A Guide to Puppy Vaccinations: When, Why & How?

Why Do Puppies Need Vaccinations?

Think of vaccinations as your puppy’s superhero cape, tiny but mighty, protecting them from scary villains like nasty viruses and sneaky bacteria. While vaccines aren’t technically the law in the UK, they’re a must in many other countries (rabies is the biggie if you’re planning international adventures).

A licensed vet is the only person who should ever jab your pup. They’ll create a vaccination schedule tailored to your puppy’s age and health. So in simple terms, it should be left to the professionals. 

When Should Puppies Be Vaccinated?

Timing is everything (just like toilet breaks). Here’s a general puppy vaccination schedule that vets usually follow:

First set of vaccinations: Around 8 weeks old. Sometimes as early as 6 weeks, sometimes closer to 9.

Second set of vaccinations: 2–4 weeks later, to supercharge that immunity.

Booster vaccinations: Every year to keep those defences strong.

Your pup is fully protected 1–2 weeks after their final vaccine. Free to walk the streets and make lots of four-legged friends.

What Do Puppy Vaccinations Protect Against?

Puppies are adorable but fragile. Vaccinations give their developing immune systems the training they need to win the big fights. Here’s the rogues’ gallery they protect against:

Parvovirus: The Voldemort of dog diseases: contagious, dangerous, and often fatal if untreated.

Canine Distemper : A nasty virus that messes with nerves, lungs, and guts. Sadly not the kind of “distemper” you can cheer up with belly rubs.

Hepatitis: A liver-attacking virus that can be sudden and severe in pups. Vaccines keep it away.

Leptospirosis: Spread via rat wee (yep, glamorous). Can cause kidney and liver failure if left unchecked. The reason your pup can’t walk the streets in the early days.

And sometimes, extra vaccines are added to the line-up:

Kennel Cough – Think of it as the doggy version of a hacking winter cold. Common in busy dog spots.

Rabies: Rare in the UK, but still a legal requirement for travelling pups.
 

Are Puppies at Paws in Work Events Always Vaccinated?

Most puppies at our events have had their first vaccination around 8 weeks, but full vaccination courses aren’t usually finished by then. And that’s okay! We partner with ethical breeders who follow strict veterinary schedules.

Why is full coverage not required at our sessions? Because we run things tighter than a puppy’s grip on your shoelaces. From hygiene protocols to controlled environments, we’ve got it covered. It forms a huge part of our licensing, too. (They don’t just hand these licences out willy nilly!)

Maintaining Cleanliness and Hygiene

We use vet-grade cleaning products and keep everything spotless so puppies can stay safe, even if they’re mid-vaccination schedule.

Minimising Health Risks at Events

We only bring in puppies from a single household at a time (aka one litter). That way, there’s zero mixing between unfamiliar dogs, and zero risk of cross-contamination.

Health and Safety Briefing for Participants

Before the puppy cuddles begin, our trained staff give everyone a quick but important briefing. Shoes off, hands sanitised, blankets at the ready. Break the rules? Sorry, no puppy snuggles for you. Puppy welfare always comes first.

Can Puppy Vaccinations Protect Humans Too?

Short answer: Nope. 

Puppy vaccinations keep dogs safe from doggy illnesses, but don't provide protection for us humans. These vaccines are not designed to prevent diseases that can be transmitted from puppies to people. But don’t worry, every puppy we work with gets a clean bill of health before joining events, including a full record of their worming schedule, so we make sure there’s no risk to attendees. 

How to Keep Puppies Safe in the Office Environment

Want to be the office puppy MVP? Here’s how you can help us keep pups happy and healthy during a Paws in Work session:

Listen to our event team and follow their guidance.

Wash your hands before and after puppy play.

Don’t attend if you’ve recently been around sick dogs.

Shoes off when you join our summer garden set-up.

Always use the provided blankets when holding pups.
 

Final Thoughts

Vaccinations are a big deal for puppy health, but so is how we run our events. At Paws in Work, we team up with ethical breeders and trusted vets to make sure puppies get the right care and follow the correct vaccination schedule.

By knowing when and why vaccines take place, and following our event guidelines, you’re helping create a safe space where puppies can be themselves, learn some valuable life skills, and attendees can enjoy all the fluffy serotonin.

For more puppy care tips and updates on our wellbeing events, check out the rest of our blog or get in touch to book your very own puppy therapy session.