Dog & Puppy Vaccination Guide: What Your Dog Actually Needs in 2026

What vaccines does your dog need, when should they get them, and what does the right vaccination schedule look like in Australia?

Every dog in Australia should have the C3 core vaccine. A course of 3 to 4 doses is given to puppies and C3 boosters every 3 years with yearly boosters for kennel cough for adult dogs. Extra vaccines such as C5 and leptospirosis are dependent on where your dog will go.

If you're not feeling like going to a clinic, a Pawssum vet can come to your home to administer your dog's vaccination with a full physical check-up and certificate.

What vaccines does my dog need?

For the current price of each vaccine, see our dog vaccination costs.

C3 core vaccine

C3 vaccinates dogs against three diseases prevalent all over Australia.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus with the gut and immune system as the main target. It leads to vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and severe dehydration and is often fatal in puppies. If your dog is vomiting and you're uncertain how serious the situation is, read dog vomiting: when to worry or download our home triage checklist (PDF).

Distemper mainly affects the lungs, gut and nervous system. Dogs that survive the initial disease may remain with seizures and lasting neurological damage.

Canine adenovirus (infectious canine hepatitis) affects the liver and can result in fever, abdominal pain and bleeding problems.

C5 vaccine (kennel cough)

C5 provides additional protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza virus which are the main causes of kennel cough. Most boarding kennels, daycares and groomers require a current C5, usually 10 to 14 days before entry. Read more about how dogs catch kennel cough.

C7 vaccine (leptospirosis)

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted through water, soil or the urine of rats and wildlife. It can cause kidney and liver failure and is contagious to people. It's recommended for those deemed high risk, for example dogs on farms or near creeks, dams and stormwater drains. Cases have also been reported in some metropolitan areas, so ask your vet whether it is suited for your dog and suburb.

Puppy vaccination schedule

Puppies need a course of vaccines as the antibodies provided by their mother fade at different rates and may interfere with a single early dose.

The typical Australian schedule:

• 6 to 8 weeks: first C3 or C5
• 10 to 12 weeks: second dose
• 16 weeks or older: final puppy dose
• 26 weeks or older: booster, replacing the previous 12-month booster under the 2024 WSAVA guidelines

Prevent your puppy from going to dog parks, beaches and other busy dog areas for 1 to 2 weeks after the final puppy dose.

Pawssum's puppy and kitten care visits cover vaccinations, health check-ups and advice on nutrition and socialisation. Many owners add microchipping to the same visit. To see how old your dog is in human terms, try our dog age calculator.

How often do adult dogs need vaccinating?

Most adult dogs need a C3 booster every 3 years, depending on the brand used, and a kennel cough booster every year. Leptospirosis vaccines are also given yearly. If your dog's history is unknown or missing boosters, your vet can set up a catch-up plan.

Some owners prefer to check immunity before a C3 booster. Titer testing measures your dog's antibody levels. Our guide to dog titer testing explains when it's worth doing. A yearly annual pet examination is a good time to review what is due.

Do senior dogs still need vaccinations?

Most senior dogs still benefit from them because immunity can fade with age and older dogs have a harder time building immunity. The plan should be tailored, though. Your vet will balance existing health conditions, immune changes and quality of life against your dog's actual exposure risk.

For older dogs, it is best administered in the context of a broader health check. That might include blood testing to monitor organ function or arthritis management for stiff joints. Our free quality of life assessment can also help you track how your senior dog is going.

Can a sick dog be vaccinated?

Usually not. Vaccines require a healthy immune system, so vets usually delay vaccination if a dog has a fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing or pain, or appears flat. The illness is treated first and the vaccine rescheduled. Minor issues don't always mean a delay and your vet will make that call during the consult.

If your puppy is due for a booster but has an upset tummy, check our dog diarrhoea home triage guide. If your dog has gone off its food or appears unusually tired, read my dog won't eat and why is my dog lethargic?

Not sure whether to go ahead? A Telepet video consultation can help you decide or book a sick pet examination so the vet can treat the problem first.

What happens at a vaccination visit?

