Last updated: September 2026
Quick answer: A puppy’s primary vaccination course in the UK costs around £112 on average in 2026, covering both sets of injections. Kennel cough is usually extra, at around £60 on its own. After that, an annual booster costs around £76 at the typical practice. Vaccination isn’t covered by pet insurance, but it matters for your policy: an insurer may refuse to pay for an illness your dog should have been vaccinated against.
This guide covers what each vaccination costs, how often your dog needs them and the cheapest ways to keep up to date.
How much do dog vaccinations cost?
| Vaccination | Typical UK price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy primary course (two injections) | £111.73 average | ManyPets survey, 2026 |
| Kennel cough (standalone) | £59.67 average | ManyPets |
| Puppy course plus kennel cough, where offered together at a discount | £157.10 average | ManyPets |
| Annual booster | £75.69 median | Rightvet, published prices from thousands of practices |
The ManyPets figure for the puppy course was 9% higher than a year earlier. Rightvet also found that corporate chains charged on average 26% more than independent practices for annual boosters, so where you go makes a real difference.
What vaccinations does a dog need?
Your vet will advise on your dog’s schedule. In general:
- Primary course: two injections a few weeks apart in puppyhood, protecting against the core diseases, such as distemper, parvovirus and infectious hepatitis, plus leptospirosis.
- Annual booster: leptospirosis protection is given every year; other components may be given every one to three years depending on risk.
- Kennel cough: optional, but often required by kennels, day care and groomers.
- Rabies: only needed for travel abroad.
Some owners ask about titre testing, a blood test to check immunity instead of automatically boosting. ManyPets found vets quoting between £45 and £92.10 for it, which can be more than a booster.
Vaccinations and your pet insurance
Pet insurance doesn’t pay for vaccinations, but skipping them can cost you a claim. Many policies won’t cover illnesses your dog could have been vaccinated against if its vaccinations weren’t up to date. Keep the vaccination card and make sure boosters aren’t missed. See does pet insurance cover vaccinations and routine care?
How to pay less
- Compare practices. Vaccination prices must be published under the CMA’s price-list rules, and independents are often cheaper for boosters; see your rights after the CMA vet review.
- Ask for a bundle. Having kennel cough done at the same visit as the puppy course can save money where practices offer a combined price.
- Consider a health plan. Most plans include the annual booster, and often kennel cough; see vet health plans.
- Rehoming? Rescue dogs are usually vaccinated before adoption, with the cost included in the adoption fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a puppy’s first vaccination?
The full two-injection course averages around £112; some practices price each injection separately.
How much is a dog booster in the UK?
Around £76 at the typical practice, often including a health check.
Does the vaccine dose depend on my dog’s size?
No. Vaccine doses are not based on weight, so a small dog costs the same to vaccinate as a large one.
What happens if my dog misses a booster?
Your vet may need to restart part of the course. It can also affect insurance claims for preventable diseases.
What else does a puppy cost in the first year?
See a puppy’s first-year vet costs.
Key takeaways
- A puppy vaccination course costs around £112, and kennel cough about £60 extra.
- An annual booster costs around £76 at the typical practice.
- Independents are often cheaper than corporate chains for boosters.
- Keeping vaccinations up to date protects your insurance cover.
Prices are typical ranges based on published data, not quotes. Your vet will advise on the right vaccination schedule for your dog.