For urgent problems during office hours, contact a local clinic in Kerava or nearby Järvenpää or Tuusula. At night and on weekends, the nearest around the clock services are usually in Vantaa or Helsinki. The University of Helsinki Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Viikki and large private animal hospitals in the capital region handle emergencies. Call the clinic before you leave so they can triage and advise. Bring your pet’s microchip number, any medications, and recent records. If poisoning is suspected, contact the Poison Information Centre for guidance while you arrange transport. HSL trains and buses allow pets, but a car or taxi is often faster. To find current emergency options, search online for a duty veterinarian in Vantaa or Helsinki and check opening hours.

Dogs in Finland must be identified with a microchip and registered in the Finnish Food Authority dog register. You can register online using strong identification through the Suomi.fi service, or ask your veterinarian to help when they implant the chip. Breeders usually create the first record, but the new owner must ensure the dog is registered in their name within the official deadline. Keep vaccination certificates and, if you travel, an EU pet passport. There is no municipal dog tax in Kerava. Clean up after your dog and follow leash rules in public areas. Identification and registration requirements for cats are being phased in under the new animal welfare law. Check the Finnish Food Authority and the City of Kerava pages for the current timetable and instructions.

Ticks are active from spring to late autumn in Uusimaa, so use a veterinarian approved tick preventive and check your pet daily after walks. Avoid long grass and check ears, armpits and toes. Blue green algae blooms can appear in summer lakes and rivers. Do not let dogs swim or drink if the water looks green and soupy. In spring adders warm on sunny rocks, so keep dogs close and seek veterinary advice promptly after a bite. Winter brings road salt and ice that irritate paws. Rinse and dry feet, and use paw balm or booties if needed. Keep core vaccinations current and discuss deworming if your dog hunts or eats rodents. Ask your local vet about the best schedule for Kerava.

Kerava has signposted dog parks and fenced off leash areas that the city lists on its map service. In built up areas dogs must be on a leash. Under the national hunting law there is a leash season from 1 March to 19 August to protect wildlife. Keep dogs off children’s playgrounds and sports fields, and always pick up waste. Nearby nature areas such as Sipoonkorpi National Park require dogs to be leashed all year. HSL allows pets on trains and buses. Keep your dog on a short leash or in a carrier, use the designated pet section when available, and avoid seats marked for allergy sensitive passengers. For current details, check Kerava city pages and HSL travel guidelines before you go.

Start with reputable Finnish rescue organizations that operate in the capital region, such as well known animal welfare associations, and check that the group is a registered association in the Finnish register. The municipality arranges reception for stray animals, so ask Kerava’s environmental health or supervising veterinarian how to proceed if you have found a pet. A good adoption includes a microchip, vaccinations, deworming and a written contract. For affordable care, look for seasonal vaccination days, package pricing for spay and neuter, and non profit campaigns. Some clinics offer payment plans or accept pet insurance. The University of Helsinki hospital is a specialist center, not automatically cheaper. Verify prices and what is included on the clinic’s website or by phone before booking.