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Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Enter your puppy's birthday to get a personalized vaccination timeline with exact dates. This schedule follows AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) guidelines used by most veterinarians.

Understanding Core vs. Optional Vaccines

Core Vaccines (Required)

DHPP protects against four serious diseases: distemper (neurological), hepatitis (liver), parainfluenza (respiratory), and parvovirus (gastrointestinal). Parvo alone kills up to 90% of untreated puppies. Rabies is required by law and is always fatal once symptoms appear. These are non-negotiable for every dog.

Lifestyle Vaccines (Optional)

Bordetella prevents kennel cough -- important if your dog will board, attend daycare, or visit dog parks. Leptospirosis protects against a waterborne bacteria common in rural and wildlife-heavy areas. Lyme disease and canine influenza vaccines exist for dogs in high-risk regions. Discuss with your vet.

Vaccination Cost Expectations

DHPP Series

$20-$30 per dose at most clinics. Low-cost vaccination clinics may offer it for $10-$15. Three puppy doses plus a 1-year booster means $60-$120 for the full puppy series.

Rabies

$15-$25 per dose. Many counties and cities offer free or low-cost rabies clinics. The 3-year rabies vaccine costs the same as the 1-year version but saves on vet visit fees over time.

Full Puppy Package

Most vets offer a puppy package bundling all visits, vaccines, and a spay/neuter for $300-$500. This is almost always cheaper than paying per visit. Ask about package pricing before your first appointment.

Planning for a new puppy?

See the full first-year cost breakdown including vet visits, food, and supplies.

Cost Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

What vaccines does my puppy absolutely need?
Core vaccines are DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus) and rabies. These are considered essential for every dog regardless of lifestyle. DHPP is given in a series of three shots starting at 6-8 weeks, and rabies is typically given at 14-16 weeks. Rabies vaccination is required by law in most jurisdictions. Bordetella (kennel cough) is technically non-core but is required by nearly every boarding facility, groomer, and training class.
Why does my puppy need multiple rounds of the same vaccine?
Puppies are born with maternal antibodies from their mother that provide temporary immunity. These antibodies also interfere with vaccines -- they can neutralize the vaccine before the puppy's own immune system responds to it. The problem is that maternal antibodies fade at different rates in different puppies. By giving 3 rounds spaced 3-4 weeks apart, you ensure that at least one dose hits during the window when maternal antibodies are low enough for the vaccine to work but high enough that the puppy still has some protection.
Can I take my puppy outside before all vaccines are done?
This is a balance between disease risk and socialization needs. Avoid dog parks, pet stores, and areas with high dog traffic until 2 weeks after the final DHPP dose (around 16-18 weeks). However, socialization during the critical 3-14 week window is essential for behavioral development. Carry your puppy in public, visit friends with vaccinated dogs, attend puppy socialization classes that require proof of vaccination, and let them explore your own yard if no unknown dogs have access.
What is leptospirosis and does my puppy need that vaccine?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of wildlife (raccoons, rats, deer). Dogs contract it from contaminated water, soil, or puddles. It can cause kidney failure, liver damage, and is transmissible to humans. The vaccine is recommended for dogs in rural areas, dogs that swim in natural water, dogs that encounter wildlife, or dogs in regions with known lepto outbreaks. It is a two-dose series starting at 12 weeks. Talk to your vet about local risk.
How often does my adult dog need booster shots?
After the puppy series and the 1-year boosters, most core vaccines (DHPP) can be given every 3 years. Rabies boosters follow local law -- some areas require annual rabies, others accept the 3-year vaccine. Bordetella is typically boosted annually. Leptospirosis requires annual boosters if your dog is at risk. Your vet will create a schedule based on your dog's lifestyle, local disease prevalence, and current vaccine guidelines from the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association).