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Everything dog owners in greater Auckland need to know about keeping their dogs protected, from first puppy jab to annual boosters.
If you’ve just brought home a puppy, or you’re not sure when your adult dog’s boosters are due, you’re not alone. Dog vaccination schedules in New Zealand can feel confusing, with multiple visits, different vaccines at different ages, and varying intervals for boosters.
This guide covers everything you need to know: which diseases we vaccinate against, the full NZ puppy vaccination schedule, how often adult dogs need boosters, and what to expect at a vaccination appointment at Vets North.
Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your dog’s long-term health. Diseases like parvovirus can kill a dog within 48–72 hours of symptoms appearing, while others, like leptospirosis, can cause lasting organ damage and can also be transmitted to humans.
Here’s why staying up to date with dog vaccinations in NZ matters:
New Zealand vets vaccinate dogs against a core set of diseases, with additional non-core vaccines recommended based on lifestyle.
The DHPPi vaccine is the foundation of every dog’s vaccination programme. It protects against:
In addition to DHPPi, we routinely recommend:
Puppies are born with some immunity passed on from their mother, but this wears off in the first weeks of life, leaving a window of vulnerability. The puppy vaccination schedule is designed to close that window as efficiently as possible.
| Age | Vaccine | Notes |
| 6–8 weeks | First core vaccination (DHPPi) | First puppy visit |
| 10–12 weeks | Second core vaccination (DHPPi) | Series continues |
| 14–16 weeks | Third core vaccination (DHPPi) | Varies by prior history |
| 8–9 months | Final DHPPi dose | Completes core series |
| 15–16 months | Leptospirosis + Canine Cough | Annual boosters begin |
The specific vaccines given at each visit will depend on your puppy’s age and any vaccines already received. Our vets will confirm the right schedule for your pup at your first appointment.
Important: Until your puppy has completed their primary vaccination course, it’s best to limit their contact with unvaccinated dogs and avoid high-risk areas like dog parks. Your vet will advise when it’s safe for them to socialise freely.
| Puppies receive antibodies from their mother’s colostrum (the first milk), which gives them early protection but can also interfere with how their immune system responds to vaccines. In some puppies, this interference can last for the first six months of life. This is why a single vaccination isn’t enough, and why we follow a booster schedule at specific ages.
What if my puppy did receive immunity from their puppy vaccinations? A blood test is available to check for parvovirus and distemper protection, which we can offer from five months of age. Please ask our team if this is something you’d like to explore. Please note: some kennels and daycares will not accept a blood test result in place of a vaccination record. |
Once your dog has completed their initial puppy course, they’ll need regular boosters to maintain protection:
If your dog’s boosters lapse, their immunity can drop, and in some cases they may need to restart part of their course. It’s much simpler (and kinder) to keep on schedule with annual health check appointments.
How much do dog vaccinations cost in NZ?
Vaccination costs vary depending on which vaccines are due. At Vets North, we include a health check with every vaccination appointment. We believe preventative care is an investment, as the cost of treating parvovirus or leptospirosis is significantly higher than the cost of preventing it.
Can my dog get vaccinated if they seem unwell?
Not if they’re unwell, and this is one of the reasons we perform a health check at every vaccination appointment. Vaccines work by prompting the immune system to respond, so your dog needs to be in good health to receive them safely. If your dog is unwell on the day of their appointment, we’ll reschedule.
Do indoor dogs still need to be vaccinated?
Yes. Even dogs who spend most of their time indoors can be exposed to disease through contact with other animals, contaminated soil, or on walks. Leptospirosis in particular can be contracted from waterways, wildlife, or even puddles. We recommend vaccination for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle.
My dog missed a booster — do they need to start over?
Not necessarily. Depending on how long it’s been and which vaccines are overdue, your dog may be able to continue from where they left off, or may need one extra dose. Our vets will check their records and recommend the safest path to full protection.
What is canine cough, and does my dog need the vaccine?
Canine cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads quickly in social settings. If your dog visits kennels, parks, groomers or doggy daycare in New Zealand, the canine cough vaccine is strongly recommended. Many facilities require it.
Is leptospirosis common in NZ?
Leptospirosis does occur in New Zealand, and the risk is higher for dogs in rural and semi-rural environments, particularly those who swim in waterways or come into contact with farm animals or rodents. The northwest Auckland region, where many Vets North clients are based, includes a mix of lifestyle blocks and semi-rural properties where the risk is real.
| 📋 What Happens at a Vaccination Appointment at Vets North?
Every vaccination visit includes a full health check, not just the jab. Our vets will:
✅ Examine your dog from nose to tail to ensure they’re well enough to be vaccinated ✅ Review their vaccination history and select the right vaccines for their age, breed and lifestyle ✅ Answer any questions about their health, diet, parasite control or behaviour ✅ Update your records so you’re reminded when the next booster is due
Think of it as your dog’s annual WOF, with vaccination as just one part of it. |
Whether you have a new puppy due for their first jabs, or an adult dog whose boosters are coming up, our teams across Helensville, Kumeu, Waimauku and Silverdale are here to help.
We serve dog owners across the northwest Auckland corridor and beyond, including lifestyle block owners, rural families and urban pet owners in the growing Kumeu–Huapai–Riverhead area.
Contact your nearest Vets North clinic to book an appointment. Keeping your dog’s vaccinations current is one of the simplest, most powerful things you can do for their long-term health and happiness.
Vets North — Helensville | Kumeu | Waimauku | Silverdale | vets-north.co.nz
This article is for general informational purposes. Always consult your vet for advice specific to your dog’s health and history.
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