How to use the puppy vaccination schedule
- Enter your puppy’s date of birth.
- Choose where you live. Rabies and leptospirosis timing differ between the US and the UK.
- Set the age of the first shot and the gap between shots, as your vet plans them.
- Read the dated plan, the last puppy shot and the booster date. Take it to your vet to confirm.
The schedule rules
Core vaccines protect against canine distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis) and parvovirus. The WSAVA 2024 vaccination guidelines advise:
- start at 6 to 8 weeks
- repeat every 2 to 4 weeks (not more often than every 2 weeks)
- give the last puppy dose at 16 weeks or older, because antibodies from the mother can block earlier doses
- revaccinate at or shortly after 26 weeks, or do an antibody test at 20 weeks or later; this replaces the older “first annual booster”
United States (AAHA 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines): leptospirosis is core, with two doses 2–4 weeks apart, starting at about 12 weeks. Rabies is a single dose at 12–16 weeks as local law requires, with a booster one year later. The calculator puts these on the matching visits.
UK, Ireland, Australia and NZ: leptospirosis (L2 or L4) is normally given with the first two puppy doses. Rabies is not part of the routine schedule in the UK.
Lifestyle vaccines such as kennel cough (Bordetella), Lyme disease and canine flu depend on where your dog goes and lives. Ask your vet.
Tips
- Bring the vaccine record from the breeder or shelter; doses already given count.
- Socialise safely before the series is done: puppy classes with vaccinated puppies, and visitors at home.
- Plan the first year’s budget with the cost of owning a dog calculator.
Sources
- WSAVA (2024). Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats.
- AAHA (2022). Canine Vaccination Guidelines.
- UC Davis Veterinary Medicine: vaccination guidelines for dogs and cats.
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior: Position Statement on Puppy Socialization.
Frequently asked questions
What shots do puppies need and when?
Core vaccines (distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis and parvovirus) start at 6–8 weeks and are repeated every 2–4 weeks until 16 weeks or older, then boosted at about 26 weeks, according to the WSAVA 2024 guidelines. In the US, AAHA also lists leptospirosis and rabies as core; in the UK leptospirosis is part of the standard puppy course and rabies is only needed for travel.
How many sets of shots does a puppy need?
Usually 3 or 4 core puppy shots, then a booster. Starting at 8 weeks with 4 weeks between shots gives 8, 12 and 16 weeks (3 shots); starting at 6 weeks with 3-week gaps gives 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 weeks. The key rule is that the last one is at 16 weeks or older.
When can my puppy go outside after vaccinations?
Ask your vet, because it depends on local disease risk. Many vets advise avoiding places where unknown dogs go until shortly after the final puppy shot. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior notes that puppies can start socialisation classes 7 days after their first set of vaccines, in a clean, controlled setting.
How much do puppy vaccines cost?
Prices vary a lot by clinic and country. The ASPCA’s 2021 cost guide put first-year vaccines and initial medical costs for a dog at about $300. Ask your vet whether they offer a puppy package.
When do puppies get the rabies shot?
In the US, a single rabies vaccine is usually given at 12–16 weeks, depending on state or local law, with a booster one year later (AAHA 2022; UC Davis). In the UK, rabies vaccination is only needed if your dog will travel abroad.