How do I know when my puppy has had all its vaccinations?

Rather than guessing based on age alone, the written vaccination card or digital record your vet provides states clearly when the course is complete and your puppy is considered fully protected.

If you have lost the paperwork or are unsure whether the course finished, a quick call to your vet's practice can confirm the status from their records rather than relying on memory.

Most puppies receive an initial vaccine around 6 to 8 weeks, often before they even join your household, followed by one or two further injections spaced two to four weeks apart, with the exact number and timing depending on the vaccine brand and the specific diseases covered in your country.

A rabies vaccine, where required, is sometimes given on its own schedule separate from the core puppy course, so check specifically whether your record shows this as complete if you plan to travel internationally, since travel requirements often have their own minimum waiting periods after the rabies injection itself.

Photograph or scan your vaccination record as a backup the same week you receive it, since a lost paper card can otherwise mean a delay at a boarding kennel or groomer while your vet's practice is contacted to confirm the details during a busy period. Many practices can also email a copy directly, which is worth asking about when you book the appointment, so you always have a backup on your phone.