Secure EU passports on site
Convenient drop-in in store
Dog and puppy vaccination
Is it time for the annual shot, or have you welcomed a new little family member? We offer convenient and stress-free vaccination of dogs and puppies directly in your home environment, at our clinics or at the clinic. Protect your dog against serious diseases with a correct schedule.
Convenient drop-in in store
Secure EU passports on site
Dog and puppy vaccination
Related terms
Dog vaccination price, puppy vaccination 12 weeks, rabies vaccine dog waiting period, SAS flying with dog vaccination, kennel cough vaccine dog annually
What does it mean to vaccinate your dog?
Vaccinating your dog is the most important thing you can do to protect them against life-threatening and contagious diseases. A vaccination program for dogs builds up the immune system so that the body can quickly fight off viruses and bacteria if the dog is exposed to infection.
The basic vaccine (DHPPi)
The standard vaccine in Sweden is often called the DHPPi vaccine for dogs. The letters stand for the diseases the vaccine protects against: Distemper (distemper vaccine for dogs), Hepatitis (hepatitis vaccine for dogs / HCC), Parvovirus (parvovirus vaccine for dogs) and Pi (parainfluenza, which is a kennel cough vaccine for dogs).
Additional vaccines and foreign travel
In addition to basic protection, we offer additional vaccines such as rabies vaccine for dogs before traveling abroad, leptospirosis vaccine for dogs (highly recommended for dogs that hunt in wetlands or stay in southern countries) and, in certain specific cases, Lyme disease vaccine for dogs.
Healthcare guide: How to choose the right place for vaccination
Since we offer our services through home visits, at our veterinary clinics (Arken Zoo) and at our animal clinic in Östermalm, you can have your dog vaccinated where it is safest and most convenient for you.
Home visit
A waiting room at a veterinary clinic is inevitably often visited by sick animals. When you book a vaccination for a puppy, the puppy's immune system is not yet fully developed. By coming to your home, your puppy will have a completely infection-free and safe first experience of the vet at home on the kitchen floor. The same applies to older dogs who become extremely stressed by traveling by car. (A delivery fee is added for home visits).
Veterinary clinic
For those looking for drop-in vaccinations for dogs, our clinics connected to Arken Zoo (in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Uppsala) are a fantastic option. Here you can quickly stop by for the annual kennel cough shot while you shop for food.
Animal clinic
Our clinic in Östermalm is an excellent choice if you want to combine the annual vaccination with a major senior check-up (including blood tests), a thorough dental check-up or claw trimming for your adult dog.
What do we do when vaccinating a dog?
Keeping track of vaccination schedules and passport regulations can be tricky. Whether we meet in your home, at our clinic or at one of our clinics (Kungens Kurva, Odenplan, Orminge, Askim, Boländerna), we make sure your dog gets exactly the right protection.
Identify
Before we give the injection, we always do a general, clinical health check. The vet listens to the heart and lungs, and feels the dog through. The dog must be completely healthy to be vaccinated (a sick animal should not be vaccinated as its immune system is already compromised).
Treat
We administer the injection quickly and gently under the skin of the neck, often while the dog is eating some soft cheese or its favorite treat. We then stamp, sign and date the dog's vaccination certificate or EU passport. If necessary, we can also ID-mark (chip) the puppy or dog on site.
Prevent
You will be advised when it is time for the next injection according to current guidelines. We will also discuss what to keep in mind during the day, and inform you about common, harmless reactions (such as a little fatigue) that may occur after the vaccination.
This is how a vaccination is done step by step
1. Booking
You book an appointment with us for a planned vaccination in Stockholm, the Gothenburg region or Uppsala.
2. Health check
Before we give the injection, we always do a general health check. The dog must be healthy to be vaccinated.
3. The vaccination
We administer the injection quickly and gently under the skin in the neck, often while the dog is eating treats.
4. Documentation
We stamp, sign and date the dog's vaccination certificate or official EU passport.
5. Advice
You will receive advice on when it is time for the next injection and what to think about for the rest of the day.
Do you have more questions?
Contact our customer service and we will help you further.
When should the dog be vaccinated at an animal hospital instead?
Performing a dog vaccination at home or at a clinic is incredibly easy and safe for almost all healthy dogs, but in a few exceptional cases we recommend that the vaccination take place at a 24-hour veterinary hospital.
When animal hospital is necessary:
- Previous severe reactions: If your dog has previously suffered a severe, anaphylactic shock (acute, life-threatening allergic reaction) in direct connection with a vaccination, future injections should be given at an animal hospital where emergency oxygen and intensive care are immediately available.
- Concurrent disease investigation: If the dog turns out to be sick at the initial health check (e.g. has a fever or a new murmur), we cannot vaccinate it. In that case, the home visit will be converted into a disease investigation instead.
Puppy vaccinations – when to vaccinate a dog?