A proper vaccination appointment should always include:

1. A review of your dog's history and past vaccinations
2. A full physical exam
3. A chat about lifestyle and exposure risks
4. The right vaccines for your dog
5. A clear plan for the next boosters

A vaccination should always come with a proper health check, never a swift injection and nothing else. You can see how an at-home dog vaccination works step by step.

Why vaccinate at home?

Clinics are noisy, smell of other animals and can be stressful for many dogs. Stress raises cortisol, makes handling harder and can hide how your dog normally acts. A mobile vet visit avoids those triggers.

• No car trip or waiting room
• A calm, familiar space for anxious or reactive dogs
• A more accurate exam because your dog is relaxed
• Your vet sees your dog's real environment and risks
• Easier for senior dogs and dogs with mobility problems
• One visit fee for multi-dog households
• More time to ask questions

A home visit costs more than the cheapest clinic consult. Our guide to how much a mobile vet costs breaks down the difference and many policies cover it, as seen in using pet insurance for home visits.

How to prepare for your home visit

• Keep your dog inside and in a secure room before the vet arrives
• Skip a big meal just before the appointment
• Have previous vaccination records handy
• Put a non-slip mat down if your floors are smooth
• Have a lead and some treats ready
• Keep noise low
• Let us know in advance if your dog is anxious, has a bite history or needs special handling

What to expect after vaccination

Most dogs handle vaccines well. Mild effects usually pass within 24 to 48 hours:

• Tiredness or sleeping more than usual
• A mild fever
• Soreness at the injection site
• Eating less for a day

Rare reactions need urgent care. Contact a vet straight away or use our emergency vet service if you see:

• Facial swelling or hives
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse or severe lethargy
• Severe pain at the injection site

Why vaccination protects the whole community

High vaccination rates stop diseases such as parvovirus spreading through dog parks, shelters and suburbs. When most dogs are vaccinated, puppies too young to be fully protected and seniors with weaker immunity are safer, outbreaks are smaller and fewer families face costly treatment.

Travelling or moving with your dog

Flying interstate? Some airlines ask for a fit to fly certificate. Australia is rabies free, so rabies vaccination is only given to dogs being exported to a country that requires it. Dogs arriving from overseas may need post-entry quarantine care.

Building the right vaccine plan

There's no one-size-fits-all protocol. The aim is to protect your dog appropriately without over- or under-vaccinating. Your vet will build a plan around your dog's:

• Age and breed
• Health history
• Social life, daycare and boarding
• Travel habits
• Exposure to water, wildlife or rodents
• Suburb and local disease risk

Got a cat too? The same visit can cover cat vaccination at home.

Dog vaccination at home near you

Pawssum vets visit homes 7 days a week, 6am to 11pm, including public holidays:

• Dog vaccination in Sydney
• Dog vaccination in Melbourne
• Dog vaccination in Brisbane
• Dog vaccination in Perth
• Dog vaccination in Adelaide
• Dog vaccination in Canberra
• Dog vaccination on the Gold Coast
• Dog vaccination in Newcastle
• Dog vaccination on the NSW Central Coast

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between C3, C5 and C7?

C3 covers parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis. C5 adds kennel cough protection. C7 adds leptospirosis on top of C5.

Does my dog need a vaccine every year?

Most dogs need a kennel cough booster every year and a C3 booster every 3 years. A yearly health check is still worth doing so your vet can review what is due.

When can my puppy go outside after vaccinations?

Wait until 1 to 2 weeks after the final puppy dose before visiting dog parks or other busy dog areas.

Is it safe to vaccinate an old dog?

Yes, for most senior dogs. Your vet will check their health first and tailor the vaccines to their risk.

What if I don't know my dog's vaccination history?

Your vet can start a catch-up course so your dog is protected.

How much does a dog vaccination cost?

A Pawssum dog vaccination at home starts at $288, which covers the $199 visit and an $89 C5. A second dog in the same visit adds the vaccine cost only. See all services and pricing.

More questions? Visit our FAQs or read what owners say in our customer reviews.

Book a dog vaccination at home

Call 0480 030 580 or book online.

Trusted sources: Australian Veterinary Association, RSPCA Knowledgebase, WSAVA vaccination guidelines

Keep reading

• Common Health Concerns for Puppies & Kittens
• How do you know if your puppy has pneumonia?