Check-ups and prevention
Routine visits, vaccinations and check-ups for dogs, cats and exotic pets.
The vet
Gianfranco Loparco graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Bari. At his clinic in Cisternino he treats dogs, cats and exotic animals.
He knows that behind every animal there is a worried family. That's why he gives each visit the time it needs: he calmly explains what is happening and stays with you every step of the way, even when treatment takes a long time. And he is patient with the less relaxed patients, too.
Many families have trusted him for more than twenty years. Others met him while on holiday, at a difficult moment, and came back.
- University of BariDegree in Veterinary Medicine
- Dogs, cats, exoticsPets of every size
- Over 20 yearsAlongside the families of the Itria Valley
Our patients
Dogs, cats and exotics: faces, paws, feathers and scales that have passed through the clinic.
Services
Surgery
Surgery and neutering under general anaesthesia, with special care for a calm recovery.
Diagnostics and consultations
X-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, laboratory tests, allergy and intolerance testing, specialist consultations: all by appointment. All services
Home treatment
When needed, he can also follow treatment at home, so your pet stays in familiar surroundings. Whether this is possible depends on the situation: you'll decide together case by case.
Microchip and passport
Microchipping and registration with the pet registry, compulsory in Puglia for dogs and cats, and everything you need for the pet passport. Getting ready to travel
Emergencies
Emergencies don't follow the calendar. Even at weekends he sees patients by appointment: just call.
Diagnostics and consultations
All by appointmentTo understand what's wrong with your pet, you need the right tools. At the clinic you'll find a wide range of diagnostic and specialist services, without having to go from one place to another.
X-rays
To examine bones, joints, chest and abdomen.
Ultrasound
A quick and painless way to look at internal organs.
Endoscopy
A small camera to explore the digestive and respiratory tract from the inside.
Laboratory tests
All kinds of tests: blood, urine, faeces and much more.
Allergy and intolerance testing
To find out what is causing itching, skin problems or digestive troubles.
Specialist consultations
Orthopaedics, cardiology, ophthalmology, neurology and other specialties.
Coming to the clinic with your dog or cat
A calm visit starts at home. A few simple rules help your pet arrive relaxed and keep the waiting room a safe place for everyone, animals and people alike.
Cats
- Always in a carrier. Ideally a rigid, sturdy one, with a catch that closes firmly and no broken or loose parts: a frightened cat finds a way out in a second.
- Never in your arms, not even for the few steps from the car to the door.
- In the days before, leave the carrier open at home with a familiar blanket inside: your cat will go in more willingly.
- In the waiting room keep the carrier on a chair or on your lap, not on the floor near dogs. If your cat is anxious, cover it with a light cloth.
Dogs
- Always on a lead, never loose, even if your dog is usually calm. In the waiting room keep the lead short and your dog close to you.
- A well-fitted harness or collar, so your dog can't slip out of it. Avoid retractable leads.
- If you realise in the waiting room that your dog doesn't get on with the other animals there, wait outside. Let the staff know: we'll call you when it's your turn.
- Take your dog for a short walk before coming in, so it can relieve itself.
If your pet makes a mess, inside or outside the clinic
It can happen, especially when an animal is nervous. Clean it up yourself if you can, or let the staff know straight away: it's a matter of hygiene and respect for whoever comes after you.
Special patients: exotic pets
Rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and small rodents, birds, tortoises and turtles, snakes and lizards: the vet looks after them too. They are delicate animals that tend to hide signs of illness for a long time and suffer a lot from stress and changes in temperature. That's why the visit needs good preparation, starting with the journey.
How to bring them to the clinic
Rabbits, guinea pigs and small rodents
A rigid, well-ventilated carrier with their hay and some of their usual food. They should never be left without food, not even before surgery, unless the vet specifically asks. Protect them from heat: they can suffer from as little as 25 °C.
Ferrets
A securely closed carrier, as they are expert escape artists, with a blanket to hide in. If you hold them in the waiting room, use a harness, not a collar.
Birds
A carrier or small cage covered with a light cloth to reduce stress. Remove swings, toys and the water bowl, which can injure or soak them during the journey. In winter, protect them from cold and draughts.
Snakes
- Place the snake in a clean cloth bag (a pillowcase is fine), with no holes or loose threads, and close the opening securely with a knot or a tie.
