Vaccinations

Pet Vaccinations in Dubai

Vaccinations are the single most important step you can take to protect your pet from serious, preventable disease. At Aura Veterinary Center in Dubai, our vaccination protocols are built around current evidence, your pet's lifestyle, and the specific health risks of living in the UAE.

Book an appointment What's involved

Our standard first vaccination is DHPPi and Lepto at 8 weeks, followed by booster and rabies at 12 weeks

Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement for all pets in Dubai

Required for municipality registration, boarding, grooming, and all international travel

When to come in

Book an appointment if any of the following apply to your pet.

Your puppy or kitten has reached 8 weeks and is due their first vaccines
Annual booster reminders for adult pets
Before any international travel or health certificate application
Before boarding, grooming, or entering a licensed pet facility
You have adopted a rescue animal with unknown or incomplete vaccination history
Your pet's vaccination records have lapsed and you want to restart

What it covers

What vaccinations cover

Core vaccinations protect against diseases that are highly contagious, severe, or present a public health risk. In dogs, core vaccines include distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies. In cats, core vaccines include feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rabies. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet's individual risk profile, including kennel cough, leptospirosis, feline leukemia, and others.

Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement for all pet dogs and cats in Dubai. It is also required for municipality pet registration, boarding, grooming at licensed facilities, and all international travel. Our team ensures your pet's vaccination certificate meets all current Dubai Municipality requirements.

When your pet needs vaccinating

• Puppies: first vaccines at 8 weeks (DHPPi and Lepto), booster and rabies at 12 weeks. Earlier vaccination from 6 weeks is reserved for genuinely high-risk situations on veterinary advice

• Annual boosters for adult pets as per your vet's protocol

• Before any international travel or official health certificate

• Before boarding, grooming, or entering a licensed pet facility

• When adopting a rescue animal with unknown or incomplete history

• When your pet's vaccination records have lapsed by more than a few months

What to expect

Before your appointment

No fasting is needed before vaccination. Bring your pet's existing vaccination booklet or any previous records you have. If this is your pet's first visit to Aura, arrive 10 minutes early to complete a short health history form.

During your appointment

Your vet will complete a brief physical exam before vaccinating. This is important because we only vaccinate pets that are in good health on the day. If your pet is unwell, we will discuss rescheduling or treating the underlying issue first. The vaccination itself takes only seconds. We use Fear Free handling techniques throughout, including low-stress positioning, minimal restraint, and distraction where helpful. Most pets are remarkably calm when the approach is right.

After your appointment

We will update your vaccination record and give you a signed certificate. We recommend keeping your pet calm for the rest of the day and monitoring for any mild reactions such as slight lethargy or tenderness at the injection site. These are normal and pass within 24 to 48 hours. Serious allergic reactions are rare but if you notice facial swelling, vomiting, or collapse, contact us immediately.

Our approach

We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to vaccination. Your pet's age, breed, lifestyle, travel history, and any previous reactions all inform the protocol we recommend. We follow World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines and review our protocols regularly. We also keep detailed records so you never have to wonder when your pet is due next.

Many pets in the UAE are behind on vaccinations because their owners are unsure what is required or when. We are happy to review your pet's history at any point and advise you on where to start, even if records are incomplete.

Frequently asked questions

What vaccines does my dog need in Dubai?

In Dubai, the core vaccines for dogs are distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies. Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement and is needed for municipality registration. Your vet may also recommend kennel cough, leptospirosis, or other non-core vaccines depending on your dog's lifestyle and risk factors.

How often do cats need to be vaccinated?

Core vaccines for cats are typically given as a series in kittenhood and then as boosters every one to three years in adulthood, depending on the specific vaccine and your cat's risk profile. Rabies boosters are required annually in the UAE. Your vet at Aura will give you a clear schedule at each visit.

Can I vaccinate my pet if they are not feeling well?

Clinically unwell animals should not be vaccinated. This is not just about vaccine efficacy. Vaccinating a sick patient carries genuine risk and is not appropriate practice. At Aura, every pet receives a physical check before vaccination and we will not proceed if your pet is unwell on the day. We will reschedule once they have been assessed and are clinically healthy.

Do indoor cats still need vaccines?

Yes. Even cats that live entirely indoors are at risk from diseases carried in on clothing, shoes, and through open windows. Rabies vaccination is also a legal requirement for all cats in Dubai regardless of whether they go outside. Annual or triennial boosters are still recommended.

What is the difference between core and non-core vaccines?

Core vaccines are recommended for all pets because the diseases they protect against are widespread, serious, or zoonotic (transmissible to humans). Non-core vaccines protect against diseases where risk depends on the individual animal's lifestyle, location, or activities. Your vet will explain which non-core vaccines are relevant for your pet.