The Federal University of Sergipe (UFS) provides free veterinary care for horses through its Large Animal Care Project, linked to the University Veterinary Hospital (HVU), the Department of Veterinary Medicine and the Academic Equine Medicine League (LIMEQUI). The service is intended for horse owners and keepers, including rural producers in Sergipe. To request an appointment, the university lists WhatsApp (79) 99889-8536 and direct messages to LIMEQUI's and HVU's official Instagram accounts.
Who can request care?
The university identifies rural producers, breeders and other people responsible for horses needing specialized care as intended beneficiaries. Its October 20, 2026 announcement does not list eligible municipalities, income requirements or a requirement to be affiliated with UFS. Residents of inland municipalities may therefore ask the team whether an appointment is possible, but acceptance and arrangements for transporting the animal should be confirmed before traveling.
How do appointments work, and what procedures are available?
Appointments can be requested through WhatsApp (79) 99889-8536 or direct messages to the LIMEQUI and HVU Instagram accounts linked in the university's announcement. When contacting the team, it is sensible to provide the municipality of origin, basic details about the horse and the reason for the visit, and ask about availability, the appointment date, the exact place to bring the animal and any necessary documents. The latest statement does not specify these practical details.
According to UFS, activities include clinical examinations, digital X-rays, ultrasound, equine dentistry, fluid therapy, blood and parasitological testing, drug treatments and wound dressings. Whether a particular test or procedure can be performed depends on the team's assessment and the project's resources. The published free-of-charge offer concerns care provided through the project; the statement does not clarify outside costs, transportation or medicines purchased elsewhere.
When did care begin, and what is the capacity?
Although the main announcement was published on October 19 and updated on October 20, 2026, the university's Center for Applied Agricultural Sciences reported that the first consultation took place in May 2026. On June 16 it reported 25 horses treated and weekly Friday sessions. Those figures and that schedule describe the situation in June, not a current appointment limit or a confirmed timetable. The October update does not provide a new total of visits or daily capacity.
How does the university project operate?
Coordinated by Professor César Andrey Galindo Orozco, the initiative combines community assistance with hands-on education. Veterinary Medicine students take part in examinations and care under the supervision of the responsible team. In June, UFS itself described infrastructure that still needed to be expanded; readers should therefore not assume a fully operational large-animal hospital or surgical availability without specific confirmation.
Information checked on October 20, 2026. To avoid an unnecessary trip, confirm the appointment, type of care and instructions for transporting the horse directly with the project team.
