Dog vaccination schedule in India
PetPort EditorialLast reviewed
What vaccinations does my dog need in India, and when?
Core vaccines protect against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis. Puppies need a course at roughly 6–8, 10–12 and 14–16 weeks, followed by annual boosters, with rabies given yearly. In India, rabies vaccination is not only medical advice — it is a legal duty for dog owners.
General guidance for pet parents, not a diagnosis. Every animal is different — confirm anything that concerns you with your veterinarian.
Quick reference
| First puppy dose | 6–8 weeks |
|---|---|
| Second dose | 10–12 weeks |
| Third dose | 14–16 weeks |
| Rabies | From 12 weeks, then annually — a legal requirement in India |
| Adult boosters | Annually, or as your vet advises after a titre test |
| Full protection from | Roughly two weeks after the final puppy dose |
| Also discuss | Kennel cough before boarding, and deworming every 3 months |
What is happening
Core vaccines protect against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis. In India rabies vaccination is also a legal duty.
Signs to watch for
- Puppy course due at 6–8, 10–12 and 14–16 weeks
- Annual boosters, with rabies yearly
- Mild tiredness or a small lump at the site for a day or two
What you can do
- Keep every certificate in the health passport, verified by your clinic
- Let PetPort remind you before each dose is due
- Avoid parks and dog-to-dog contact until the puppy course finishes
See a vet if
There is facial swelling, vomiting or breathing difficulty after a shot, or a dose has been missed by more than a few weeks.
In India specifically
Parvovirus and distemper are far more prevalent in India than in countries with high herd vaccination, which is why the puppy course cannot be shortened here. Leptospirosis is also a genuine monsoon risk — it spreads in water contaminated by rodent urine, so waterlogged streets in July and August are a real exposure. Ask your vet whether your city's lepto risk warrants a six-monthly booster.
Common questions
Is rabies vaccination compulsory for dogs in India?
Yes. Rabies vaccination of owned dogs is a legal duty under India's animal and municipal rules, and many cities require proof for registration, licensing or boarding. Beyond the law, rabies is effectively always fatal once symptoms appear, in dogs and in people.
Can I take my puppy outside before the vaccination course finishes?
Carry your puppy for socialisation, but keep paws off public ground and away from unknown dogs until about two weeks after the final dose. Parvovirus survives in soil for months, and Indian streets carry a heavy load. Your own clean terrace or balcony is fine.
What happens if I miss a booster by a few months?
Do not simply resume as if nothing happened. Tell your vet how long the gap has been — depending on the vaccine and the delay they may restart part of the course rather than give a single booster. Missed leptospirosis and rabies doses matter most.
My dog was quiet and off food the day after his vaccination. Is that normal?
Mild tiredness, a slightly reduced appetite and a small tender lump at the injection site are common for a day or two. What is not normal is facial swelling, hives, repeated vomiting or laboured breathing — those are the signs of a reaction and need a vet immediately.
What should I do first when I bring a new puppy home?
Book a vet visit in the first week for a health check, deworming and a vaccination plan, and bring any records you were given. Keep the puppy on the food it was already eating for the first few days. Give it a quiet place to sleep, and keep it away from unknown dogs until the vaccination course is finished.
How often should my dog be vaccinated?
Puppies need a course of three doses between about 6 and 16 weeks. After that, adult dogs in India usually get a booster every year, with rabies given yearly. Some core vaccines can be spaced out if your vet recommends it after a blood titre test, so let your vet set the schedule for your dog's age and lifestyle.
How much does dog vaccination cost in India?
It varies by city, clinic and vaccine brand, so ask your clinic for the price of the full puppy course and the yearly booster before you start. Government veterinary hospitals usually charge less, and many cities run free anti-rabies drives, often around World Rabies Day on 28 September.
How often should I take my dog to the vet?
Puppies visit every three to four weeks during the vaccination course. Adult dogs need a full check-up once a year, usually at the booster visit, and dogs over seven every six months. Go sooner for any change in appetite, energy, weight or behaviour that lasts more than a day or two.