Complete Dog Vaccination Schedule for India (2026 Guide)

Vaccinating your dog is one of the most important things you can do to ensure they live a long, healthy life. In India, where diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus are still prevalent, timely vaccinations can literally be life-saving.

Whether you just brought home a new puppy or adopted an adult dog, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about dog vaccinations in India — from the puppy shot schedule to annual boosters, costs, and what to expect at each vet visit.

💡Quick Tip

Bookmark this page and set reminders in your calendar for upcoming vaccine dates. Missing even one booster can leave your dog vulnerable to serious diseases.

Why Dog Vaccinations Are Critical in India

India has one of the highest rates of rabies in the world, with over 20,000 human deaths annually according to WHO data. Vaccinating your dog protects not just your pet, but also your family and community.

Core vaccines prevent:

• Rabies — Fatal viral disease affecting the nervous system (legally required in many Indian cities)

• Canine Distemper — Highly contagious respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological disease

• Parvovirus — Deadly intestinal virus, especially dangerous for puppies

• Hepatitis (Adenovirus) — Liver and kidney disease

• Leptospirosis — Bacterial infection common in monsoon season in India

Complete Puppy Vaccination Schedule (India)

Puppies receive temporary immunity from their mother's milk, which fades between 6-16 weeks. This is the critical window for vaccinations.

⚠️ Important: Never Skip the 3-Shot Series

Puppies need all three DHPP doses to build complete immunity. Skipping even one shot can leave your puppy vulnerable. The timing between shots matters — stick to the 3-4 week intervals recommended by your vet.

Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

If you've adopted an adult dog with unknown vaccination history, here's what to do:

For Dogs with Unknown History:

1. Initial DHPP vaccine — Start as if they were never vaccinated

2. DHPP booster — 3-4 weeks after the first dose

3. Rabies vaccine — Can be given at the same time as the second DHPP

4. Annual boosters — Every year thereafter

For Dogs with Complete Puppy Vaccines:

• Annual DHPP booster — Once per year

• Annual Rabies booster — Required by law in most Indian cities

• Leptospirosis — Every 6-12 months depending on monsoon exposure

Optional (Non-Core) Vaccines in India

These vaccines aren't required for every dog but may be recommended based on your location and lifestyle:

Vaccination Costs Across India

Costs vary significantly based on city, clinic, and vaccine brands. Here's what you can expect:

• Metro cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore): ₹800-1,500 per visit

• Tier 2 cities (Pune, Jaipur, Ahmedabad): ₹600-1,000 per visit

• Smaller towns: ₹400-800 per visit

Total first-year vaccination cost for a puppy: ₹3,000-5,000

Annual booster cost after year 1: ₹900-1,500/year

💰 Cost-Saving Tip

Many municipal corporations and animal welfare NGOs offer free or subsidized rabies vaccination camps. Check with your local municipal veterinary clinic or organizations like Blue Cross, SPCA, or PFA.

Common Side Effects (And When to Worry)

Most dogs tolerate vaccines well, but mild side effects are normal:

Normal Side Effects (First 24-48 Hours):

• Mild fever

• Lethargy or tiredness

• Slight swelling or tenderness at injection site

• Reduced appetite

• Mild sneezing (for nasal vaccines)

When to Call Your Vet Immediately:

• Facial swelling (especially around eyes or muzzle)

• Difficulty breathing

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Hives or itching

• Collapse or extreme weakness

These could indicate an allergic reaction, which requires immediate veterinary attention

💡 Pro Tip

Schedule vaccine appointments in the morning so you can monitor your dog throughout the day. Keep your vet's emergency number handy for the first 24 hours after any vaccination.

Rabies Vaccination: Legal Requirements in India

Rabies vaccination is legally mandatory in most Indian cities under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. Here's what you need to know:

• First rabies shot: At 3-4 months of age

• Booster: One year after the first shot

• Subsequent boosters: Every 1-3 years (check your local municipal rules)

• Vaccination certificate: Keep this safe — required for travel, boarding, and legal compliance

Many cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune) conduct regular checks and can fine owners who don't have current rabies certificates.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get my puppy vaccinated at home?

Yes, many vets in India offer home vaccination services for an additional fee (₹200-500). This can reduce stress for your puppy and is more convenient. Just ensure the vet provides proper documentation.

What if I miss a booster shot deadline?

Contact your vet immediately. Depending on how long it's been, you may need to restart the vaccine series. Don't wait — immunity can fade quickly, especially for rabies.

Are Indian-made vaccines as good as imported ones?

Yes. Brands like Nobivac (MSD), Vanguard (Zoetis), and Indian manufacturers like Indian Immunologicals and Hester Biosciences produce WHO-approved vaccines that are safe and effective. Your vet will recommend the best option.

Do street dogs need different vaccines?

No, the vaccination schedule is the same. If you're caring for community dogs, contact your local ABC center — they often provide free vaccinations and sterilization under government programs.

How can I contact you?

You can reach us at +91-9998140755 or email at support@getpurr.in. We are always happy to answer your questions.

Vaccination Record Tracking

Keeping track of your dog's vaccination history is critical. Here's how:

• Physical vaccination card: Your vet should provide this — store it safely

• Digital backup: Take photos of all vaccination certificates and store in cloud storage

• Calendar reminders: Set annual reminders 2 weeks before booster due dates

• Mobile apps: Apps like Purr and and Petmojo let you track vaccination schedules digitally

Final Checklist: What to Do After Reading This

Here's your action plan:

1. ✅ Find a trusted vet — Ask for recommendations in your local pet parent community

2. ✅ Schedule your puppy's first appointment — Ideally at 6-8 weeks of age

3. ✅ Set calendar reminders — For all upcoming vaccine dates

4. ✅ Budget for vaccinations — Plan for ₹3,000-5,000 in year one, ₹1,500/year thereafter

5. ✅ Store vaccination records safely — Physical card + digital backup

6. ✅ Share this guide — Help other pet parents keep their dogs safe

Remember: Vaccinations are an investment in your dog's health and longevity. The cost of prevention is always far less than the cost of treating a preventable disease

Never Lose Track of Your Pet's Vaccinations

Store your pet's vaccination records, vet details, and emergency contacts in one secure place with Purr Tag. If your pet ever gets lost, anyone who finds them can access their medical info instantly.