Vaccines in the home environment
Convenient drop-in in store
Vaccination for dogs, cats and horses
Is it time for the annual shot or are you planning a trip abroad? We offer safe and stress-free vaccination in the quiet corner of your home, out in the stable, at the clinic or as a drop-in when time permits at our clinics. Protect your animal against life-threatening diseases with a correct vaccination schedule.
Convenient drop-in in store
Vaccines in the home environment
Vaccination for dogs, cats and horses
Related terms
Dog vaccination price, rabies vaccine dog waiting period, EU pet passport cost, basic puppy vaccination schedule, equine flu rules 365 days
What does vaccination and basic vaccination mean?
Vaccinating your pet is the most important preventative measure for a long and healthy life. A vaccine trains the animal's immune system to recognize and fight dangerous viruses and bacteria before they can cause life-threatening damage.
Dog and puppy vaccination
For dogs, a basic vaccination builds protection against distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus (DHP). This is supplemented with an annual booster vaccine against kennel cough (Pi), and when traveling abroad, a rabies vaccine for dogs.
Vaccination cat and kitten
For cats, a basic vaccination builds up protection against feline distemper, herpes and calicivirus (Tricat). This is supplemented with an annual booster vaccine against herpes and calicivirus (Ducat), and when traveling abroad, a rabies vaccine for cats.
Horse vaccination
For horses, vaccination is often a strict legal or competition requirement for entry to equestrian facilities. Basic protection consists of vaccines against equine influenza and tetanus, but can be supplemented with protection against botulism and EHV virus.
Healthcare guide: How to choose the right place for vaccination
Because we offer our services through home visits, at our veterinary clinics (Arken Zoo) and at our animal clinic in Östermalm, we can vaccinate your animal where it is most convenient for you.
Home visits & in the stables
Veterinary clinic waiting rooms are sometimes filled with sick animals. When you have a small, unprotected litter of puppies or kittens, vaccination at home is the absolute safest way to avoid unnecessary infection. In addition to the risk of infection, vaccination at home minimizes stress enormously for cats who hate transport cages and horses that are difficult to load. (Export fee applies).
Veterinary clinic
Are you looking for drop-in vaccinations for your dog or cat? Our clinics connected to Arken Zoo (in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Uppsala) are perfect for the annual shot while you're still shopping for food. Quick, easy and easily accessible! (Drop-in is carried out subject to availability)
Animal clinic
Our clinic in Östermalm is an excellent choice if you also want to combine the annual vaccination with a major senior check-up (blood test), nail trimming or a thorough dental check-up.
What can VetAtHome do for the animal's infection control?
Keeping track of vaccination schedules can be tricky. Whether we meet at your home, in the stable, at our clinic or at one of our clinics (Kungens Kurva, Odenplan, Orminge, Askim, Boländerna), we make sure your animal gets exactly the right protection at the right time.
Identify
Before vaccination, we always perform a general, clinical health check. We feel the lymph nodes and listen to the heart and lungs to ensure that the animal is completely healthy before the injection is given (a sick animal should not be vaccinated).
Treat
The injection itself is given quickly and almost completely painlessly under the skin in the neck (for small animals) or in the neck muscle (for horses). At the same time, we can take the opportunity to ID (chip) the animal if it is missing.
Prevent
We update the animal's vaccination card, horse passport or EU pet passport with the correct stamps and batch number. We then set up a clear, written plan for when the next revaccination is due so that protection (and the right to compete) does not expire.
This is how the vaccination works step by step
1. Booking
You book a home visit, clinic visit or swing by our office with one or more individuals at the same time.
2. Health check
We listen to the heart and lungs to ensure that the animal is fully healthy before the injection is given.
3. Vaccination
The injection is given quickly and almost completely painlessly under the skin (small animals) or into the muscle (horses).
4. Documentation
We update the animal's vaccination card, passport or vaccination certificate with the correct stamps.
5. Advice
We will set up a clear plan for when it is time for the next revaccination.
Do you have more questions?
Contact our customer service and we will help you further.
When should the animal be vaccinated at an animal hospital instead?
Our flexible forms of care (home visits and clinics) are perfect for almost all healthy animals, but sometimes safety must come first, and then we recommend an equipped animal hospital.
When animal hospital is necessary:
- Previous severe anaphylaxis: If your animal has previously suffered a severe, acute allergic shock in direct connection with a vaccine, future injections should be given in an animal hospital with immediate access to emergency oxygen and intensive care.
- Suspected illness: If during the initial health check we discover that the animal suddenly has a fever, a new loud murmur or an ongoing infection, the vaccination will be interrupted. The visit will then be converted into a disease investigation instead.
Vaccination schedule and intervals for dogs and puppies
To ensure your puppy has lifelong protection, you must follow a strict vaccination schedule. from the beginning.
