New Puppy Checklist: Health Records, Vaccines, and First-Year Care

Start a health record from day one

The first weeks with a puppy generate a surprising amount of paperwork: adoption or breeder documents, an initial vet visit, a microchip number, and the first vaccinations. Capturing it all in one place early saves you from hunting for details later.

A complete record also makes future appointments faster, because your veterinarian can see what has already been done.

• Microchip number and registration details
• Breed, date of birth, and adoption or purchase date
• Any records from the breeder, shelter, or previous vet
• Starting weight and body condition
• Known allergies or conditions

Understand the typical puppy vaccine timeline

Puppies usually receive a series of vaccinations over their first few months. The exact schedule depends on your region, your puppy's health, and your veterinarian's guidance, so treat the following only as a general shape rather than medical advice.

Always confirm the real schedule with your veterinarian, who will tailor it to your puppy.

• Around 6–8 weeks: first core combination vaccine
• Around 10–12 weeks: booster
• Around 14–16 weeks: final puppy booster and rabies where required
• Regular deworming and parasite prevention alongside vaccines
• Adult boosters begin roughly a year later

Build routines that prevent missed care

Missed boosters and lapsed parasite prevention are common in a busy first year. Reminders turn a vague intention into a scheduled task.

• Set reminders for each upcoming vaccine and booster
• Track flea, tick, and worming treatments
• Note feeding amounts and any diet changes
• Record weight monthly to watch healthy growth

Keep the vet in the loop

Tools can organise records and remind you of due dates, but your veterinarian decides the medical plan. Bring your record to each visit so nothing is repeated or forgotten, and ask questions about anything you have observed at home.