Dog vaccination in Australia
AnimaPulse's reference scheme for Australia: the age of the primary course, the booster rhythm and the rabies rule, vaccine by vaccine. For guidance only.
Australia protocolIndicativePublished on Updated on
These schedules are indicative. A pet's protocol depends on its age, lifestyle, region and health: your vet always has the final say. Overview: Dog vaccination schedule · See also: Cat vaccination in Australia
What vaccinations does a dog need in Australia?
| Vaccine | Primary course | First booster | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| C3the core dog combo (C3): distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus — booster at 1 year, then every 3 years | 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks | 1 year after the primary course | every 3 years |
| Kennel coughkennel cough (the “C5”), required by most boarding kennels — yearly booster | 12 weeks | 1 year after the primary course | every year |
| Leptospirosisbacteria spread by rodent urine — regional risk, mainly in Queensland; yearly booster | 12 weeks, 15 weeks | 1 year after the primary course | every year |
| Rabiesnot routine in Australia — export only | 12 weeks | 1 year after the primary course | every 3 years |
The AVA policy on vaccinating dogs and cats (ratified in 2018) says each dog should be vaccinated as often as its vet considers necessary, and that the protocol depends on the animal's health and age, the effect of maternal antibodies, the disease and environmental risks, and the duration of immunity of the vaccines available.
Which vaccines does the AVA call core for a dog, and where do C3 and C5 fit?
The AVA policy reproduces the WSAVA vaccination groupings of 2015 for vaccines available in Australia. For dogs, the core vaccines are against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus; parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Leptospira interrogans are listed as non-core, and coronavirus as not recommended. The policy says non-core vaccines are for animals whose geographic location, local environment or lifestyle puts them at risk of specific infections, and that the choice is made for each pet, between the veterinarian and the client.
AnimaPulse's Australian table describes the C3 like this: "the core dog combo (C3): distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus — booster at 1 year, then every 3 years". Kennel cough and leptospirosis are separate lines. For kennel cough it says: "kennel cough (the “C5”), required by most boarding kennels — yearly booster". For leptospirosis: "bacteria spread by rodent urine — regional risk, mainly in Queensland; yearly booster".
Is canine parvovirus a bigger risk in some parts of Australia?
The AVA policy says canine parvovirus risk in Australia has been shown to be significantly higher in rural than in urban areas, and to be associated with areas of relative socioeconomic disadvantage, which "may necessitate greater precaution with vaccination in these regions". It adds that the incidence of some life-threatening infectious diseases has become very low in some regions of Australia, but that outbreaks and epidemics still occur and that the risk varies considerably by region.
Can a puppy go to puppy preschool before its vaccinations are complete?
The AVA policy says that puppy preschool, properly conducted in a clean environment, should not pose a risk to a puppy that is yet to receive its full course of vaccinations. The same policy explains why the course has several doses: maternally derived antibodies protect a newborn but can interfere with vaccination and prevent adequate seroconversion, and their level varies from one animal to another. AnimaPulse's Australian scheme gives the C3 primary course at 6, 12 and 16 weeks.
Does a healthy dog still need a vet visit when no vaccine is due?
Yes, according to the AVA. Its policy strongly recommends a health check even if animals are not to be vaccinated, and says that revaccination recommendations should aim to create and maintain clinically relevant immunity while minimising the potential for adverse reactions. The WSAVA summary linked on this page (2024) adds that the health check is much more than a vaccination consultation, although it will often include the administration of selected vaccines.
Does a dog in Australia need a rabies vaccination?
DAFF describes Australia as one of the few countries in the world that remains free of rabies. AnimaPulse's Australian scheme says: "not routine in Australia — export only".
DAFF's page adds two points about dogs. It says that vaccination of dogs is the proven way of preventing human exposure and eliminating disease at source in rabies endemic countries, and that the rabies virus has continued to spread through the eastern islands of Indonesia, which are very close to Australia's northern borders. Its Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy surveys all dogs on the outer Torres Strait Islands, with general health examinations and sampling for the testing of exotic diseases.
How will I remember my dog's booster dates?
Enter the vaccine in AnimaPulse and the app works out the next due date from the date you entered, then reminds you seven days before and again the day before. The calendar it proposes follows the country where your dog lives, not the language of your phone.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a puppy have its first vaccination in Australia?
In AnimaPulse's reference scheme for Australia the C3 vaccine is given at 6, 12 and 16 weeks. Your vet decides the timing for your animal.
How often does a dog need boosters in Australia?
In the scheme for Australia, C3 has a first booster 1 year after the primary course, then boosters every 3 years. Kennel cough: first booster 1 year after the primary course, then every year. Leptospirosis: first booster 1 year after the primary course, then every year. Rabies (a vaccine kept for export): every 3 years. Your vet adapts the rhythm to your animal.
Does a dog in Australia need a rabies vaccination?
AnimaPulse's reference scheme for Australia says: "not routine in Australia — export only".
Is canine parvovirus more of a risk in the countryside in Australia?
According to the AVA policy (2018), canine parvovirus risk in Australia has been shown to be significantly higher in rural than in urban areas. Your vet knows the risk where you live.
Sources — Australia
- WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines 2024 (core/non-core backbone) (WSAVA — Vaccination Guidelines, WSAVA — 2024 Guidelines, executive summary (PDF))
- Australian Veterinary Association — Vaccination of dogs and cats (policy) (AVA — Vaccination of dogs and cats (policy, 2018))
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Australia’s rabies-free status (DAFF — Protecting Australia from rabies)
AnimaPulse is available
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Page updated on 11 November 2026.