Puppy's basic vaccination: Puppy vaccinations are normally given at 8 weeks of age (at the breeder) and then at 12 weeks of age. After that, protection is topped up at 1 year of age. Once this is done, the basic vaccination is complete and the dog moves on to a routine revaccination schedule.
Adult dog: An annual booster vaccine is required to maintain protection against kennel cough, while the ”heavy” basic protection against distemper, HCC and parvovirus (DHP) only needs to be topped up every three years during the dog’s adult life. You don’t have to keep track of which vaccine your dog should receive, but your veterinarian can use your dog’s vaccination card to calculate which vaccine is due.
Cat and horse vaccination requirements
The rules and intervals differ significantly depending on the species and lifestyle.
For the cat: Basic vaccinations for cats are given at the same time intervals as for dogs. A basic vaccinated cat's protection against feline distemper lasts for three years, but protection against feline influenza must be topped up every year. This is especially true for outdoor cats, cats that stay in boarding houses, or indoor cats that meet many other cats.
For the horse: For competition horses, the rules regarding vaccination are strict. According to the Swedish Equestrian Federation, an equine influenza vaccine must be supplemented no later than every 365 days (requirements may be even stricter internationally). The new A+B+C schedule for basic vaccination of horses also requires three initial injections within very strict time frames for the horse to be allowed to compete at all.
When should I book an appointment for a vaccination before traveling abroad?
Are you planning a trip across borders? Vaccination before traveling abroad requires planning ahead! To bring an animal into most EU countries, a valid rabies vaccine is required. The most important thing to remember is that the rabies vaccine has a mandatory waiting period (withdrawal period) of 21 days before it becomes valid in the passport. Therefore, contact us at least one month before departure so that we can arrange rabies vaccination, possible deworming against dwarf tapeworm and ensure that your EU pet passport is filled out correctly.
Documentation and how a vaccination is done
The documentation is the only legal proof that your animal has adequate infection protection.
- Clinical health check before the injection: We listen to the heart and lungs to ensure that the animal is fully healthy before vaccination.
- Medical history & previous reactions: We investigate whether the animal has shown signs of allergy or side effects on previous occasions.
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Analysis of vaccination status and passport:
We review current certificates to ensure that no intervals or waiting periods have been violated. - Diagnostic imaging and referral if necessary: If we suspect a disease that prevents vaccination, we refer you directly to our clinic.
Side effects of vaccines – what can happen after the injection?
One of the most common searches we see from worried pet owners is regarding vaccine side effects. It is important to know that all vaccines stimulate the immune system, which can sometimes cause temporary, mild reactions, just like in humans.
Common reactions of dogs and cats
The animal may become a little extra tired, sleep deeply that night and sometimes feel a slight tenderness (like a small swollen lump) under the skin in the neck where the injection was given. This is harmless. However, if the animal vomits violently, has severe facial swelling or has difficulty breathing within the first few hours, this is an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and you must contact an animal emergency department immediately.
The horse's reactions and rest after the injection
Horses can also feel the effects of their vaccination. A very common side effect is that the horse becomes stiff in the neck muscle (or chest muscle) where the injection was given and may experience a low-grade fever and lethargy during the first day.
Rest and riding: In order for the immune system to build up the maximum amount of antibodies in peace and quiet, we recommend that the horse takes it easy for 3 to 4 days after vaccination. Light walking and normal outdoor rides in the forest are fine, but avoid sweaty maximum performances, competitions and heart rate-raising lactic acid training for the very first week.
Prognosis and the importance of herd immunity
Vaccinating is not just about the health of your own animal, but about a vital collective responsibility. Regular vaccination provides the absolute best conditions for a long, healthy and infection-free life for all of our animals.
- Strong protection: Correct vaccination provides very strong and long-lasting protection against life-threatening viruses.
- Herd immunity: A high vaccination rate in society effectively protects the weakest and unvaccinated young individuals.
- Safe travels: A correctly completed passport ensures that the animal can travel, stay in a boarding house or compete.
Protection against deadly outbreaks
Thanks to the fact that a large majority of Swedish pet owners strictly follow recommended vaccination schedules, terrible diseases such as distemper and feline distemper are now relatively rare in the country. However, experience shows that as soon as the number of vaccinated animals drops in a specific area, these extremely contagious and often fatal diseases inevitably flare up again, affecting the unvaccinated and weakest animals.
Long-term security
A quick home visit or drop-in visit for a vaccination gives you enormous peace of mind. You know that your friend has the absolute best medical conditions to cope with a possible infection outdoors and have a healthy, long and active life by your side.
Self-check – do you have a valid vaccination certificate?
Avoid unpleasant surprises (such as a ban on starting an expensive competition or canceled trips at customs) by doing a quick self-check of your animal's papers at home:
- Find the last stamp: Scroll to the last page of your vaccination card or passport and look at the veterinarian's latest date.
