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.
Vaccination prices
Prices are total amounts. See all prices in our price list. Direct insurance billing is available for LähiTapiola, Agria and Pohjola customers.
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 and kitten vaccinations
Kitten vaccination: the first vaccine is given at 12 weeks of age and the booster at 16 weeks. The cat RCP vaccine (3-in-1) protects against feline panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calicivirus. Rabies vaccination is given from 12 weeks of age; it is mandatory for cats travelling abroad and recommended for outdoor cats. The first-year booster is given at 12 months, after which an adult cat is vaccinated every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine and lifestyle — indoor cats need the core vaccinations too. If a cat's vaccination is overdue it can usually be given as a single booster; the vet assesses whether two doses are needed when several years have passed since the last vaccination.
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, for dogs, a tapeworm (echinococcus) treatment 1–5 days before returning to Finland (or under the Finnish Food Authority's 28-day rule); no treatment is needed when travelling directly from Finland to Norway or Great Britain. 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. Requirements change from time to time – check the current rules on the Finnish Food Authority website and read more on our EU pet passport page (verified 29 August 2026).
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 much does a dog vaccination cost? The dog DHPPI vaccine (4-in-1) costs €77 and with rabies €85. Kennel cough vaccine costs €75–77. Prices are total amounts and are listed in our price list.
How much does a cat vaccination cost? The cat RCP vaccine (3-in-1) costs €75 and with rabies €86. A kitten's vaccination series is two visits (at 12 and 16 weeks), i.e. €150 in total without rabies.
At what age is a kitten vaccinated? A kitten's first vaccination is given at 12 weeks of age and the booster at 16 weeks. Rabies vaccine can be given from 12 weeks of age. The first-year booster is given at 12 months.
What if my dog's or cat's vaccination is overdue? An overdue booster can usually be given as a single vaccination. If several years have passed since the last vaccination, the vet assesses whether two doses 3–4 weeks apart are needed. You can also walk in without an appointment on Tuesdays 15:30–16:00.
How often are vaccinations renewed? After the primary series a booster is given one year later. After that, the basic vaccinations for adult dogs and cats are renewed every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine. The rabies vaccine is renewed every 3 years.
Can I come without an appointment? Yes! We offer walk-in vaccinations without an appointment on Tuesdays at 15:30–16:00. Otherwise, book a time by phone (06) 321 7300 or online at elainklinikkasaari.fi.
When can a puppy start the vaccination series? A puppy's first vaccination is given at 12 weeks and the booster at 16 weeks. Before 12 weeks, puppies are protected by maternal antibodies. If a puppy has been imported from abroad or comes from a particularly high-risk environment, vaccination can sometimes start earlier (at 8 weeks) — this is discussed with the veterinarian individually.
Can a pet have side effects from vaccination? Mild side effects are common and harmless: tiredness, reduced appetite or slight swelling at the injection site for 1–2 days. Strong reactions (facial swelling, vomiting, weakness) are very rare but require immediate veterinary care. We recommend monitoring the pet for 30 minutes at the clinic after vaccination, and the rest of the day at home.
What vaccinations are needed for travel? When travelling within EU countries, you need a pet passport, a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days from the first vaccination) and a microchip for identification. Dogs additionally need a tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before returning to Finland or under the 28-day rule; no treatment is needed when travelling directly from Finland to Norway or Great Britain. For travel outside the EU, requirements are often stricter — start preparations at least 4–6 months before the trip.