Guide · Dogs
Puppy vaccination schedule (UK)
Puppies get a primary course of two vaccinations a few weeks apart, then a booster at around a year old. Here is the usual timeline, what each jab covers, and when it is safe to head out for that first walk.
Last reviewed: 27 August 2026
In short
UK puppies usually get their first jab at 6–8 weeks, a second at 10–12 weeks, and can typically walk outside 1–2 weeks after the second jab. A booster follows at around 12 months old. Your vet sets the exact schedule — always follow their advice for your puppy.
The usual puppy timeline
Most UK practices follow a schedule close to the one below. Your vet may adjust it depending on the vaccine brand they use and how much disease risk there is locally.
| Age | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First vaccination (often given by the breeder or rescue centre) |
| 10–12 weeks | Second vaccination, completing the primary course |
| 1–2 weeks after the second jab | Immunity has developed — most vets clear puppies for walks in public |
| 12–16 weeks | Rabies vaccination if you plan to travel abroad with your puppy |
| Around 12 months | First adult booster |
What the core puppy vaccines cover
- Distemper — a serious viral illness affecting the airways, gut and nervous system.
- Parvovirus — a highly contagious virus causing severe vomiting and diarrhoea; particularly dangerous in puppies.
- Infectious canine hepatitis (adenovirus) — affects the liver.
- Leptospirosis — a bacterial infection picked up from water and wildlife urine; boosted yearly in the UK.
Your vet may also recommend non-core vaccines such as kennel cough (usually given as a nasal spray) if your puppy will board, attend daycare or mix in busy parks.
What to record after each appointment
Vets give you a vaccination card, and cards get lost. After every visit, note down:
- Date given and the practice name
- Vaccine name and batch number (printed on the sticker in the card)
- Which diseases it covered
- The next due date
- A photo of the card page itself
That last one saves the most hassle — boarding kennels, daycare, groomers and insurers all ask for proof at short notice.
Free printable vaccination record card
Prefer pen and paper? Print this record card and keep it with your puppy's paperwork. Take it to every appointment so the dates, batch stickers and next-due dates are always in one place — even if the practice's card goes missing.
Puppy vaccination record
Printable vaccination record · pawfile.dev
Pet name
Date of birth
Breed
Microchip no.
| Vaccine / treatment | Due around | Date given | Next due | Vet initials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First vaccination | 6–8 weeks | |||
| Second vaccination | 10–12 weeks | |||
| Kennel cough (optional) | If boarding/daycare | |||
| Rabies (travel) | 12–16 weeks | |||
| First adult booster | Around 12 months | |||
| Annual booster | Yearly |
This card is a personal record only — it is not an official vaccination certificate. Your vet's signed record is the document boarding kennels, insurers and border authorities accept. General guidance for UK puppies; your vet's schedule takes precedence.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Vaccination protocols vary by country, brand of vaccine and your pet's individual risk. Always follow the schedule your own vet recommends. Pawfile is an admin tool for keeping those records and reminders organised — it does not diagnose or treat.
Common questions
- When can my puppy go outside after vaccination?
- Most UK vets advise waiting one to two weeks after the second vaccination before walking your puppy in public places. Ask your practice — the exact wait depends on the vaccine brand used. Until then you can safely socialise in your own garden and carry your puppy outdoors.
- What happens if I miss a puppy vaccination?
- Contact your vet. If the gap is short they may simply give the missed dose; if it is long the course may need restarting. Do not assume protection has carried over.
- How much do puppy vaccinations cost in the UK?
- Prices vary by practice and region, typically falling in the region of £50–£90 for the primary course. Many practices bundle vaccinations into a monthly health plan. Ask for a written quote before booking.
- Does my puppy need a booster after the first course?
- Yes. A booster is usually given around 12 months after the primary course, then boosters continue on a cycle your vet sets — some components annually, others every three years.
Never miss a booster again
Store your pet's vaccination card, set renewal reminders and keep every vet document in one place. Free for your first pet.
Socialising before the course is finished
The socialisation window matters as much as the jabs. While waiting, you can carry your puppy outside, invite vaccinated adult dogs to your home, and let your puppy hear traffic, hoovers and doorbells from a safe distance. Avoid parks, pavements with heavy dog traffic and anywhere unvaccinated dogs toilet.