- Put the bag in a rigid plastic box with small air holes, a lid that closes securely and a towel on the bottom.
- In winter, put the box inside an insulated bag. Next to the box, not on top or underneath, add a bottle of warm water wrapped in a towel: this keeps the snake warm without burning it.
- In summer, never leave it in a car in the sun, not even for a few minutes.
If you can, don't feed it in the two days before the journey: it might regurgitate.
Tortoises, turtles and lizards
A rigid box with small air holes, a lid and a towel on the bottom. In winter keep them warm as for snakes: insulated bag and a warm bottle wrapped in a towel, placed next to the box. Aquatic turtles travel on a damp cloth, not in water: during the journey the water cools down and sloshes around.
What to bring and what to tell the vet
- Photos of the cage or terrarium, with lamps, heating and substrate: for exotic pets, their environment is half of their health
- Their diet: what they eat, how much and any supplements they take
- For reptiles: terrarium temperatures and the type of UVB lamp, with the date it was last replaced
- A fresh stool sample, if you can, in a clean container
- Their history: how long they've lived with you and when you first noticed the problem
When you book, always mention the species: an exotic pet visit takes longer and needs specific preparation. And remember: a rabbit or small exotic pet that hasn't eaten or passed droppings for more than 12 hours is an emergency: call straight away.
The clinic
Bright, clean spaces designed to help both pets and people feel at ease.
Opening hours
| Monday – Friday | 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 – 8:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed I have an emergency |
For emergencies outside opening hours, call +39 333 741 9768.
Book a visit
Choose the service, the day and the free time slot you prefer: your appointment is confirmed straight away. You'll receive a summary email with a link to cancel if your plans change.
Prefer to talk to someone? You can always book by phone, too.
Please don't use online booking for emergencies: call +39 333 741 9768 straight away.
Emergencies
The clinic is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but Dr. Loparco does his best to look after his patients' emergencies in person: call +39 333 741 9768 and, if needed, he will see you by appointment. The same applies outside opening hours during the week.
Don't wait for it to pass: call straight away if you notice any of these signs.
- After an accident: hit by a car, a fall or a bite from another animal, even if your pet seems fine
- Breathing: laboured, open-mouthed or noisy breathing (in cats it's always a warning sign)
- Gums: pale, grey or bluish
- Belly: swollen and tight, with attempts to vomit that bring nothing up
- Peeing: a male cat going in and out of the litter tray without managing to pee
- Fits: strong tremors, seizures, fainting, or unable to stand
- Wounds: a wound that keeps bleeding
- Swallowing: has swallowed something suspicious
- Stings and caterpillars: muzzle or throat swelling after a wasp sting or contact with a pine processionary caterpillar
- Heat: after hours in the sun or in a car, panting heavily and staggering
- Rabbits and small exotics: not eating or not passing droppings for more than 12 hours
- Giving birth: labour going on for hours with no babies born
Travelling with your pet
Holidays, a move abroad, a weekend away: with a little planning you can leave with peace of mind. Here's what you need for dogs, cats and ferrets.
The EU pet passport, step by step
- Microchip It must be implanted before the rabies vaccine, otherwise the vaccine isn't valid for travel. If your pet doesn't have one, it can be done at the clinic.
- Rabies vaccine It's given from 12 weeks of age and only becomes valid for travel 21 days after the first dose: keep this in mind when you set your departure date.
- Passport It is issued by the veterinary service of your local health authority (ASL; for Cisternino, ASL Brindisi). It's valid for your pet's whole life, as long as vaccinations are up to date. At the clinic we take care of the microchip and vaccine and tell you what to bring to the ASL.
- Boosters Get the rabies booster before it expires: if it lapses, you start from scratch, with another 21-day wait.
ASL Brindisi veterinary service – Cisternino office
Via Cristoforo Colombo, 77 · 72014 Cisternino (BR) · Tel. +39 080 444 8244
Get directions ↗
Tip: if it's your first time, start organising at least a month before you leave.
Every country has its own rules
Depending on your destination, the vet will set up a plan of requirements with you: treatments, vaccinations and documents, each with its own timing. Some need to be done days or weeks before departure, and for certain countries outside the European Union even months before, so don't leave it late: talk to us as soon as you decide to travel.