- Read the validity period: Does it say "Valid until" or "Valid until"? If the prescribed date has passed, even by just one day, the vaccination is invalid in official contexts (such as at border controls or horse races).
- Horse vaccines and leap years: Are you competing with your horse? Remember that the flu vaccine must be taken within exactly 365 days. A leap year has 366 days, which means that the calendar date is moved forward - count the days carefully!
Prevention – routines for a germ-free environment
In addition to the syringe itself, there is a lot you can do in everyday life to prevent the spread of infection.
- Isolation of new animals: Always keep new animals in quarantine for a couple of weeks to ensure they are not carrying any hidden infections.
- Dry the paws: Dry the unvaccinated puppy's paws thoroughly after being outdoors, as dangerous viruses can survive for a long time in soil.
- Do not share equipment: Never use the same water bowls, halters or brushes for unknown animals at competitions and exhibitions.
Cost, insurance and compensation
Vaccinating is an investment in your pet's future health. We are happy to help you keep up with your vaccination schedule, but the cost of prophylactic (preventive) care is always covered privately.
Vaccination (Dog, Cat & Horse)
The annual booster or basic vaccination given to build and maintain the animal's immune system.
Not covered by insurance
No, preventive care and vaccinations are generally never covered by veterinary care insurance.
To think about
If you have several animals at home or a whole litter of puppies, you will of course only pay a single delivery fee when we come to your home, which makes the home visit very affordable!
Price from:
650/kr
Annual revaccination dog/cat
SEK 650 per dose
Rabies vaccine
SEK 750 per dose
Stable visit registration fee
from 950 SEK
Equine influenza/Tetanus in horses
SEK 650 per dose
Delivery fee (for prophylactic home visits)
450 SEK (evening 550 SEK)
30+ years
experience
200k+
Visit
What is meant by a basic vaccination?
A primary vaccination is the very first series of shots a young animal (puppy, kitten or foal) receives to build up its initial immune system. It almost always consists of two to three doses spaced a few weeks apart, with a final booster at around one year of age.
What is the difference between a revaccination and a booster vaccine?
A revaccination simply means topping up an existing basic protection before it expires. A booster vaccine is essentially the same thing, but is often used as a term for the annual top-up (for example, nasal drops against kennel cough) that ”boosts” and helps maintain the immune system during the infection season.
Will I receive an EU pet passport immediately upon vaccination?
We can do this, but it is not standard to issue a passport in connection with vaccination. The easiest way is for you to book an appointment for the issuance of a passport and rabies vaccination before a trip abroad (at home, at the Östermalm clinic or at a reception), we have blank, official EU passports with us. Provided that the animal is microchipped (we can also chip on site), we will fill out and hand over the passport to you during the visit. If you find that you need an EU passport during the vaccination, we can usually issue it in connection with the vaccination.
What happens if my dog or horse has serious side effects from the vaccine?
Severe side effects, such as acute anaphylactic shock with severe swelling and difficulty breathing, are extremely rare but can occur. If this happens, you must immediately go to the nearest open animal hospital. Mild side effects (fatigue and local tenderness) are harmless and usually go away on their own within a day.
How does drop-in dog vaccination work at VetAtHome?
Our home visit service is booking-based. However, at our physical partner clinics (including inside Arken Zoo in Kungens Kurva, Odenplan, Boländerna and Askim) we often offer very flexible drop-in times for vaccinations. See our current opening hours and when our veterinarians are on site on the website!
What happens if I miss the last date in my vaccination schedule?
For a pet dog or indoor cat, this usually just means that we give a new injection and the protection is back on the track. For competition horses, however, it is a bigger problem; if you exceed 365 days by a single day, the horse is banned from competing and you must, according to the competition regulations, start the entire basic vaccination course (A+B+C) from scratch.
Can I order vaccination at home for my entire litter of puppies?
Of course! Home visits are the absolute best for unvaccinated puppy or kitten litters prior to delivery. We come to your home, perform a thorough inspection, microchip and give the entire litter their first basic vaccination without exposing them to life-threatening infections in a car or at a clinic.
Is vaccination required before traveling abroad even if we are only going to Norway?
If you are traveling from Sweden to Norway with a dog, a rabies vaccine is usually not required according to the regulations. However, dogs must have a valid deworming certificate (against dwarf tapeworm) stamped in their passport by a veterinarian no earlier than 120 hours and no later than 24 hours before you cross the border.
What do I do if I lose my vaccination certificate or vaccination card?
If your pet has been vaccinated by us before, we have everything safely saved and documented in your pet's electronic record. We can then issue you a new certificate, or fill in your new book retroactively. If the vaccine was given at another clinic, you will unfortunately have to contact them for proof.
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.
