Dog Vaccinations & UK Health Schedule
A practical UK reference to core and non-core vaccines, puppy timing, booster intervals, titre testing and travel requirements — aligned with WSAVA, BSAVA and PDSA guidance.
Last reviewed: May 2026
Why vaccinate
UK vaccination protocols follow WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) global guidelines, adapted by the BSAVA for British conditions — most importantly, the higher background risk of leptospirosis carried by rats and standing water in our climate. Vaccination protects your dog, herd-immunity protects others, and lepto in particular is zoonotic (it can infect humans).
Core vaccines (every UK dog)
| Vaccine | Disease | Puppy course | Booster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distemper (CDV) | Fatal viral, neurological + respiratory | 8, 10, 12 weeks | Every 3 years |
| Parvovirus (CPV) | Severe gastroenteritis, often fatal in puppies | 8, 10, 12 weeks | Every 3 years |
| Adenovirus / Hepatitis (CAV) | Liver disease | 8, 10, 12 weeks | Every 3 years |
| Leptospirosis (L4) | Bacterial, zoonotic, kidney/liver damage | 8 and 12 weeks | Annually |
"DHP" covers Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus and is typically given as a single combined injection. "L4" is the four-strain leptospirosis vaccine that has replaced the older L2 in most UK practices.
Non-core (risk based)
| Vaccine | Type | Recommended for | Booster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennel cough (Bordetella + Parainfluenza) | Intranasal or injectable | Boarding, daycare, shows | Annually |
| Rabies | Required for pet travel under AHC scheme | Travel abroad / import | Every 3 years |
| Canine herpesvirus | Breeding bitches only | Breeding kennels | Per pregnancy |
| Lyme disease | Areas with high tick burden | Working/rural dogs | Annually |
Puppy schedule
| Age | What happens | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First vet check, deworming | Microchip can be done |
| 8 weeks | 1st vaccination (DHP + L) | — |
| 10–12 weeks | 2nd vaccination (DHP + L) | Allow 1 week before socialising |
| 16 weeks | Optional 3rd parvo booster (high-risk breeds) | — |
| 6 months | Neutering window opens (breed dependent) | Discuss with vet |
| 12 months | First annual booster | Lepto annual, DHP triennial |
Puppies can safely meet vaccinated adult dogs at home from week one. Full socialisation in public spaces should wait one week after the second vaccination — typically around 13 weeks of age.
Adult dogs and boosters
Under current WSAVA guidance, core DHP boosters are needed only every three years, but leptospirosis requires an annual top-up. Your annual vet visit usually combines the lepto booster with a health check, weight and dental review.
Titre testing
A blood titre measures antibody levels for distemper, hepatitis and parvo. If protective levels are detected you can skip the DHP booster that year. Lepto and kennel cough cannot be reliably titre-tested and still require their normal schedule.
Travel and rabies
To travel out of the UK with your dog you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) plus a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. The dog must be microchipped before the rabies dose. Some destinations also require a tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before re-entry.
Costs (UK averages)
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Puppy primary course (2 visits) | £60–90 |
| Annual booster | £40–70 |
| Kennel cough (intranasal) | £25–45 |
| Rabies vaccine | £40–80 |
| Titre test (DHP) | £60–120 |
| Pet health plan (monthly) | £12–25 |
Many practices offer pet health plans that spread vaccinations, flea/worm treatment and routine checks across the year. The PDSA and RSPCA offer subsidised vaccinations for owners on means-tested benefits.
Side effects
Most dogs show no reaction. Mild lethargy or a small lump at the injection site for 24–48 hours is normal. Contact your vet immediately if you see facial swelling, vomiting, collapse or hives — true anaphylaxis is rare but treatable.
Resources
- BSAVA — British Small Animal Veterinary Association
- WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines
- PDSA · RCVS
- Taking your pet abroad (gov.uk)
FAQ
Can my puppy go outside before vaccinations are complete? Carry them in safe public spaces for socialisation, but avoid ground-level contact with unknown dogs or shared grass until a week after the second jab.
What if I miss a booster? If you're more than 3 months overdue on lepto, the vet will usually restart with two doses 4 weeks apart.
Are vaccines safe for older dogs? Yes. Risk of disease almost always outweighs vaccine risk; titre testing is an option for senior pets with previous reactions.
Do indoor-only dogs need vaccines? Yes. Lepto can be tracked in on shoes, parvo survives in soil for months, and rats carry both.