
Everything you need to know about dog vaccination in New Zealand

Learn all about dog vaccination in New Zealand, including mandatory vaccines, schedules, and tips for ensuring your pet's health and safety.
At Pet-n-Sur, we know your dog is part of the family, and keeping them safe from preventable diseases is a top priority. Dog vaccinations in New Zealand aren’t just about protecting your furry friend—they’re about supporting the wellbeing of the wider pet community too. Let’s explore the essential vaccines, the recommended schedule, and some tips to make the process smooth and stress-free
Mandatory Vaccinations For Dogs In New Zealand
While New Zealand does not mandate dog vaccinations by law, veterinarians strongly recommend a core set of vaccines for all dogs. These vaccines protect against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases:
- Canine parvovirus: A severe and often deadly disease that causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration.
- Canine distemper virus: A serious condition affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
- Canine adenovirus (hepatitis): Causes liver disease and can be fatal.
- Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can also spread to humans.
Optional or non-core vaccines may also be recommended depending on your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors, such as:
- Caninel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus): Often required for dogs staying in kennels or attending doggy daycare.
When To Vaccinate Your Dog
Puppies need a series of vaccinations to build immunity, followed by regular boosters to stay protected. Here’s a general vaccination schedule:
- 6-8 weeks old: First round of core vaccines (parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, and leptospirosis).
- 10-12 weeks old: Second round of core vaccines, including any non-core vaccines if recommended.
- 14-16 weeks old: Final round of puppy core vaccines.
- 12 months old: Booster for core vaccines and any additional vaccines as needed.
After the first year, most dogs require:
- Core vaccine boosters every 1-3 years (depending on the specific vaccine and your vet’s recommendations).
- Annual boosters for non-core vaccines like kennel cough, especially for dogs frequently exposed to other animals.
How to Vaccinate Your Dog: Tips for Stress-Free Vaccination
- Work with a trusted vet: Schedule vaccinations with a trusted vet who can assess your dog’s specific needs and risk factors.
- Plan ahead: Puppies need to complete their vaccination series before socialising extensively with other dogs to prevent disease exposure. Check also what costs are included in your pet insurance.
- Stay consistent: Keep track of your dog’s vaccination schedule to avoid missed doses or overdue boosters.
- Monitor your dog after vaccination: It’s normal for dogs to experience mild side effects like lethargy or soreness at the injection site. However, contact your vet if your dog shows severe reactions, such as swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.
- Consider your dog’s lifestyle: Dogs that travel, hunt, or spend time in kennels may need additional vaccines.
- Ask about titer testing: In some cases, a blood test can measure your dog’s immunity levels, helping determine whether a booster is necessary.
Why Vaccination Matters.
Dog vaccinations in New Zealand shield your pet from life-threatening diseases and help stop the spread of illness to other animals and even humans. Staying up to date with their vaccination schedule is one of the simplest ways to give your dog a long, healthy, and happy life.
If you’re unsure about which vaccinations your dog needs, chat with your vet—they’ll guide you every step of the way. A little prevention goes a long way in keeping your best friend safe.
Protect your furry family today—because their health is everything.