Why is vaccination important?
Vaccination is the most important form of preventive healthcare for pets. Vaccinations protect against serious diseases that can be life-threatening or even fatal. In Finland, the vaccination programme for dogs and cats is based on recommendations from the Finnish Veterinary Association.
Dog vaccinations
Puppies receive their first vaccination at 12 weeks of age, with a booster at 16 weeks. The core vaccination includes protection against distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. Rabies vaccination is given from 12 weeks of age. Kennel cough vaccination is recommended for dogs that have frequent contact with other dogs. Adult dogs receive booster vaccinations every 1–3 years.
Cat vaccinations
Kittens are vaccinated at 12 and 16 weeks of age. The core vaccination includes protection against feline panleukopenia, herpesvirus, and calicivirus. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for outdoor cats and all cats travelling abroad. Adult cats receive booster vaccinations every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine and the cat's lifestyle.
Drop-in vaccinations and travel documents
Our clinic offers drop-in vaccinations without appointment on Tuesdays from 15:30 to 16:00. We also issue EU pet passports and travel documents for pets travelling abroad. Travel document requirements vary by destination country — please contact us well in advance of your trip.
Puppy vaccination schedule step by step
The puppy's first vaccination series is crucial, as maternal antibody protection wanes at 8–12 weeks of age. A puppy is vaccinated at 12 weeks (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis) and a booster is given at 16 weeks together with the rabies vaccine. A kitten is vaccinated at 12 weeks (feline panleukopenia, herpes, calici) and a booster at 16 weeks. The first-year booster is given at 12 months — an important milestone where long-lasting immunity is established. After that, vaccination intervals move to every 1–3 years.
Travelling with your pet
A pet passport is mandatory for all dogs, cats, and ferrets travelling within the EU. Before travelling, your pet needs: a microchip for identification, a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days after the first vaccination) and, in some countries, echinococcus treatment (e.g. UK, Finland for import). Travelling outside the EU can involve much stricter requirements — a rabies antibody test and quarantine may be required. Start planning your trip at least 4–6 months in advance. We are happy to help with travel documentation.
Vaccine safety and side effects
Vaccinations are among the safest procedures in veterinary medicine, but like all medical interventions they can occasionally cause mild reactions. Common and harmless side effects include mild lethargy, reduced appetite, or slight swelling at the injection site for 1–2 days. Serious reactions such as strong allergic responses (facial swelling, vomiting, weakness) are extremely rare but require immediate veterinary care. We recommend observing your pet for 30 minutes after the vaccination at the clinic and for the rest of the day at home. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the small risks — unvaccinated pets are at risk of serious, often life-threatening diseases.
Frequently asked questions about vaccinations
How often are vaccinations renewed? After the initial vaccination series, a booster is given after one year. Thereafter, core vaccinations for adult dogs and cats are renewed every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine. Rabies vaccination is renewed every 3 years. The veterinarian will plan an individual vaccination programme based on your pet's needs. Can an unvaccinated dog be walked outside? An unvaccinated puppy has a higher risk of contracting serious infectious diseases such as parvovirus. During the puppy's first vaccination series, it is important to avoid contact with unknown dogs and places frequented by many dogs. Safe outdoor activity in your own garden or clean areas can be practised before the vaccination series is complete.