Health and vet care
Puppy vaccinations in the UK: first and second jabs
UK puppy vaccination protects against core viral diseases and leptospirosis. First and second jabs do not describe every puppy's complete course. The planner uses eight, twelve and sixteen weeks as a viral planning example, with a separate review at twenty-six weeks.
Which dates does the example calculate?
The date rule is birth date plus the number of weeks multiplied by seven. A birth date of 3 August 2026 gives the example dates below. Enter the date from the birth or adoption record and count only documented core viral visits.
These are planned dates, not confirmation that a vaccine was given or protection has developed. Some puppies need different intervals or a later final dose. Share the actual record with your vet.
Sources: BSAVA vaccination position statement, May 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Why are two jabs not the whole story?
BSAVA lists distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus and leptospirosis as UK core diseases. The viral and leptospirosis courses have different timing. The planner can mark an initial leptospirosis discussion, but its viral dose count must not be used to infer completion of that separate course.
The twenty-six-week marker is a viral review based on WSAVA guidance, not an instruction to repeat every vaccine. Your vet can discuss antibody testing or an additional viral vaccination. Routine rabies vaccination is not assumed here; pet travel has separate identification, vaccination and waiting requirements.
Sources: BSAVA vaccination position statement, May 2026 (opens in a new tab)WSAVA vaccination guidelines, 2024 (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK pet travel: rabies vaccinations and boosters (opens in a new tab)
What if doses are late or the record is unclear?
Do not invent an earlier visit to make the calendar look complete. The tool can remove earlier viral checkpoints when doses are entered, but that does not validate every medical history or create a catch-up prescription.
A past date is a prompt to contact the practice. The calculator does not move every remaining event to today, certify immunity or decide which course should restart.
Sources: BSAVA vaccination position statement, May 2026 (opens in a new tab)
How can you take the plan to the practice?
Save keeps a copy on this device. Share link places the entered settings in the link, so anyone receiving it can read them. Print card and the calendar download carry the calculated dates; neither books an appointment.
Worked example
Birth ; no core viral doses given
- 8-week viral example
- 12-week viral example
- 16-week viral example
- Viral review planning date
These are tool-checked planning dates. The actual clinical course and any earlier review require confirmation.
Use the country edition matching where the puppy receives care. Confirm booster timing, additional courses and any legal requirement before acting on a reminder.
Try it with your own details
Use the Puppy vaccination schedule to build your own result.
For general information only, not professional advice. Check the official sources below. Use your own judgement and speak to your vet before you act.
Common questions
More answers on this topic.
Are these the only possible puppy dates?
No. They are the planner's dated example; individual protocols can need different timing or a later final dose.
Does entering doses confirm protection?
No. The count changes the displayed viral checkpoints, not the puppy's medical record or immunity.
Is rabies timed from the last viral dose?
No. Rabies has its own licensed and local requirements, with boosters related to the actual rabies dose.
Does a calendar download book the visit?
No. It creates reminder events only; contact the practice to agree appointments.
Sources and checked dates
Each note explains what its source supports. Open the link to read the guidance yourself.
UK viral core diseases and leptospirosis confirmed. Licensed schedules and risk assessment guide timing; the statement also discusses earlier WSAVA vaccination. Rabies is travel-related.
Table 1, page 12: viral timing and separate leptospirosis course. Page 14: antibody testing after the final puppy viral dose or vaccination at about 26 weeks; a positive protection result can avoid that vaccination.
For EU pet travel: rabies vaccination from at least 12 weeks, identification before or at vaccination, and a waiting period after the initial course. Destination and return requirements must be checked separately.