Puppies
Puppy vaccination schedule: what happens when
The typical core schedule, what each vaccine protects against, and the socialisation question every new owner asks.
How this was built: compiled from published veterinary guidance (AAHA vaccination guidelines, WSAVA) and typical clinical practice. It is not a prescription — your vet sets your puppy's actual schedule.
Why the series, not one shot? Antibodies from the mother's milk block vaccines for an unpredictable number of weeks. Repeated doses at intervals are how vets catch the window when the puppy can actually respond. This is why skipping a dose in the series matters.
The typical core schedule
| Age | Usually | Also |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First core vaccine | Deworming, first exam, flea prevention |
| 10–12 weeks | Second core vaccine | Faecal test, microchip |
| 14–16 weeks | Third core vaccine | Rabies (per local law) |
| 12–16 months | Booster | Then typically every 1–3 years |
What the core vaccines cover
- Distemper — respiratory, neurological and often fatal.
- Parvovirus — severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea, especially dangerous under 16 weeks.
- Adenovirus (hepatitis) — liver disease.
- Rabies — legally required in most jurisdictions, and fatal once symptomatic.
Non-core vaccines (kennel cough, leptospirosis, Lyme) depend on lifestyle and region. Ask your vet which apply to your dog rather than accepting or refusing them wholesale.
The socialisation question
This is the genuine tension of puppy ownership: the vaccination window is also the critical socialisation window, which closes around 16 weeks. Veterinary behaviour bodies now generally advise a risk-balanced approach:
- Controlled, clean environments with known, vaccinated dogs — yes, early.
- Carrying the puppy in public for exposure to sounds and people — yes.
- Dog parks, pet-shop floors, and unknown dogs — wait until about a week after the final shot.
Do not let an unvaccinated puppy touch ground where unknown dogs walk. Parvovirus survives in soil for months and is the reason this rule exists.
What it costs
Expect $120–$350 for the series. Many practices sell a bundled puppy plan covering vaccines, deworming and the spay/neuter consult at a lower total than paying per visit. Ask for the number up front — see our first-year cost breakdown.
Questions people ask
What vaccines does a puppy need and when?
Core vaccines are typically given at 6–8, 10–12 and 14–16 weeks, then a booster at 12–16 months. Core vaccines cover distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus and rabies. Your vet sets the exact schedule; this is the common pattern, not a prescription.
When can my puppy meet other dogs?
The risk-balanced answer most veterinary behaviour bodies now recommend: socialisation can begin in controlled, clean environments with known vaccinated dogs after the first vaccination, and public areas should wait until about a week after the final puppy shot.
How much do puppy vaccinations cost?
Commonly $120 to $350 total for the series depending on region and clinic, often cheaper as a bundled puppy plan. Rabies may be a separate fee or included depending on local law.
Do indoor dogs need vaccines?
Yes for rabies where legally required, and generally yes for core vaccines — parvovirus and distemper can be brought into a home on shoes and clothing.
Are there risks to vaccinating?
Adverse reactions are uncommon and usually mild and short-lived. The diseases prevented are far more dangerous. Report any reaction to your vet, who will note it for future doses.
General information, not veterinary advice. Your vet sets the actual schedule for your puppy.