Dog vaccination — what you need to know

Vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your dog — and the dogs around them. But between compulsory vaccines, recommended ones and annual boosters, it's easy to lose track. This guide organises the essentials so you can keep your dog's record up to date, especially if you plan to use services such as the hotel or daycare.

Important note: this article is informational and does not replace your vet's advice. A vaccination plan should always be individualised according to your dog's age, health status and lifestyle.

The legally compulsory vaccine: rabies

In Portugal, the rabies vaccine is compulsory for all dogs from 3 months of age, alongside electronic identification (microchip) and registration in SIAC. The booster is generally given annually or according to the validity of the vaccine used and the vet's guidance. It's also an essential requirement for travelling with your dog, within the country and abroad.

Without an up-to-date rabies vaccine, your dog isn't legally compliant — and cannot be accepted at an animal-boarding establishment.

The core vaccines

Beyond rabies, vets recommend a set of vaccines considered essential for any dog, regardless of lifestyle. They protect against serious and sometimes fatal diseases:

• Distemper
• Parvovirus
• Infectious canine hepatitis (adenovirus)
• Leptospirosis (a zoonosis — transmissible to humans)

These vaccines are usually given together (the "polyvalent" shot). The initial schedule is done in puppyhood, in several doses, followed by periodic boosters.

Vaccines recommended for a social life

If your dog mixes with other dogs — parks, daycares, hotels, shows — there are additional, highly recommended vaccines:

• Kennel cough (Bordetella + parainfluenza): reduces the likelihood and severity of this common respiratory infection. We explain the illness in detail in What is kennel cough?.
• Leishmaniasis: relevant in higher-risk areas, especially in the south and rural settings, transmitted by the sandfly.

Many hotels and daycares require the kennel-cough vaccine precisely because it protects the community of dogs sharing the space.

The schedule, in broad strokes

Although the plan should be set by your vet, the typical schedule looks like this:

1. 6–8 weeks: first polyvalent dose.
2. 10–12 weeks: second dose.
3. 14–16 weeks: third dose + start of rabies (from 3 months).
4. Annual boosters: polyvalent, rabies and, depending on lifestyle, kennel cough and leishmaniasis.

Note the dates in the record and set a reminder. An up-to-date record avoids surprises on the day of a stay.

Why hotels require the record

It may look like bureaucracy, but it's the opposite: it's the centrepiece of disease prevention. A DGAV-registered establishment that checks every dog's vaccinations at arrival is, in practice, ensuring your dog doesn't mix with unprotected animals. It's one of the signs of a responsible establishment we list in 10 signs of a good dog hotel.

So when you book a stay, always bring an up-to-date record. Without it, a good hotel should not accept your dog — and that's actually good news for you.

Parasite control: the complement to vaccination

Vaccination doesn't cover parasites. Keep up to date with:

• Internal deworming (intestinal worms), periodically.
• External parasite control (fleas and ticks), especially in spring and summer.
• Leishmaniasis prevention with repellent collars or spot-ons, in addition to the vaccine.

What if the record has lapsed?

It happens — busy lives mean many boosters slip past their due date. The good news is that, in most cases, you simply resume the plan with your vet. For some vaccines, if the delay is long, it may be necessary to restart the schedule with two doses instead of one. The important thing is not to put it off: a dog with lapsed vaccinations is unprotected and, in practice, barred from accessing socialisation services. Book an appointment as soon as you notice, and regularise the situation before planning a stay.

Common vaccination myths

• "My dog never goes out, so doesn't need vaccines." False. Diseases like leptospirosis arrive via rodent urine; parvovirus survives for months in the environment and enters the home on the soles of your shoes.
• "Vaccinating every year is harmful." The plan should be individualised, but the boosters recommended by your vet are safe and necessary. The decision to space them out or maintain them rests with the professional, based on evidence.
• "After the initial course, they're protected for life." Immunity wanes over time. Without boosters, protection fades.

When in doubt, the right source is always your vet — not internet forums.

In summary

Compulsory rabies, essential polyvalent, recommended kennel cough for a social life — all recorded in an up-to-date booklet. This is the foundation that protects your dog and opens the door to a rich, safe social life.

Leaving your dog with us? Make sure the record is current and book the stay. If you have any doubts about the requirements, get in touch — we'll help you check everything before arrival.