What changed in 2024-25
The WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) updated its global guidelines: adult dogs need core boosters every 3 years, not annually. The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) endorses this approach. Many UK vets still default to annual schedules out of habit — ask yours about a tailored protocol.
Core vaccines (every dog in the UK)
- Distemper (CDV)
- Adenovirus / Infectious Hepatitis (CAV)
- Parvovirus (CPV)
- Leptospirosis (L4) — endemic across the UK, annual booster.
Non-core (depending on lifestyle)
- Kennel cough (Bordetella + parainfluenza) — required by most boarding kennels and many doggy daycares.
- Rabies — not endemic in the UK, only needed for travel under the EU pet passport / GB Animal Health Certificate scheme.
- Lyme disease — for dogs in high-tick areas (Scottish Highlands, New Forest, South Downs).
UK vaccine costs in 2025
| Vaccine | Typical UK cost |
|---|---|
| DHPPi + L4 (initial puppy course, 2 jabs) | £50-90 |
| Annual booster | £40-60 |
| Rabies (single shot, lasts 3 years) | £30-50 |
| Kennel cough | £25-40 |
| Titre test | £60-90 |
Vaccine plans (£10-15/month at chains like Vets4Pets, Medivet) typically bundle the annual booster, flea/worm treatment and a health check.
Puppy schedule
- 6-8 weeks: 1st DHPPi + L4.
- 10-12 weeks: 2nd DHPPi + L4 (some protocols a 3rd at 16 weeks for L4).
- 12 months: full booster.
- Then: core every 3 years, lepto annually.
Your puppy is fully protected and ready to socialise off-property one week after the second jab.
Titre testing — should you bother?
A titre test measures antibody levels in your dog's blood. If levels are protective, you can safely skip the core booster that year. At £60-90 vs £40-60 for the jab, it's rarely cheaper — but it's reassuring for older dogs, immunocompromised dogs, or any owner uneasy about over-vaccination. Lepto cannot be titre-tested reliably; it stays annual either way.
Travelling abroad from GB
Post-Brexit, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian, valid for a single trip. Rabies vaccine required at least 21 days before travel. For return from non-listed countries, tapeworm treatment 24-120h before re-entry.
How CanAI helps
Log every vaccine date in CanAI's health tracker and we'll remind you when boosters are due. Got a specific question about your dog's protocol? Ask the AI chat. And if you don't have cover yet, check dog insurance plans — many include an annual vaccine allowance.