Your puppy's vaccination schedule, personalised

All puppies need the core vaccines: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) and Rabies (required by law in the US at 12-16 weeks, and mandatory for pet travel in the UK). Non-core vaccines -- Bordetella (kennel cough), Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and Canine Influenza -- are recommended based on your puppy's lifestyle and local disease prevalence. In the UK, Leptospirosis is effectively a standard vaccine included in the primary course by most practices.

Under AAHA 2022 guidelines (US), vaccinations begin at 6 weeks of age with DHPP. UK guidelines (BSAVA/WSAVA) typically start at 8-10 weeks with DHPPi. The exact starting age depends on when the puppy was weaned, the mother's vaccination status, and local disease risk. High-risk environments (shelters, breeders with parvo history) may start as early as 4-6 weeks.

Maternal antibodies -- immunity passed from mother to puppy through colostrum -- gradually decline over the first few months of life. These maternal antibodies can block the vaccine from stimulating the puppy's own immune system. The problem is we cannot know exactly when a specific puppy's maternal antibodies drop low enough. Giving doses every 3-4 weeks from 6-16 weeks ensures at least one dose 'takes' once maternal immunity wanes. The WSAVA strongly recommends a final dose at or after 16 weeks for this reason.

Two weeks after the second jab (UK) or after the 16-week final dose (US) is when your puppy is considered fully protected. However, the socialisation window (3-14 weeks) overlaps critically with the vaccination period. AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior) recommends controlled socialisation before full vaccination -- puppy classes, visits with known-vaccinated dogs, being carried in public. The risk of behavioural problems from under-socialisation is considered greater than the infection risk in low-risk environments. See our full guide to when your puppy can go outside.

In the US, the full puppy primary series (4 visits) typically costs $75-$400 depending on location, clinic type, and which non-core vaccines are included. The DHPP combo shot is $25-$50; adding Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme, and the exam fee brings each visit to $75-$145. In the UK, the two-jab primary course costs £68-£151 (ManyPets 2025 data, average £106), with annual boosters adding £30-£60 per year. See our full cost guides for US states and UK regions.

In the UK, Lepto (L2 or L4) is included as standard in the primary DHPPi+L combination, so almost all UK puppies receive it. In the US, AAHA 2022 classifies Lepto as non-core but 'strongly recommended' for dogs with any outdoor exposure, particularly near water, in rural areas, or where wildlife is present. Lepto is a zoonotic bacteria (transmissible to humans) that can cause kidney and liver failure. The decision should be based on your local environment and lifestyle.

In the US, you can legally purchase and administer non-rabies vaccines (DHPP, Bordetella, Lepto) yourself. Farm supply stores sell multi-way vaccines. However, rabies vaccination must be administered by a licensed veterinarian in all US states, as the certificate is legally required for licensing and dog park access. In the UK, all veterinary vaccines are prescription-only medicines and cannot be administered by owners. DIY vaccination is not recommended even where legal: vaccines require correct storage (cold chain), administration technique, and a pre-vaccination health check.

If the gap between doses was less than 6 weeks, simply continue the series. If the gap was longer, the approach depends on the vaccine and your vet's assessment. For DHPP, a restart (two doses 3-4 weeks apart) is often recommended if the puppy missed a dose during the primary series. If the puppy has already completed the primary series and missed an annual booster, a single booster is usually sufficient. Never assume partial immunity. Discuss catch-up protocols with your vet, particularly for older rescue puppies with unknown vaccination history.