Medically reviewed by Dr. Catherine Nicolaou, DVM.
Quick answer: In India, puppies start vaccinations at 6 to 8 weeks. Core shots (a combination vaccine such as the 7-in-1 or 9-in-1, covering distemper, hepatitis and adenovirus, parvovirus and parainfluenza) are repeated every 2 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks, with the rabies shot given around 12 to 14 weeks. Adult dogs then need annual boosters. Rabies vaccination is legally required in India, and a full puppy series usually costs ₹1,800 to ₹3,000.
If you have just adopted a dog, vaccination is one of the first things to sort out. Here is the full schedule, what each shot does, and what it costs in India.
Dog vaccination schedule chart (India)
| Puppy age | Vaccines due |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | First combination shot (7-in-1 / 9-in-1 / DHPPi): distemper, adenovirus and hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, with leptospira and corona in some brands |
| 10 to 12 weeks | Second combination booster |
| 12 to 14 weeks | Rabies (first dose) plus third combination booster |
| 16 weeks | Final puppy combination booster |
| 12 to 16 months | First annual boosters (combination plus rabies) |
| Adult | Combination booster every 1 to 3 years (WSAVA); rabies yearly per most Indian clinics and the law |
Your vet sets exact dates for your dog. The timeline above is the one most Indian clinics follow.
What dog vaccination costs in India
| Item | Typical cost (India, 2026) |
|---|---|
| 7-in-1 combination shot | ₹500 to ₹800 |
| 9-in-1 combination shot | ₹700 to ₹1,000 |
| Rabies (single) | ₹300 to ₹500 |
| Vet consultation (per visit) | ₹200 to ₹500 |
| Full puppy series | ₹1,800 to ₹3,000 (up to ₹4,500 in metros) |
| Adult annual booster | ₹800 to ₹1,400 per year |
Government veterinary hospitals and NGOs such as Blue Cross offer the same vaccines at a fraction of private-clinic rates. Prices vary by city, brand and clinic, so treat these as ranges.
Core vs non-core vaccines
Core, which every dog needs: rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and canine adenovirus or hepatitis. In India these usually come bundled as the 7-in-1 or 9-in-1, plus a separate rabies shot.
Non-core, based on lifestyle and risk: leptospira, bordetella (kennel cough), canine parainfluenza, corona and Lyme. A dog that boards, goes to daycare, or walks through monsoon-flooded areas may need some of these. Your vet decides.
Rabies: the vaccine the law requires
India accounts for a large share of the world's human rabies deaths, and almost every case traces back to a dog bite. That is why rabies vaccination is legally mandatory for pet dogs in India, and why vaccinating community and street dogs is a public-health act, not just a personal one. A vaccinated dog is extremely unlikely to carry rabies; the rare exceptions are dogs overdue on their boosters. If a dog bites someone, wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes and see a doctor the same day. Learn to spot the disease early in our guide to rabies in dogs. For a street-dog emergency, your city's animal helpline can guide vaccination and rescue. On 28 September, World Rabies Day rallies the world around the same goal: ending rabies through vaccination.
Deworming
Worms are near universal in Indian puppies, so deworming runs alongside vaccination. Deworm every 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months, then roughly every 3 months as an adult. For the full age-by-age chart, see our dog deworming schedule.
Side effects
Vaccines are very safe. Most dogs show nothing; some have mild, short-lived swelling at the injection site or a quiet day. Call your vet if you see vomiting, facial swelling or breathing trouble within a few hours. That reaction is rare and treatable when caught early. Keep a dog first-aid kit at home for the small stuff.
Frequently asked questions
How much does dog vaccination cost in India?
A full puppy vaccination series typically costs ₹1,800 to ₹3,000, and more in metros. Adult annual boosters run ₹800 to ₹1,400 a year. Government vet hospitals and NGOs charge much less.
Is it illegal to not vaccinate your dog in India?
Rabies vaccination is legally required for pet dogs. Skipping it can mean liability if your dog bites someone, and many cities ask for proof of rabies vaccination for licensing.
Do dogs need yearly vaccinations?
Rabies is given yearly in most Indian clinics and to meet the law. For the core combination vaccine, WSAVA guidelines support every 1 to 3 years in adult dogs. Ask your vet what fits your dog.
Can a vaccinated dog still get rabies?
It is extremely rare. A dog kept current on its rabies shots is very well protected. The small remaining risk sits with dogs overdue on boosters.
Can a vaccinated dog get parvo?
A fully vaccinated adult is well protected. Most parvo cases are puppies who have not finished their shot series yet, which is exactly why the 16-week schedule matters.
What is the 9-in-1 vaccine for dogs?
A single combination shot covering nine illnesses: distemper, adenovirus and hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and several leptospira strains, plus corona in some brands. It does not include rabies, which is always a separate shot.
When should a puppy start vaccinations?
At 6 to 8 weeks, with the first combination shot, then boosters every 2 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks. Rabies comes in around 12 to 14 weeks.
For more on settling in a new dog, see our guides on what to do before you adopt, the best food for dogs, and how much exercise your dog needs. It also helps to know the signs of tick fever in dogs, a common tick-borne illness here. For any specific concern, consult your vet.
Thanks for the information!