When should a puppy have its first vaccination in the UK?

Puppies should have their first vaccination at a minimum of 8 weeks of age. This first jab covers the three core diseases: Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2), and Canine Adenovirus (CAV). Most UK vets also include Leptospirosis in the primary course.

How many vaccinations does a puppy need?

Most puppies need two or three vaccinations in their primary course. If the first jab is given before 10 weeks of age, a third vaccination is required at 16 weeks. If the first vaccination is given at 10 weeks or later, only two injections are needed. This is followed by a first annual booster 12 months after the final puppy jab.

Can my puppy go outside before vaccinations?

Puppies are not considered fully protected until approximately two weeks after their final vaccination. However, you can carry them in areas where the risk of infection is low, and they can visit gardens belonging to fully vaccinated adult dogs. Your vet will advise on what is safe in your local area.

What does the puppy vaccination cover?

The core puppy vaccination covers Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2), and Canine Adenovirus (CAV). Most UK vets also include Leptospirosis as part of the primary course. Kennel Cough vaccination is not part of the core course but is recommended annually for dogs that visit kennels, training classes, or dog parks.

How often does my dog need booster vaccinations?

Your dog needs a booster 12 months after the final puppy vaccination. After that, CDV, CPV-2, and CAV are boosted every 3 years. Leptospirosis requires an annual booster as its duration of immunity is shorter. Your vet may also recommend an annual kennel cough vaccine. Always follow your vet's specific advice.

Does my dog need kennel cough vaccination?

Kennel Cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza) vaccination is not part of the core vaccination course but is strongly recommended for dogs that visit kennels, training classes, dog parks, or doggy daycares. Most boarding kennels in the UK require a valid kennel cough vaccination as a condition of entry. It is given as a nasal drop and typically boosted annually.

How much does dog vaccination cost in the UK?

The primary puppy vaccination course typically costs between £60 and £100. Annual boosters are generally £40 to £80. Kennel Cough vaccination costs approximately £25 to £45. These are general estimates — prices vary by vet practice and region. Always ask your vet for a quote.

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Puppy Vaccination Planner

Enter your dog's breed and date of birth to get a personalised vaccination, worming, and health schedule based on current UK veterinary guidelines.

Please note: This planner is based on standard UK veterinary guidelines. Your vet may recommend a slightly different schedule based on your dog's individual health. Always follow your vet's advice.

Vaccination questions answered

Common questions from UK puppy owners, answered using current veterinary guidelines.

When should a puppy have its first vaccination in the UK?: Puppies should have their first vaccination at a minimum of 8 weeks of age. This first jab covers the three core diseases: Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2), and Canine Adenovirus (CAV). Most UK vets also include Leptospirosis in the primary course.
How many vaccinations does a puppy need?: Most puppies need two or three vaccinations in their primary course. If the first jab is given before 10 weeks of age, a third vaccination is required at 16 weeks. If the first vaccination is given at 10 weeks or later, only two injections are needed. This is followed by a first annual booster 12 months after the final puppy jab.
Can my puppy go outside before vaccinations?: Puppies are not considered fully protected until approximately two weeks after their final vaccination. However, you can carry them in areas where the risk of infection is low, and they can visit gardens belonging to fully vaccinated adult dogs. Your vet will advise on what is safe in your local area.
What does the puppy vaccination cover?: The core puppy vaccination covers Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2), and Canine Adenovirus (CAV). Most UK vets also include Leptospirosis as part of the primary course. Kennel Cough vaccination is not part of the core course but is recommended annually for dogs that visit kennels, training classes, or dog parks.
How often does my dog need booster vaccinations?: Your dog needs a booster 12 months after the final puppy vaccination. After that, CDV, CPV-2, and CAV are boosted every 3 years. Leptospirosis requires an annual booster as its duration of immunity is shorter. Your vet may also recommend an annual kennel cough vaccine. Always follow your vet's specific advice.
Does my dog need kennel cough vaccination?: Kennel Cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza) vaccination is not part of the core vaccination course but is strongly recommended for dogs that visit kennels, training classes, dog parks, or doggy daycares. Most boarding kennels in the UK require a valid kennel cough vaccination as a condition of entry. It is given as a nasal drop and typically boosted annually.
How much does dog vaccination cost in the UK?: The primary puppy vaccination course typically costs between £60 and £100. Annual boosters are generally £40 to £80. Kennel Cough vaccination costs approximately £25 to £45. These are general estimates — prices vary by vet practice and region. Always ask your vet for a quote.

Sources: WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) vaccination guidelines; UK veterinary consensus protocols. This information is correct to the best of our knowledge but is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.