Puppy Vaccination Schedule by Age
Start here
Puppies get the core DHPP vaccine as a series of doses every three to four weeks from about 6–8 weeks until 16 weeks or later, plus rabies around 12–16 weeks. Non-core shots depend on lifestyle. Full protection comes roughly one to two weeks after the final dose.
Vaccines are the single biggest thing you can do to protect a puppy through its most vulnerable months. The schedule below reflects current guidance from bodies like the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), but the exact plan for your puppy — which shots, on which dates — is always set by your own veterinarian.
Core vs. non-core vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for essentially every dog because the diseases they prevent are widespread, severe, or required by law:
- DHPP — a combination shot covering Distemper, Hepatitis (canine adenovirus), Parainfluenza and Parvovirus. You may also see it written DAPP or DA2PP.
- Rabies — legally required in most places and universally fatal once symptoms appear.
Non-core vaccines are given based on where you live and how your puppy lives — travel, boarding, tick exposure, contact with wildlife or standing water. Your vet decides which apply:
- Leptospirosis — a bacterial disease spread through the urine of wildlife and rodents and contaminated water; it can also infect people. Often given as two doses two to four weeks apart, usually from about 12 weeks.
- Bordetella (kennel cough) — commonly required for boarding, daycare, grooming and puppy classes; can be started young.
- Lyme disease — for dogs in or visiting tick-heavy regions; typically two doses a few weeks apart.
- Canine influenza — dog flu; two initial doses two to four weeks apart, for social or boarding dogs.
The core vaccine timeline, dose by dose
The DHPP series is not about a single shot — it is about finishing the series. Puppies carry antibodies from their mother's milk that fade at different ages and can block an early vaccine from "taking." That is why several doses are spaced out, and why the final dose at 16 weeks of age or later is the one that confirms lasting protection.
- 6–8 weeks: DHPP dose 1. Bordetella may be started here if needed.
- 10–12 weeks: DHPP dose 2. Non-core vaccines (leptospirosis, Lyme, influenza) may begin around now.
- 14–16 weeks: DHPP dose 3 (final) and rabies. Second doses of any non-core vaccines are completed.
- ~1 year: DHPP and rabies boosters, then boosters every 1–3 years depending on the vaccine and local law.
Puppy vaccine chart: age → vaccine
A general reference for a healthy puppy starting on time. Which non-core vaccines apply, and the precise dates, are decided by your vet.
| Puppy age | Core vaccines | Non-core (as advised by your vet) |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP dose 1 | Bordetella (if boarding / classes) |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP dose 2 | Leptospirosis dose 1; Lyme dose 1; influenza dose 1 |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP dose 3 (final); rabies | Leptospirosis dose 2; Lyme dose 2; influenza dose 2 |
| ~12 months | DHPP booster; rabies booster | Non-core boosters as needed |
| Adulthood | DHPP every ~3 years; rabies every 1–3 years (per law) | Leptospirosis / Lyme / influenza yearly if at risk |
What puppy vaccines typically cost
Costs vary widely by region, clinic type and which vaccines your puppy needs. These are ballpark United States ranges, not quotes — your clinic's exam fee is usually separate and added at each visit.
| Vaccine | Type | Typical cost per dose (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| DHPP / DAPP | Core | $20–$50 |
| Rabies | Core | $15–$35 |
| Leptospirosis | Non-core | $15–$35 |
| Bordetella | Non-core | $15–$45 |
| Lyme | Non-core | $25–$50 |
| Canine influenza | Non-core | $30–$60 |
A complete puppy series often totals roughly $200–$500 at a full-service clinic once exams and non-core vaccines are included, or about $100–$250 at low-cost or nonprofit vaccination clinics.
When is my puppy fully protected?
Immunity builds over the series, not after the first shot. A puppy is generally considered fully protected about one to two weeks after the final dose of the core series — usually around 16 weeks of age or a little later. Before that point, protection against parvovirus in particular is incomplete, so vets advise avoiding places unknown dogs use (dog parks, pavements, pet-store floors, rest stops). For how to socialize safely in the meantime, see our guide on when your puppy can go outside.
Never miss a booster in the series
Tavi builds your puppy's vaccine schedule from its age and reminds you before each dose is due — so the all-important final booster never slips. Free for your first pet.
Tips for staying on schedule
- Book the next visit before you leave the clinic — the three-to-four-week spacing matters.
- Keep the paper or digital vaccine record; boarding, daycare, grooming and classes often ask for proof.
- If you adopt an older puppy with an unknown history, your vet will design a catch-up plan — don't assume it's too late.
- Ask which non-core vaccines your region actually calls for, rather than defaulting to all or none.
Frequently asked questions
How many rounds of shots does a puppy need?
Most puppies get the core DHPP vaccine as a series of three or four doses, roughly every three to four weeks between about 6 and 16 weeks of age, plus a rabies vaccine around 12 to 16 weeks. The exact number of visits depends on the age you start and your vet's plan.
When is a puppy fully protected after vaccinations?
A puppy is generally considered fully protected about one to two weeks after the final dose of the core puppy series, which usually finishes at 16 weeks of age or later. Until then, immunity is incomplete, so avoid high-risk public areas. Your vet confirms when it is safe.
What is the difference between core and non-core puppy vaccines?
Core vaccines (DHPP and rabies) are recommended for essentially all dogs because the diseases are severe, common or legally required. Non-core vaccines such as leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme and canine influenza are given based on your puppy's region, lifestyle and exposure risk, as your vet advises.
How much do puppy vaccinations cost?
In the United States, individual vaccines commonly run about 15 to 60 dollars each, and a complete puppy series often totals roughly 200 to 500 dollars at a full-service clinic, or about 100 to 250 dollars at low-cost clinics. Prices vary by region, clinic and which non-core vaccines are included.
Can I skip or delay my puppy's boosters?
It is not advised. The early doses may be blocked by antibodies from the mother, so the final dose at 16 weeks or later is what confirms lasting protection. Skipping or spacing doses too far apart can leave a puppy vulnerable to parvovirus and distemper. Follow your vet's schedule.
What are the side effects of puppy vaccines?
Most puppies have no more than mild, short-lived effects such as soreness, tiredness or a slightly reduced appetite for a day. Serious reactions are uncommon. Contact your vet promptly if you see facial swelling, hives, repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing or collapse after a vaccine.
Tavi's guides are informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Vaccine schedules vary by country, region, vaccine brand and your puppy's health and lifestyle — always follow the plan your own veterinarian sets, and when in doubt, contact your vet. Sources include the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccination Guidelines, the American Kennel Club (AKC), PetMD, Preventive Vet and the Merck Veterinary Manual.