Which vaccinations do cats and dogs need, and is neutering compulsory?
Dogs should always be vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus and leptospirosis; cats against feline panleukopenia and cat flu. Rabies vaccination is essential for travel. In Berlin, cats that go outdoors must be neutered, microchipped and registered.
In Germany, vaccination recommendations for pets are published by the veterinary vaccination commission StIKo Vet. They divide vaccines into core vaccines recommended for every animal and additional vaccines depending on the animal's lifestyle.
Dogs: The core vaccines are distemper (Staupe), parvovirus (Parvovirose) and leptospirosis (Leptospirose). Puppies are usually vaccinated at 8, 12 and 16 weeks and at 15 months, followed by boosters. The leptospirosis vaccine is repeated every year.
Cats: The core vaccines are feline panleukopenia (Katzenseuche) and cat flu (Katzenschnupfen). They're recommended for indoor cats too, because the virus can be carried in on shoes and clothes.
Rabies: Since rabies no longer occurs in land animals in Germany, the rabies vaccine isn't one of the core vaccines for every animal. But it's essential for any animal travelling abroad, especially to Turkey. Shelters and boarding kennels often require it too.
Neutering cats: Berlin has a cat protection regulation (Katzenschutzverordnung). Under it, cats that go outdoors must be neutered, identified by microchip or tattoo, and registered. This doesn't apply to indoor-only cats.
Neutering dogs: There's no general neutering requirement for dogs in Berlin. Talk to your vet about whether and when it makes sense.
Registration: Also register your cat's or dog's chip number with a free lost-pet register such as TASSO or FINDEFIX; it makes it easier to find your pet if it gets lost.
Where you can get help
- Bezirksamt Treptow-Köpenick: Reisen mit Heimtieren
Documents needed for pets travelling within the EU and returning to Germany from outside the EU; official information from a Berlin district veterinary office.
- Tierheim Berlin
Berlin's largest animal shelter: cats, dogs and small animals looking for a home, and how adoption works.
This information is based on community experience and is not legal advice. Rules can change; check important things with the responsible office.