Dog vaccination schedule in the UK

Vaccinating your dog is not optional or an unnecessary expense: it protects its life and public health, and microchipping is a legal requirement across the UK. This guide covers the full schedule, costs, where to get it done and the complementary parasite control.

Why is vaccinating important?

Canine infectious diseases (parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, rabies) are potentially fatal and highly contagious. Parvovirus has a 90% mortality rate in unvaccinated puppies. Distemper is practically eradicated in vaccinated dogs but flares up every year in unprotected colonies or packs.

In addition, some diseases are zoonotic (transmissible to humans): rabies, leptospirosis. Vaccinating your dog also protects you and your family.

Puppy schedule (6 weeks - 16 weeks)

This is the most critical phase. Puppies lose their maternal immunity between 6-12 weeks and are extremely vulnerable.

• 6-8 weeks · first multivalent dose (parvovirus + distemper + hepatitis + parainfluenza)
• 10-12 weeks · second multivalent dose + leptospirosis
• 14-16 weeks · third multivalent dose (+ rabies only if you plan to travel abroad, from 12 weeks)
• 4-6 months · leishmaniasis booster if you live in or travel to a risk area (the Mediterranean)
• 12 months · full annual booster

During the course, do NOT take your puppy to public areas with dogs (parks, busy streets) until it is fully vaccinated. It can go out in your arms or into a private garden, but contact with unknown dogs must be avoided.

Adult schedule (1+ years)

After completing the puppy course, boosters are annual or every 3 years depending on the vaccine:

• Multivalent (DHPP) · every 1-3 years depending on the vet
• Rabies · only for travel; valid for 3 years under the UK pet travel rules
• Leptospirosis · ANNUAL (it does not last 3 years)
• Leishmaniasis · annual if travelling to an endemic area
• Kennel cough (Bordetella) · if going to daycare, boarding kennels or shows

Rabies: required for travel abroad

Rabies is NOT legally required for dogs living in the UK, as the UK is free of rabies. However, it IS mandatory to travel abroad with your dog. It is zoonotic (transmissible to humans) and fatal without post-exposure treatment.

It is given from 12 weeks of age, with a booster whose validity depends on the vaccine (up to 3 years under the UK pet travel scheme). It will be recorded in your dog's official vaccination record and in your Wallapets digital passport when you use a network vet.

If you travel abroad: rabies vaccination is required to travel with a pet passport or an Animal Health Certificate. Since Brexit, an Animal Health Certificate is needed to travel from Great Britain to the EU. Some countries (Australia, for example) also require a blood test. Check with your vet 4-6 months before the trip.

Leishmaniasis: a risk when travelling to the Mediterranean

Transmitted by the sandfly between May and October, mainly in Mediterranean areas (Spain, Portugal, Italy, southern France). It is not endemic in the UK, but it is a real risk if you travel there with your dog or adopt an imported dog. Prevalence up to 30% in endemic areas.

Full protection:

• Annual vaccine (CaniLeish or Letifend) · reduces the risk of developing disease by 70-90%
• Sandfly-repellent collar (Scalibor, Seresto) throughout the season
• Monthly spot-ons with permethrin (not on cats!)
• Avoid walks at dusk in areas with sandflies

Cost by region

Prices vary quite a bit by area. Approximate at a private clinic:

• Complete puppy pack (primary course + microchip + 2 check-ups) · £90-180
• Check-up + annual booster · £35-60
• Rabies (individual) · £15-25
• Leishmaniasis · £60-90/year (dose included)
• Prior leishmaniasis test (recommended before the first vaccine) · £25-40

Charity clinics: organisations such as the PDSA, Blue Cross and RSPCA offer free or very cheap (£5-10) vaccination for owners on qualifying benefits. Check your local charity clinic. Wallapets also shows network vets with competitive rates.

Parasite control: just as critical

Vaccines do not protect against parasites. Follow a parallel routine:

• Fleas and ticks (external) · monthly spot-on (Frontline, Bravecto, Nexgard) or collar (Seresto 8 months)
• Intestinal worms (internal) · tablet every 3 months (Drontal, Milbemax) — more frequent in puppies
• Heartworm · monthly tablet in at-risk areas (when travelling to southern Europe)
• Coccidia and giardia · only if detected in tests

Microchipping: mandatory in the UK

Since 2016 all dogs in the UK must carry an identifying microchip registered on a government-compliant database (such as Petlog).

• Cost: £15-30 (registration included). Once in a lifetime.
• It is implanted between the shoulder blades with a special syringe. Painless.
• It is usually done at the same time as the first vaccine (8-12 weeks).
• Fines for not microchipping: up to £500.

If you adopt through Wallapets, dogs arrive already microchipped and registered. The rescue transfers the registration into your name on the microchip database during the adoption process.

Where to vaccinate?

Private vet: the most complete option. They examine your dog, keep clinical records and advise you on parasite control. Higher cost but a comprehensive service. If you use a Wallapets network vet, the records stay in your digital passport, accessible to any future vet.

Charity clinic: an affordable option if your budget is limited. It covers the legal essentials (microchip) but usually lacks individual clinical attention.

Rescue centre vet: if you adopted, your dog probably already comes with the course well under way. Ask the rescue which doses are still outstanding.

In summary: follow the complete puppy course (primary vaccinations + microchip before 16 weeks), annual boosters in adulthood, the leishmaniasis vaccine if you travel to an endemic area, and monthly/quarterly parasite control. Realistic annual cost: £100-200 including everything. Your Wallapets digital passport centralises the schedule and reminds you of boosters.