Vaccinations are the most effective way to protect pets from infectious diseases. In Finland, the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) provides vaccination recommendations, but they are not legally binding — the veterinarian always makes an individual assessment. Finnish vaccination practice follows WSAVA international guidelines, taking into account the country's low disease pressure.
Core Vaccines for Dogs
The core vaccination for dogs is the DHPPi vaccine, which protects against four diseases: canine distemper (D), infectious hepatitis (H), parvovirus (P), and parainfluenza (Pi). Additionally, rabies is part of the core vaccinations — it is recommended for all dogs and legally required for hunting and service dogs. We also recommend kennel cough vaccination (Bordetella) for all dogs once a year. Leptospirosis vaccination is recommended only for dogs travelling to endemic areas — Finland is not an endemic area.
Core Vaccines for Cats
All cats are recommended the triple vaccination (RCP): against feline panleukopenia (FPV), calicivirus (FCV), and herpesvirus (FHV-1). Respiratory virus vaccination does not completely prevent infection, but significantly reduces symptoms. Rabies is recommended for outdoor cats and is mandatory for cats travelling abroad. Feline leukemia (FeLV) is not part of routine vaccination in Finland, as FeLV prevalence in Finland is nearly zero — it is recommended only for cats living with a FeLV-positive cat.
Vaccination Schedule for Puppies and Kittens
Puppies: First DHPPi vaccination at 12 weeks, second at 16 weeks, rabies at 16 weeks. Booster one year after the second vaccination. Adult dogs: DHPPi and rabies every 3 years, kennel cough once a year.
Kittens: First RCP vaccination at 12 weeks, second at 16 weeks. Booster one year after the second vaccination. Adult cats: RCP every 3 years.
Rabies in Finland
Finland has been officially rabies-free since 1991. Rabies vaccination is legally required for hunting dogs, government service dogs, and all pets travelling abroad. For ordinary pet dogs, vaccination is not legally mandatory, but the Finnish Food Authority strongly recommends it for all dogs and cats. The Finnish Kennel Club requires rabies vaccination for all dogs attending shows. First dose at approximately 4 months of age, booster at one year, then every 3 years.
Travelling with Your Pet
For travel within the EU, you need a microchip (before rabies vaccination), a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and an EU pet passport. Dogs additionally require echinococcus treatment 1–5 days before returning to Finland. Alternatively, the 28-day rule can be used: two treatments no more than 28 days apart before travel and a third after arrival in Finland. Pets arriving from high-risk countries (e.g., Russia, Turkey) require a rabies antibody titer test at an EU-approved laboratory. Book an appointment for vaccinations and travel documents — we issue EU pet passports at our clinic.