ForTheBreed
Health

UK puppy vaccination schedule

What vaccinations your puppy actually needs, when, and what they cost. Including the vaccines that are optional and why some vets still recommend them.

ForTheBreed Editorial
Published · Updated

This guide draws on veterinary research, UK vet data, and PDSA/BVA publications. ForTheBreed has no commercial relationships with any product or service mentioned.

Core vaccines: what every UK puppy needs

Distemper
Essential — rare but fatal
Hepatitis
Essential — liver/kidney damage
Parvovirus
Essential — high mortality rate
Leptospirosis
Essential — zoonotic risk

These four diseases form the core vaccination protocol (sometimes called DHPPi+L). Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus are combined in a single injection. Leptospirosis is given separately. Most puppies receive two rounds of injections to complete the primary course.

The standard UK schedule

8 weeks
First DHP + Lepto injection. Often already done by the breeder.
10–12 weeks
Second DHP + Lepto injection. Full protection kicks in 1–2 weeks later.
Annual
Booster — not all components need annual re-vaccination. Your vet will advise based on titre testing.

Note: Some practices now offer 10-week second vaccinations (rather than 12 weeks) to bring forward the safe exercise date during the critical socialisation window.

Kennel cough (non-core but widely recommended)

Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica + parainfluenza) is a highly contagious respiratory infection. The "dog cold" that spreads rapidly in kennels, grooming parlours, and doggy daycare.

Recommended for dogs that will:

  • Go into kennels or doggy daycare
  • Attend training classes or dog shows
  • Have regular contact with many other dogs in the park

The vaccine is given as nose drops (not an injection) and can be given from 3 weeks of age. Many kennels require this vaccine. It provides protection for 12 months.

Rabies (travel only)

Rabies vaccination is not required for UK-resident dogs. It is required for dogs travelling to Europe or internationally under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). After Brexit, dogs travelling to EU countries need a valid rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate. Check DEFRA guidance for current requirements.

Titre testing: an alternative to automatic boosters

Titre testing measures the level of protective antibodies in the blood. If a dog has sufficient antibody levels, the booster for that component may not be necessary that year.

Available from many UK vets, titre testing can reduce the number of injections some dogs receive. However, some veterinary practices and insurers still require annual vaccination records regardless of titre results. Check before relying on titre testing alone.

Vaccination costs UK

Primary course
£60–£120
Annual booster
£40–£80
Kennel cough
£20–£40
Rabies (travel)
£30–£60
Titre test
£60–£100

Prices are higher in London and the South East. Independent practices are often cheaper than corporate chains. Pet insurance does not cover vaccination as it's classed as preventative care.

What to do before vaccinations are complete

Don't sacrifice the socialisation window while waiting for full vaccination. Current guidance from the BVA supports:

  • Carrying puppies in public places (no ground contact)
  • Visiting friends and family with vaccinated, healthy dogs
  • Attending puppy classes that require all attendees to be vaccinated
  • Car journeys, pet-friendly shops, markets

Avoid: dog parks, areas where unknown dogs exercise, kennels, and anywhere Parvovirus risk is known to be elevated.