All you need to know about vaccinating your puppy
It’s important to vaccinate your puppy against certain infectious diseases. Vaccinations are key to keeping your pet healthy while many kennels and dog walkers will require you to have your dog fully vaccinated.
Key takeaways
Initial puppy vaccinations typically cost about £95
Pet insurance doesn’t cover puppy vaccinations, but it can help with other vet bills
Being up to date with all your pup's vaccinations and boosters can help reduce the price of your dog insurance premiums
If your puppy is unvaccinated and gets an illness that could have been prevented with a vaccine, your insurance might not cover treatment
Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with cuddles, playtime, and adorable antics. However, you also need to think about your dog’s health. Puppy vaccinations are crucial for protecting your dog against common canine diseases. Essential vaccines include canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis and canine parvovirus.

How much do puppy vaccinations cost?
The average cost of vaccinating a puppy in 2023 was £95.22 according to ManyPets. Vaccination costs can vary depending on your location and the veterinary practice you choose. Puppy vaccinations are usually administered via an injection in the neck.
Puppies should receive their first vaccinations between six and 10 weeks old, with a second dose following two to four weeks later. They will be fully protected two to four weeks after their second injections.
Your puppy will then require a booster vaccination at six or 12 months – more boosters may be required later on, and your vet can advise on this.
If you are re-homing your puppy via a charity, it will usually already be vaccinated and the cost covered by the re-homing fee you pay. But you’ll need to pay for booster vaccinations later on.
Which puppy vaccinations does my pet need?
Your vet can advise you about which vaccinations your puppy needs. The “core” vaccines a puppy should get are:
Canine distemper: This viral disease can be deadly and may cause long-term neurological issues even if the puppy recovers. Symptoms include fever, coughing, and discharge from the eyes and mouth.
Infectious Hepatitis: This virus attacks the liver, kidneys, eyes and blood vessels. It’s spread in bodily fluids and can survive in the environment for up to a year. After an initial primary course, an infectious hepatitis booster is usually necessary every three years.
Leptospirosis: Contracted through contaminated water or urine, this bacterial infection can lead to serious organ damage. It is passed on in infected urine and contaminated water and can cause lethargy and sickness. It can be fatal for some dogs.
Canine parvovirus: Particularly dangerous for young puppies, this contagious virus can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. It affects the intestine, with symptoms including sickness, diarrhoea, and dehydration.
Other vaccines that aren’t routinely offered but should be considered include:
Kennel cough: While not usually fatal, kennel cough is highly contagious and can be quite uncomfortable for your puppy. It is airborne, highly infectious, and vaccination is usually required before your dog can stay in kennels.
Rabies: If you plan on visiting an EU country or Northern Ireland with your dog, you'll also need to get a rabies vaccination.
According to ManyPets, the average cost of the kennel cough vaccine is £49.46, but some vets offer a discount if you get it done at the same time as the core vaccinations. Prices for a rabies vaccination typically range from £50 to 90.
Will my puppy need booster vaccinations?
Yes, after the initial core vaccinations, your puppy will require annual or tri-annual boosters to maintain immunity.
It is important to keep up with any booster vaccines to ensure your pet is still protected. If you stop vaccinating your dog, they will be at risk of catching infectious diseases. If you miss your puppy’s annual vaccinations, you’ll need to pay for a course of primary vaccines to catch them back up again.
Why should I vaccinate my puppy?
You should vaccinate your puppy to protect them from serious illnesses that can either be fatal or have lifelong consequences. Vaccines can also help stop the spread of infectious diseases to other dogs and protect puppies that haven’t been vaccinated.
Boarding kennels usually won’t accept dogs that are not vaccinated, and certain countries will not allow your dog entry unless they are vaccinated.
Another benefit of getting your puppy vaccinated is cheaper pet insurance premiums. This is because insurance providers view vaccinated dogs as being less of a risk.
Pet owners typically pay £5.17[1]Based on the 51 percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted less than £5.17 per month for puppy insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket in the month of December 2024 where only 1 pet was included in the quote and the pet didnt have pre-existing medical conditions and was less than 1 year old. a month to insure a puppy, and £13.46[2]Based on the 51 percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted less than £13.46 per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket in the month of January 2025 where only 1 pet was included in the quote and the pet didnt have pre-existing medical conditions a month to insure a dog (Pet insurance – average price by pet type).
Pet insurance and vaccinations
Vaccinations are not covered by pet insurance, but having all your pup’s vaccinations up to date can make you eligible for cheaper premiums. This is because insurers view vaccinated pets as at a lower risk of needing medical treatment.
You may also need to keep up with your pet’s vaccinations and boosters as part of your dog insurance policy in order for your insurance to remain valid.
With some insurers if you don’t get your puppy vaccinated and they get a disease that could have been prevented with a vaccine, the insurer may refuse to cover treatment costs.
The importance of regular vet check-ups
Before each round of vaccinations, your vet will usually want to examine your puppy to ensure they are healthy enough to receive them. These check-ups are also an opportunity to discuss your puppy's overall health, diet, and any concerns you may have.
Finding the best insurance deal for your puppy
Pet insurance is designed to help you cover the cost of medical treatment if your pet becomes ill or has an accident. Some policies also cover the cost of finding a lost pet, alternative therapies, third-party liability cover, and euthanasia if required.
Pet insurance is usually worth buying as vet’s costs can be very expensive. Without cover some pet owners might struggle to afford medical treatment for their pet.
When looking for the best insurance deals for your pet, consider using comparison services like MoneySupermarket. They compare deals from various UK providers to find the best pet insurance deal tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.