Pet Health & Finding Vets in Czech Republic

The Czech Veterinary System

Veterinary care in the Czech Republic is regulated by the Czech Veterinary Chamber (Komora veterinarních lékaru CR), which oversees the licensing and professional standards of all practising veterinarians. Czech vets complete a six-year university degree at one of two veterinary faculties: the University of Veterinary Sciences Brno (VFU Brno) or the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.

The standard of care in Czech Republic is generally comparable to other EU countries. Major cities like Prague and Brno have specialist referral centres with advanced diagnostic equipment including MRI, CT scanning, and specialist surgeons.

How to Find a Good Vet in Czech Republic

Finding a veterinarian you trust is one of the most important decisions you will make as a pet owner. Here are practical steps for finding a reliable clinic.

Ask for Recommendations

Personal recommendations from other pet owners in your neighbourhood or building are often the most reliable way to find a good vet. Czech dog owners are generally happy to share their experiences, and local Facebook groups for pet owners in Prague or other cities can be a useful resource.

Check the Czech Veterinary Chamber Directory

The Czech Veterinary Chamber maintains a directory of registered veterinary practices at komvet.cz. You can search by location and specialty. All listed practices are licensed and regulated.

What to Look for in a Clinic

• Clean, well-maintained facilities
• Willingness to explain diagnoses and treatment options clearly
• Transparent pricing before procedures
• Access to diagnostic equipment or referral network
• English-speaking staff if you are not fluent in Czech

What to Expect at a Vet Appointment

Czech veterinary appointments follow a similar structure to those in other European countries. A standard consultation typically lasts 20-30 minutes and includes:

• Weight check and body condition assessment
• Physical examination including eyes, ears, teeth, and abdomen
• Review of vaccination status and any outstanding boosters
• Discussion of any concerns you have raised
• Parasite prevention recommendations

Costs of Veterinary Care in Czech Republic

Veterinary costs in Czech Republic are generally lower than in Western Europe but have been rising in recent years. Approximate costs for common procedures in Prague (prices vary by clinic):

• Standard consultation: 400-800 CZK
• Annual vaccination: 500-900 CZK including consultation
• Blood test panel: 800-1,500 CZK
• Spay or neuter: 2,500-6,000 CZK depending on size and sex
• Dental cleaning under anaesthesia: 3,000-7,000 CZK
• X-ray: 600-1,200 CZK

Preventive Health Care Schedule

Prevention is significantly more cost-effective than treatment. Following a regular preventive care schedule reduces the risk of serious illness and catches problems early when they are easier and cheaper to treat.

Puppies and Kittens (0-12 months)

• First vaccination at 6-8 weeks (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis for dogs; calicivirus, herpesvirus, panleukopenia for cats)
• Booster vaccinations at 10-12 weeks and 14-16 weeks
• Rabies vaccination at 12 weeks (legally required for dogs)
• Microchipping recommended before 12 weeks
• Parasite treatment (roundworm, flea prevention)
• Spay or neuter discussion with your vet at 5-6 months

Adult Pets (1-7 years)

• Annual health examination
• Annual or triennial boosters depending on vaccine type
• Rabies booster as required by Czech law
• Annual fecal parasite screening
• Monthly or seasonal flea and tick prevention (ticks active March-November in Czech forests)
• Dental assessment - professional cleaning every 1-3 years as needed

Senior Pets (7+ years)

• Twice-yearly health examinations
• Annual blood and urine screening to detect kidney, liver, or thyroid issues early
• Blood pressure monitoring for cats (hypertension common in older cats)
• Joint health assessment for dogs (arthritis common in larger breeds)
• Dietary adjustments for age-related changes

Emergency Veterinary Care in Czech Republic

Veterinary emergencies can happen at any time. It is worth knowing where your nearest emergency clinic is before you need it.

Emergency Clinics in Prague

Prague has several 24-hour emergency veterinary clinics. The largest and most well-equipped is the University Veterinary Hospital at the Czech University of Life Sciences (Klinika malych zvirat, Kamycka 129, Prague 6), which operates around the clock and has specialist departments for surgery, internal medicine, and critical care.

Signs That Require Immediate Veterinary Attention

• Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing in cats
• Collapse or inability to stand
• Suspected poisoning (antifreeze, rodenticide, xylitol)
• Bloated abdomen with distress (particularly in large dogs)
• Urinary blockage (straining to urinate with no output, especially in male cats)
• Seizures lasting more than two minutes
• Severe bleeding that does not stop with pressure
• Eye injuries or sudden vision loss

Pet Insurance in Czech Republic

Pet insurance is available in the Czech Republic through several providers including Kooperativa, Allianz, and specialist pet insurers. Coverage typically includes accident and illness treatment, with optional add-ons for routine care. Given the rising cost of specialist veterinary procedures, insurance is worth considering particularly for breeds prone to hereditary conditions or for owners who want financial predictability.

For more information on day-to-day dog care, see our Dog Care Guide, or for cat-specific nutrition advice, visit our Cat Nutrition Tips article.

Last updated: February 2026