One of the most common search terms we see is ”when to vaccinate a puppy.” It is extremely important to follow a strict vaccination program for your puppy to provide lifelong protection and build herd immunity in Sweden.
Basic vaccination puppy (8/12 weeks/1 year):
- First injection (8 weeks): The puppy usually receives its very first basic vaccination from the breeder, just before delivery.
- Second injection (12 weeks): At 12 weeks of age, it is time for the second injection (puppy vaccination 12 weeks). This is crucial because the protection from the mother's antibodies via milk has now disappeared.
- One-year syringe: At 1 year of age (or exactly one year after the 12-week vaccination), the primary protection (DHPPi) is topped up again to provide immunity that lasts for several years. After that, the dog switches to the adult vaccination schedule.
How often should an adult dog be vaccinated?
Many pet owners lose count and wonder "how often should a dog be vaccinated?" After the dog has received its 1-year vaccination, we follow international veterinary guidelines (WSAVA). The "heavy" basic protection against distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus (DHP) lasts for a full three years. This means that a vaccination for a dog that is 2 years old usually only needs to include protection against kennel cough (Pi). The kennel cough vaccine must be topped up every year (annually) to provide adequate protection, especially if the dog often meets other dogs in parks, goes to doggy daycare or competes.
When should I book a rabies vaccine for a trip abroad?
If you are planning to travel with your dog outside of Sweden and Norway, you must book an appointment with us well in advance to vaccinate your dog for travel abroad. To cross the border, you must have an issued EU passport, the dog must be ID-marked with a chip, and it must have a valid rabies vaccination. Keep in mind that the rabies vaccine has a strict statutory waiting period (withdrawal period) of exactly 21 days before the passport becomes valid for travel! If you have any further questions regarding regulations, we recommend that you always double-check both the airline's and the customs regulations of the recipient country, as these often differ.
Rabies vaccination for dogs – new rules and intervals
We carefully review the dog's status and passport to ensure that all international travel requirements are met.
- Clinical health check before vaccination: We listen to the heart and feel the dog through to ensure that the immune system is ready.
- Medical history & previous reactions: We investigate whether the dog has shown signs of allergy or side effects from previous injections.
- Analysis of chip and validity period in passport: We check ID markings and calculate exact dates to avoid missed waiting periods.
- Diagnostic imaging and referral if necessary: In the event of a suspected illness that prevents vaccination, we refer directly to our clinic in Östermalm.
Risks and side effects of puppy vaccination
All approved drugs can cause side effects, but serious ones are extremely rare when it comes to vaccines. Common side effects of vaccination in dogs are that the dog is a little more tired than usual that evening and sleeps deeply. Sometimes a small, harmless and painful swelling occurs under the skin exactly where the injection was given, which disappears on its own in a couple of weeks.
When it requires attention
If your dog vomits violently after vaccination, develops widespread hives, suddenly has severe swelling of the face (typically around the eyes and nose) or becomes very wobbly and lethargic, this is an acute allergic reaction. This usually happens within the first few hours, and you must contact a veterinary hospital immediately.
Foreign travel and specific needs (Additional vaccines)
For some dogs, the regular DHPPi vaccine is not enough. If you travel a lot south in Europe, or have a dog that hunts a lot in wetlands in southern Sweden, we strongly recommend a leptospirosis vaccine for dogs. Leptospirosis is a dangerous bacteria that is spread, among other things, by rat urine in stagnant pools of water. If you are taking your dog to Norway (dog vaccination Norway), the rules usually do not require a rabies vaccine, but a deworming certificate against dwarf tapeworm stamped in the passport, which we can of course arrange during a smooth home visit before your departure.
The security of a fully vaccinated dog
Vaccinating your dog is not just about your own dog, but about maintaining herd immunity in Sweden and protecting the weakest puppies.
- Strong basic protection: The serious viral infections (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and parainfluenza) are effectively prevented with the DHPPI vaccine.
- Milder illness: The kennel cough vaccine does not guarantee 100% protection against infection, but it does guarantee a much milder course of the disease.
- Safe travels: With a correctly completed EU passport, you can travel safely without worrying about problems at border controls.
Protection against distemper and parvo
Thanks to the fact that we in Sweden are so good at vaccinating our dogs, diseases such as distemper and hepatitis are now very rare. Unfortunately, however, parvovirus does appear at regular intervals, which is why basic protection is absolutely vital.
The mild course of kennel cough
A vaccine against kennel cough unfortunately does not guarantee 100% that the dog cannot be infected with the cough (just like the flu vaccine for humans), but it does guarantee that the symptoms will be extremely milder and that the infection will not develop into life-threatening pneumonia.
Self-check – keep track of the date on the vaccination card
Avoid unpleasant surprises, especially if you are going to compete, show your dog or book a dog boarding facility over the summer, by doing a self-check of your dog's vaccination record or passport:
- Look for the dates: Look at the last stamp in your passport. On the far right of the line, there is often a "Valid until" date.
