trusted veterinarians. Word of mouth is your best filter.
• Visit the facility before committing. A reputable clinic should be clean, organized, and willing to show you around. If they won't let you see the facility, that's a red flag.
• Check for licensing. Legitimate veterinary clinics in Ecuador should be registered with local authorities. Don't be afraid to ask.

For Cremation Services

• Ask detailed questions about the process. Where is the cremation performed? Is it individual or communal? Can you witness the process?
• Request documentation. A professional cremation service should provide a certificate and be transparent about their procedures.
• Consider using a dedicated pet cremation service rather than a general vet clinic that offers cremation as a side service. Specialized providers are more likely to have proper facilities and protocols.

For Grooming and Boarding

• Never leave your pet at a facility you haven't personally inspected.
• Ask about supervision protocols. How many animals are present? Who is watching them? What happens if there's an emergency?
• Get a receipt and written confirmation of what services will be performed and when pickup is expected.

The Legal Side

Ecuador has strengthened its animal protection laws in recent years. Under the Ley Orgánica de Bienestar Animal, animal cruelty and neglect carry real penalties. If the allegations against this clinic are substantiated, the owners could face fines and potential criminal charges.

If you ever suspect animal mistreatment at a veterinary facility in Cuenca, you can file a complaint with the Comisaría de Salud or contact local animal welfare organizations like PAE (Protección Animal Ecuador) for guidance.

The Takeaway

The vast majority of veterinary clinics in Cuenca are staffed by caring, competent professionals who genuinely love animals. This situation appears to be an outlier — but it's a reminder to do your due diligence, especially when trusting someone with your pet's care during vulnerable moments like surgery, boarding, or end-of-life services.

Trust but verify. Your pet is counting on you to choose well.

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Source: El Mercurio