Most vet clinics in Pokhara work daytime hours, especially around Lakeside, New Road and Mahendrapool. After hours care is limited, so call your regular clinic first and ask if they keep an emergency line. If you cannot reach anyone, take a taxi to the nearest open clinic or the government veterinary hospital in Kaski District. Keep a small pet first aid kit with gauze, antiseptic, tweezers and a cone. For heatstroke, move your pet to shade, offer small sips of water and cool paws with wet cloths. For suspected poisoning, bring the label of what was eaten. Do not give human painkillers. Check recent hours on maps or clinic social pages, or ask your ward office for the government hospital contact and current on call arrangements.

Pokhara Metropolitan City and some ward offices ask pet owners to register dogs and keep proof of rabies vaccination. Requirements can vary by ward, so start at your ward office counter. Ask what documents they need. They may request your citizenship or ID, a recent pet photo, and the vaccination card. Fees and renewal schedules differ, and tags or ID numbers are usually issued after approval. Keep the tag on your dog and update the record when you move or change phone numbers. If your ward does not register cats, keep vaccination proof and microchip or a collar with your contact for safety. Check the city notice board, the ward Facebook page or call the ward office to confirm the latest rules and any fines for non compliance.

During the monsoon in Pokhara, ticks, fleas and leeches become more active, and skin infections are common. Use a vet recommended tick and flea preventive and check the coat after walks in wet grass. Parvovirus and distemper threaten puppies, so follow the full vaccine schedule and avoid crowded dog spots until your vet says it is safe. Rabies remains a risk due to street dog contact, so keep vaccinations current and do not let pets roam. Leptospirosis can spread in dirty water during heavy rain, so avoid puddles and stagnant water. Deworm regularly as advised by your vet. After swimming in lakes or rivers, dry ears and coat to reduce infections. Keep clean drinking water, feed a balanced diet and book a wellness check at least once a year.

Lakeside has pleasant morning and evening walks along the Phewa Lake footpaths, and you will find shaded stretches near Basundhara Park and Dihikopatan. Forest trails toward the World Peace Pagoda and parts of Sarangkot are also popular, but keep your dog on a leash, carry water and watch for leeches in the wet season. Boat operators may allow dogs on Phewa at their discretion, so ask politely before boarding. Many temples and monasteries do not allow dogs, so respect posted signs. Pokhara Metropolitan City expects owners to keep dogs leashed in public places and to pick up waste. There is no official dog park, so avoid off leash play in busy areas. During festivals and crowded evenings, go at cooler, quieter times.

Start by asking local vet clinics in Pokhara if they partner with shelters or rescue groups. Many adoptions are arranged through community pages, rescue social media and word of mouth. Attend vaccination or outreach camps when announced, since some include adoption. Before committing, ask for the vaccination record, deworming history and whether the pet is spayed or neutered. Spend time with the animal to understand temperament and energy level. Confirm any trial foster period and who covers medical costs during that time. Avoid buying from unverified street sellers. If you plan to travel with your new pet, check transport rules and get a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian. Keep copies of all papers and register with your ward if required by current municipal rules.