- What letters are there?: DHP/DHPPI stands for the 3-year basic vaccination. Pi (or BbPi) stands for the kennel cough which must be topped up every year.
- Rabies: If you have an EU passport, browse to the rabies page and set a reminder on your mobile phone one month before the last validity date expires.
Prevention – when can the puppy meet other dogs?
Many people wonder if the puppy can meet other dogs. Socialization is extremely important for mental development, so definitely do not isolate the puppy completely!
- Meet healthy dogs: The puppy can and should socialize with known, healthy and fully vaccinated dogs even before its 12-week vaccination.
- Avoid picnic areas: Avoid public dog parks and unfamiliar dogs completely until the puppy is fully vaccinated.
- Dry the paws: Dry your puppy's paws thoroughly after walks, as dangerous viruses can survive for a long time in the ground.
Cost, insurance and compensation
Vaccinating your dog is the best insurance for a long and infection-free life. We help you keep track of vaccination dates and certificates, but the cost of the injection itself and the visit is always paid for privately.
Annual Vaccination & Basic Vaccination
The regular vaccination schedule (DHPPI and Pi) that builds the puppy's basic protection and is then maintained for life to stop the spread of infection in society.
Not covered by insurance
No, vaccinations are considered preventive (prophylactic) health care and are never covered by your veterinary insurance.
To think about
If you have multiple dogs at home or an unvaccinated litter of puppies, you only pay one delivery fee per home visit, which makes it very affordable!
Price from:
650/kr
Annual vaccination (DHPPi / Pi / L4)
SEK 650 per dose
Exit fee
(during prophylactic home visits)
450 SEK (evening 550 SEK)
Rabies vaccination
SEK 750 per dose
30+ years
experience
200k+
Visit
How much does a rabies vaccine for a dog cost at your place?
The actual dose of rabies vaccine costs SEK 650. If we come to your home and vaccinate, there is an additional delivery fee for a prophylactic visit of SEK 450 during weekdays. If the vaccination is carried out at our clinic or one of our receptions, you only pay for the vaccine/visit fee there.
Can a puppy meet other dogs after vaccination?
Yes! Socialization is extremely important. Your puppy should be allowed to meet other, healthy, fully vaccinated dogs that you know, even before it has received its 12-week vaccination. However, avoid unfamiliar dogs and public parks until the basic vaccination is complete.
What do the new rules for rabies vaccination in dogs mean?
The rules are constantly updated. The basic rule for travel outside Sweden/Norway is that the dog must be ID marked, have an EU passport and a valid rabies vaccine given at least 12 weeks of age. After that, there is always a waiting period of at least 21 days before the passport is valid for travel.
Why is my dog vomiting after vaccination?
If the dog vomits heavily after vaccination, or has facial swelling, this indicates an acute allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the vaccine itself or its carrier fluid. If the vomiting is severe and the general condition is affected, you must immediately contact an open animal emergency room.
How long does a rabies vaccine for dogs last?
It all depends on which brand of vaccine the vet uses and how old the dog was at the time of the first (primary) injection. Some vaccines need to be topped up after 1 year, others provide valid protection for a full 3 years. Look carefully at the expiration date in the passport!
Do you offer drop-in vaccination for dogs?
At our physical clinics in Arken Zoo (including Kungens Kurva, Odenplan and Askim) we often offer flexible drop-in times for simpler procedures such as nail trimming and vaccination. Please call the store or us in advance to double-check the staffing on that particular day!
Do you perform dog vaccinations in Heby?
Many pet owners are looking for home visits in specific locations such as Heby. At Vetathome, we currently carry out our home visits and safe vaccinations exclusively in the entire Stockholm area and surrounding areas.
What is the cost of puppy vaccination for the full basic vaccination course?
You usually pay for each vaccination separately. A 12-week shot costs 650 SEK plus any delivery fee (for home visits). Fortunately, most puppies have already received their 8-week shot from the breeder before delivery, which lowers your total cost.
What does it mean to vaccinate a dog for travel abroad by air?
Airlines set their own rules for cage sizes and bookings, but the medical rules are determined by the customs in the receiving country. However, an EU passport, a valid rabies vaccine and a microchip are always the absolute basis for air travel abroad.
What is the best vaccination schedule for dogs?
We and the vast majority of Swedish veterinarians follow the SVA and WSAVA international vaccination schedule for dogs. In short, this means a shot at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year of age (DHPPI). After that, the kennel cough (Pi) vaccine is given every year, and the "heavy" basic vaccine (DHPPI) is given every three years.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Here you can read some of the most common questions and answers that we often receive from our customers.
Personal animal care in safe environments – Home visits, clinic & reception
We cooperate with all insurance companies
VetAtHome offers both clinic visits, home visits and visits to our veterinary practices – what is best depends on your animal's needs and what feels most convenient for you. We work with all insurance companies, making it easy to get help regardless of your insurance coverage.
