Vaccinations are the foundation of a dog's health, and India has a fairly standard timeline that every owner should know. This guide lays out the puppy series, the mandatory rabies schedule, adult boosters, and typical costs — plus how to keep records straight so you never lose track of a due date. This is general guidance; your veterinarian sets the final schedule for your dog.
Puppies are vaccinated in a series because the immunity passed from their mother fades over the first few months. The core series in India is built around the DHPPiL vaccine, repeated every few weeks until the immune system can hold protection on its own.
6–8 weeks: First DHPPiL (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis).
10–12 weeks: Second DHPPiL booster.
12–14 weeks: First rabies vaccine (legally mandatory).
14–16 weeks: Final DHPPiL of the puppy series.
Keep puppies away from unvaccinated dogs and high-risk areas until the series is complete.
What the DHPPiL vaccine protects against
The core combination vaccine covers five serious, common diseases in one shot:
Distemper — a frequently fatal viral disease.
Hepatitis — affecting the liver and other organs.
Parvovirus — a severe, often fatal gut infection in puppies.
Parainfluenza — a contributor to kennel cough.
Leptospirosis — a bacterial disease that also affects humans.
Rabies: the one you cannot skip
Rabies vaccination is legally mandatory in India and non-negotiable from a public health standpoint. The first dose is given at roughly 12 to 14 weeks, followed by a booster after the puppy series and then annually for life. Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear and is transmissible to humans, which is why this single vaccine carries legal weight that the others do not.
Adult dog boosters
After the puppy series, an adult dog needs a DHPPiL booster one year after the final puppy dose, then periodically as advised by your vet. The rabies booster is annual. Maintaining boosters keeps immunity from lapsing — a gap of even a few months can leave an older dog vulnerable to the same diseases the puppy series guarded against.
Typical vaccination costs in India
Costs vary by city, clinic, and vaccine brand, but as a rough guide:
Single rabies dose: around ₹350.
Full puppy series: roughly ₹2,500–₹4,500.
Annual adult boosters: lower than the initial series.
Optional vaccines such as corona or kennel cough may be recommended based on your dog's lifestyle and local risk.
Keep your records straight
A vaccination schedule only works if you remember the dates. Missed boosters are common simply because the paper card gets lost or the next-due date is forgotten. Keeping a dated record — when each shot was given, what it was, and when the next is due — turns vaccination from a scramble into a routine.
This is exactly what FurSphere is being built to do: track each pet's vaccines, surface the next due date before it passes, and keep a clean history you can pull up at the vet.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start vaccinating my puppy in India?
Puppies typically start vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks with the first DHPPiL shot, which protects against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis. Boosters follow every 2 to 4 weeks until around 16 weeks. The rabies vaccine is given at about 12 to 14 weeks. Confirm exact timing with your veterinarian.
Is the rabies vaccine mandatory for dogs in India?
Yes. Rabies vaccination is legally mandatory for dogs in India. The first dose is usually given by around 12 to 14 weeks, with a booster after the puppy series and annual boosters thereafter. Rabies is fatal and a public health risk, so it is the one vaccine no owner should skip or delay.
How much does dog vaccination cost in India?
A single rabies dose typically costs around ₹350, while the full puppy series usually ranges from ₹2,500 to ₹4,500 depending on city, clinic, and vaccine brand. Annual adult boosters cost less than the initial puppy series. Prices vary, so check with local clinics.
What happens if I miss a booster?
A lapsed booster can leave immunity gaps, especially for rabies and parvovirus. If you miss a dose, contact your vet promptly — depending on how long the gap is, they may restart part of the series or simply resume boosters. Keeping a tracked record helps avoid missed dates in the first place.