Rules can change: if in doubt, also check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country, or the authority responsible for travelling with animals, for the latest information.
Puppies, kittens and groups
Puppies and kittens not yet vaccinated against rabies can't travel to many countries, including Italy. For non-commercial travel the limit is 5 animals per person.
Before you leave
- Check-up a few weeks before, especially for older pets or those on treatment
- Parasite protection up to date: many seaside and countryside areas have sand flies, mosquitoes and ticks
- Regular medicines in sufficient quantity: prescriptions must be collected in person and medicines aren't always available straight away, so plan ahead
- By car a carrier or dog guard, fresh water, a stop every 2 hours, and never leave your pet alone in the car
- Plane or ferry: check the company's rules as soon as you book, as places for animals are limited
- In your bag passport, lead, bowls, their usual food and a tag with your phone number
On holiday in the Itria Valley with your pet
Every year Cisternino and the Itria Valley welcome many visitors with their dog or cat, including from abroad. The climate and environment, however, can be very different from what your pet is used to. Here's what to know to enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.
The heat
In summer temperatures often go above 30 °C. Go out early in the morning and after sunset, always keep fresh water available, and never leave your pet in the car, not even in the shade or for a few minutes. Tarmac, stone and sand can burn paw pads.
Sand flies and mosquitoes
Leishmaniasis and heartworm are common in southern Italy. If you come from an area where they are rare, protect your dog before you leave: some repellent parasite treatments take several days to become effective. Ask your own vet for advice.
Grass seeds and countryside
From May to the end of summer, dry grass seeds (foxtails) can get into ears, nose, eyes and between the toes. After every walk in the grass, check your dog carefully, and if they suddenly shake their head or sneeze, have them seen.
Pine woods
Between late winter and spring, pine processionary caterpillars come down from the trees: if a dog sniffs or licks them, mouth and tongue can be seriously damaged. Keep your dog on a lead near pine trees.
At the beach
Not all beaches allow pets: check before you go. Don't let them drink seawater, rinse them with fresh water after swimming and find shade during the hottest hours. Light-coloured noses and ears burn easily.
If your pet falls ill on holiday
The clinic is in Cisternino and also sees visitors who are just passing through. You can book online, in English too, or call. Bring your pet's health booklet or passport, with vaccinations and current treatments.
For emergencies call +39 333 741 9768 straight away.
Found a wild animal in trouble?
A baby bird on the ground, an injured hedgehog, a tortoise on the road, a bird of prey that can't fly: in the Itria Valley countryside it happens often. Here's how to really help, and what's best avoided.
What to do, step by step
- Watch before you touchIt doesn't always need help: see below for the cases where it's best left where it is.
- Protect yourselfEven a small animal can peck, scratch or bite when it's frightened. Wear gloves or pick it up wrapped in a towel, with a light touch.
- Darkness and quietDarkness calms it. A box just a little bigger than the animal, pierced for air, is the best place: keep it away from dogs, cats and commotion.
- Don't feed itNo food, no water, no medicines: a weak animal can choke, and every species needs different care.
- Call the rescue centreThey'll tell you what to do and where to take it. The numbers are below.
When it's best not to step in
Feathered baby birds
In spring and early summer, young birds with feathers hopping on the ground are often learning to fly, and their parents keep feeding them. Leave them where they are and keep dogs and cats away. Help only if the bird has no feathers, is injured or in danger.
Land tortoises
If you find one on the road, move it to the side in the direction it was heading. Don't take it home: Hermann's tortoise is a protected species.
Hedgehogs
A hedgehog walking around at night is normal. If it's out during the day, staggering, injured or surrounded by flies, it needs help.
Freshwater turtles: which one have you found?
Two very different water turtles can live in the canals and ponds near the coast. The head is the quickest way to tell them apart.
European pond turtle
This is our native turtle: a dark, low shell, often dotted with yellow, and no coloured patch on the head. Around Brindisi it lives in only a few wetlands, such as the Torre Guaceto reserve. It is rare and protected by the EU Habitats Directive. If it is injured or in danger, call the rescue centre. If it is fine and crossing a road, move it to the side it was heading for: in spring the females leave the water to lay their eggs on land.
