Puppy Shot Schedule: Which Shots Puppies Need and When

This schedule follows the American Animal Hospital Association's 2022 canine vaccination guidelines, which most US veterinarians use. Your vet may adjust it for your puppy's health, history and where you live.

Puppy vaccination schedule at a glance

Puppy's age	Vaccines
6–8 weeks	DAPP #1 (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, ± parainfluenza); Bordetella if needed (intranasal or oral can start early)
10–12 weeks	DAPP #2; leptospirosis #1 (from 12 weeks)
14–16 weeks	DAPP #3; leptospirosis #2 (2–4 weeks after #1); rabies (per state law)
16+ weeks	Final DAPP if the last dose was given before 16 weeks
About 1 year later	DAPP booster, leptospirosis booster, rabies booster
Adult	DAPP every 3 years; leptospirosis yearly; rabies every 1 or 3 years

The key rules from AAHA: at least three DAPP doses between 6 and 16 weeks, 2 to 4 weeks apart, with the last dose at 16 weeks or later; leptospirosis as two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart starting at 12 weeks.

Optional (non-core) puppy vaccines

Vaccine	Schedule	Who needs it
Bordetella (kennel cough)	Intranasal or oral: one dose; injectable: two doses 2–4 weeks apart; then yearly	Puppies going to classes, daycare, boarding or grooming
Canine influenza	Two doses 2–4 weeks apart, then yearly	Social dogs in areas with outbreaks
Lyme disease	Two doses 2–4 weeks apart, then yearly	Puppies in tick areas

When is a puppy fully vaccinated?

Not until the DAPP series is finished at 16 weeks or older, plus a couple of weeks for the last dose to take effect. Until then, avoid dog parks, pet store floors and other places unknown dogs frequent. Socialization still matters at this age, so use safer options: puppy classes that require vaccine records and clean floors, and play with healthy, fully vaccinated dogs you know. See when puppies can start training classes.

When can a puppy get a rabies shot?

Usually between 12 and 16 weeks. State laws set the deadline, commonly between 3 and 6 months of age. A first rabies vaccine is good for one year. See how long a rabies shot is good for.

What if my puppy is older than 16 weeks and hasn't had shots?

AAHA's schedule for dogs first vaccinated after 16 weeks is two DAPP doses 2 to 4 weeks apart, two leptospirosis doses 2 to 4 weeks apart, and rabies, followed by boosters a year later.

How often do puppies go to the vet?

AAHA's life stage guide recommends a first checkup at 6 to 8 weeks and then visits every 3 to 4 weeks until about 4 to 5 months of age. Those visits also cover deworming, parasite prevention, microchipping and early behavior advice.

Cost

A complete core series typically costs about $200 to $300 at a full-service clinic, plus exam fees; low-cost clinics charge less. See how much puppy shots cost.

Find veterinarians near you to book your puppy's first visit.

Sources

This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.

Puppy Shot Schedule: Which Shots Do Puppies Need and When?