What vaccinations does my dog need in Germany?

Vaccination schedule for dogs in Germany - required vs. recommended

Vaccination basics for dog parents

Vaccinations protect your dog against serious, sometimes fatal diseases. In Germany there is no legal vaccination requirement for dogs - with one exception: a rabies vaccination is often mandatory or a precondition for travel abroad and for certain facilities such as boarding kennels. The STIKO Vet (the standing veterinary vaccination commission) issues clear recommendations that count as the standard.

Core vaccinations: recommended for every dog

The STIKO Vet distinguishes between core and non-core vaccinations. Core vaccinations are recommended for every dog, regardless of lifestyle or region:

Distemper (Staupe): a highly contagious, often fatal viral disease. There is no specific treatment, so vaccination is the only effective protection.

Parvovirus: especially dangerous for puppies. It causes severe gastrointestinal illness and has a high mortality rate without treatment.

Infectious canine hepatitis (HCC): a viral disease of the liver that can be acutely fatal.

These three core vaccinations are often given as a combined shot (SHP). Puppies receive a basic immunisation, followed by a booster every three years.

Non-core vaccinations: depending on your dog's lifestyle

Leptospirosis: one of the most important non-core vaccinations in Germany - in practice almost a standard. Leptospirosis is spread through contaminated water (puddles, rivers) and can seriously damage the kidneys and liver. An annual booster is needed.

Rabies: Germany has been free of rabies since 2008, but the vaccination is mandatory for travel abroad and for many boarding kennels and pet hotels. It is given from three months of age and boosted every one to three years.

Kennel cough (Bordetella + parainfluenza): recommended for dogs that have a lot of contact with other dogs - dog school, shelters, boarding kennels. Boosted annually.

Babesiosis (dog malaria): increasingly relevant in Germany as tick populations spread. A vaccination is possible, especially for dogs travelling to southern Europe.

Use your prevention budget: get vaccination costs reimbursed

Vaccinations are not cheap in Germany: an annual combination shot costs between 40 and 100 euros. With the prevention budget at Lassie (35 to 140 euros a year, depending on the tariff) you can have these costs reimbursed in full or in part. That makes your health insurance valuable not only in an emergency, but already at the yearly vet visit.