💉 Vaccinations in Germany:
Schedule & Costs
German vaccination advice may differ from what you knew at home, starting with the fact that rabies is no longer considered a core vaccine here. This guide covers what dogs and cats in Germany actually need, when, and what each visit will cost you.
Who Decides? Meet the StIKo Vet
German vets follow the recommendations of the StIKo Vet (Standing Committee on Veterinary Vaccination at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut). Its guidance splits vaccines into core (every animal, always) and non-core (depends on lifestyle and risk). Nothing is legally mandatory for pets that stay in Germany, but the core set is treated as standard care by every practice.
The Dog Schedule (Puppy to Adult)
Core for dogs: distemper (Staupe), parvovirus, hepatitis (HCC), leptospirosis. The standard puppy series:
| Age | What is given |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | First combo jab (distemper, parvo, HCC, lepto) |
| 12 weeks | Second combo; rabies possible from now if travel is planned |
| 16 weeks | Third combo round |
| 15 months | Final primary booster; the puppy series is complete |
| Adult | Lepto yearly; distemper/parvo/HCC every 3 years |
Non-core options your vet may suggest depending on lifestyle: kennel cough (Zwingerhusten, sensible before boarding or dog school), Lyme borreliosis, and leishmaniasis for southern-Europe travel. See also our tick season guide for why parasite prevention matters as much as jabs here.
The Cat Schedule (Kitten to Adult)
Core for cats: panleukopenia (Katzenseuche) and the cat flu complex (Katzenschnupfen: herpesvirus + calicivirus). Outdoor cats usually add feline leukemia (FeLV).
| Age | What is given |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | First RCP combo (flu + panleukopenia) |
| 12 weeks | Second RCP; FeLV first dose for future outdoor cats |
| 16 weeks | Third round where recommended |
| 15 months | Final primary booster |
| Adult | Flu components yearly to every 2 years; panleukopenia every 3 years |
Indoor-only cat? It still needs the core set: panleukopenia virus is tough enough to arrive on your shoes. Your vet can stretch booster intervals based on risk, which is exactly the conversation that is easier with an English-speaking vet.
The Rabies Surprise
Germany has been officially free of terrestrial rabies since 2008, so the StIKo Vet no longer lists rabies as a core vaccine for pets that never leave the country. But the moment you cross any border with your pet, a valid rabies vaccination is legally required as part of the EU pet passport. Since the first dose must be given at least 21 days before travel, most expats (who travel by definition) simply keep it current. One jab, roughly 50-70 EUR all-in, renewed per the vaccine's licensed interval.
What It All Costs
Every vaccination visit is billed as GOT items: the examination (23.62 EUR net base), the injection (11.50 EUR net base), and the vaccine itself, all times the practice's multiplier, plus VAT. In practice:
Exam + jab + vaccine at typical 1x-2x rates
Spread over the first 16 weeks plus the 15-month booster
RCP series; add FeLV for outdoor cats
Combined components, one appointment per year
How those numbers come about is covered in our GOT fee schedule guide. Note that most standard health insurance policies treat vaccinations as preventive care and exclude them; premium policies often contribute a yearly preventive budget instead (details in the insurance guide).
FAQ: Pet Vaccinations in Germany
How much does a dog vaccination cost in Germany?+
A single vaccination visit typically costs 50 to 90 EUR: the GOT examination fee plus the injection fee plus the vaccine itself. A puppy's full primary series across three to four visits adds up to roughly 150 to 300 EUR.
Are any vaccinations legally required in Germany?+
No vaccination is legally mandatory for pets living in Germany. Rabies becomes mandatory the moment you cross a border with your pet, since a valid rabies vaccination is a condition of the EU pet passport. Some dog schools, boarding kennels, and dog parks require proof of core vaccinations.
Is the rabies vaccine still recommended for pets in Germany?+
Germany has been free of terrestrial rabies since 2008, and the StIKo Vet no longer lists rabies as a core vaccine for pets that stay inside the country. It is required for any cross-border travel. Most owners who ever plan to travel keep it current.
What are the core vaccines for dogs in Germany?+
The StIKo Vet core vaccines for dogs are distemper (Staupe), parvovirus (Parvovirose), infectious canine hepatitis (HCC), and leptospirosis. For cats they are feline panleukopenia (Katzenseuche) and the cat flu complex of herpesvirus and calicivirus (Katzenschnupfen).
How often do adult pets need boosters in Germany?+
It depends on the component: leptospirosis needs a yearly booster, while distemper, parvo, and HCC are typically boosted every three years after the primary series. Vets combine components so most adult dogs still have one vaccination appointment per year, usually 50 to 90 EUR.
Get the schedule right, in a language you understand
Which non-core vaccines make sense for YOUR pet is a judgment call. Have that conversation with a vet who speaks English.
Browse English-Speaking Vets →