American slider (Trachemys)
It has a red or yellow patch behind each eye and yellow stripes on the neck. For years it was sold as a pet and many were abandoned: in the wild it is now an invasive species that takes food and space away from the native turtle. It must not be released into a pond or kept at home (Italian Legislative Decree 230/2017): call the rescue centre and ask where to hand it in.
What the law says: in Italy wildlife belongs to the State (law 157/1992). It can't be kept at home or treated on your own: it must be handed over to authorised centres.
Province of Brindisi – Wildlife Rescue Centre, Ostuni
The closest to Cisternino. Contrada San Lorenzo (SP 19), Ostuni. Run on behalf of the Province of Brindisi.
Tel. +39 0831 303018 · +39 328 284 7108 · WhatsApp +39 335 678 0665
Usually open on weekday mornings: always call before going.
Province of Bari – Regional Wildlife Observatory, Bitetto
The regional wildlife rescue centre.
Veterinary clinic: +39 080 540 6976 · osservatorio.faunistico@regione.puglia.it
Usually Monday to Saturday mornings (Tuesday and Thursday also early afternoon): always call before going.
Province of Taranto – Wildlife First Aid Centre, Manduria
Casa del Parco – Masseria Marina, San Pietro in Bevagna (junction of SP 137 and SP 141), Manduria.
Tel. +39 331 976 8753
Call before going to check opening times and how to hand the animal over.
Sea turtles and animals at sea
Coast Guard: 1530
Contact details checked in November 2026 on the websites of the Puglia Region (Regional Wildlife Observatory), the Province of Brindisi and LIPU: they may change. If you're unsure what to do, you can also call the clinic for initial advice.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to the first visit?
Your pet's health booklet or passport, if they have one, and any previous tests, reports or ongoing treatments. Bring dogs on a lead and cats in a carrier: there may be other animals in the waiting room. If your pet has a recurring problem, a photo or video taken on your phone can be very helpful.
When should I vaccinate a puppy or kitten?
The first vaccinations are usually given at around 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters in the following weeks and then at regular intervals throughout life. The right schedule depends on the animal and where it lives: at the first visit the vet will prepare a vaccination plan for you.
When is the best time to neuter?
It depends on the species, size, sex and lifestyle of the animal. There isn't one age that suits everyone: it's a decision to make together, weighing up benefits and risks during a visit.
Do you also treat rabbits, birds, reptiles and other exotic pets?
Yes, the vet also treats exotic animals. When you book, please mention the species: some visits take longer or need special preparation.
Is microchipping compulsory?
Yes, in Puglia for both dogs and cats. Regional law (L.R. 2/2020) requires them to be microchipped and registered with the pet registry within two months of birth, or within ten days of taking them in, and in any case before giving them away or selling them. Failing to register a dog can lead to a fine of 100 to 600 euros.
The microchip is a tiny capsule, about the size of a grain of rice, placed under the skin of the neck with a simple injection: no anaesthetic is needed. It can be done at the clinic: the vet implants the microchip and registers your pet straight away. The microchip is also needed for the pet passport, required to travel abroad with dogs, cats and ferrets.
After registration, the law requires you to notify the ASL veterinary service in writing of: a change of address or owner within 5 days, loss, theft or recovery within 2 days, and death within 3 days.
Why won't the pharmacy give me medicines for my pet?
By law, pharmacies can only dispense medicines for animals with a veterinary prescription. This also applies to many "human" medicines used for dogs and cats. Without a prescription the pharmacist can't give them to you. In turn, the vet can only prescribe a medicine after assessing the animal: that's why a new treatment usually requires a visit.
Prescriptions also expire: they are only valid for a limited time, which depends on the type of medicine. If you wait too long before going to the pharmacy, it will no longer be valid and you'll need a new one.
Can I receive the prescription via WhatsApp or email?
No: prescriptions must be collected in person at the clinic and are not sent via WhatsApp, email or other online channels. If you need a medicine your pet already takes, call +39 333 741 9768 first: we'll tell you when to come and pick it up.
How does online booking work? Can I cancel?
Choose the service, the day and a free time slot: your appointment is confirmed straight away and you'll receive a summary email. The same email contains a link to cancel if your plans change. You can always book by phone, too.
What if it's an emergency?
Please don't use online booking: call +39 333 741 9768 straight away. Even at weekends the vet does his best to see emergencies by appointment. Here are some examples of situations not to underestimate.
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