In Helsinki, the University of Helsinki Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Viikki provides 24 hour emergency care for dogs, cats and other small pets. Call ahead if you can so the team can prepare and advise on waiting times and triage. During weekday office hours you can also contact city veterinarians or private clinics for urgent issues. Bring your pet’s medical records and any medication list. Use a taxi or rideshare if you do not have a car and tell the driver you have an animal. For a found or injured stray, take it to the city contracted lost animal shelter or check the City of Helsinki website by searching lost animals Helsinki. For wildlife, follow city guidance and do not handle large animals.

Dogs must be microchipped and registered in Finland’s national dog register run by the Finnish Food Authority. Register online with Suomi.fi identification or use a paper form if you lack Finnish electronic IDs. Fees, deadlines and instructions are on the Authority’s site. For cats, a national identification and registration requirement is being phased in, so check the current timetable there. In Helsinki, dogs are kept on a leash in built-up areas and on streets and parks, except in fenced dog parks and designated dog beaches. Keep dogs out of playgrounds and regular public beaches, and always pick up waste. During spring nesting season, leash rules are tighter in nature areas to protect wildlife. Confirm details on the City of Helsinki pages.

From spring to late autumn, ticks are common in southern Finland. Use preventives as advised by your vet and check the coat and ear area daily after walks. In late summer, blue green algae can bloom in sea bays and ponds. Keep dogs out when warnings are posted, rinse the coat, and seek care if there is vomiting or lethargy. Winter cold and road salt irritate paws. Try booties and paw balm, rinse off salt and dry thoroughly. Small or short haired dogs benefit from layers and shorter walks in severe cold. Dark months call for reflectors and lights. Urban hazards include rat poison, antifreeze in garages and sharp ice, so keep dogs leashed outside fenced areas. For current tick and algae alerts, check city and national environment sites.

Helsinki has many fenced dog parks where dogs can run off leash. Search the city map for dog park to find one near you and check if there are separate areas for small dogs. The city also maintains designated dog beaches where swimming is allowed for dogs, but dogs are not allowed on regular public beaches. Keep your dog on a leash on streets, paths and in open parks. Clean up every time. On HSL buses, trams, metro and commuter trains, pets travel with you without an extra ticket. Keep them on leash or in a carrier, off the seats and away from marked allergy areas. Cafes and shops set their own policies, so look for signs or ask before entering. Always respect posted rules for nature reserves.

Start with recommendations from your current vet, local owners and rescue groups. Check that the clinic provides the services you need and that emergency arrangements are clear. The Finnish Veterinary Association lists clinics, and large providers publish opening hours and prices on their sites. For grooming, ask how they handle drying, breaks and difficult dogs, and whether a vet is involved if sedation is ever needed. For boarding, confirm vaccination requirements, daily routine, staff presence at night and how they handle medical issues. Visit the facility in person when possible. During summer holidays and Christmas, many places book up early or reduce hours, so plan ahead. You can verify permits and animal welfare compliance of kennels on the Regional State Administrative Agencies website or by asking the operator for proof.