Puppy Vaccination Schedule — Complete Guide for New Owners
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time — but vaccinations are one of the most important things you need to plan for. Missing a vaccine or getting the timing wrong can leave your puppy dangerously unprotected during their most vulnerable weeks.
When Should Puppy Vaccines Start?
Puppies receive some immunity from their mother's milk, but this fades between 6 and 12 weeks. Vaccinations typically start at 6–8 weeks of age to bridge this gap. The exact timing depends on your puppy's breed size and your vet's protocol.
Core Vaccines Every Puppy Needs
The DHPP vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) is given in a series starting at 6–8 weeks and repeated every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. This is the most important vaccine series for any puppy anywhere in the world.
Rabies Vaccine
In the USA and Canada, the Rabies vaccine is legally required and is given at 12–16 weeks. In the UK and Australia, Rabies vaccination is only required for dogs travelling internationally. Our schedule automatically adjusts for your country.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
The Bordetella vaccine protects against kennel cough — a highly contagious respiratory infection. It is strongly recommended if your puppy will attend puppy classes, dog parks, boarding kennels or grooming salons.
What Happens After the Puppy Series?
Once the initial puppy vaccine series is complete at around 16 weeks, your dog will need booster vaccinations. Most core vaccines are boosted at 1 year, then every 1–3 years for life depending on the vaccine and your vet's recommendations.