Vaccine schedule

Puppy Vaccine Schedule: Which Shots, When

Updated October 2026 · By the Hushku editorial team · 4 sources

Short answer

Puppies need at least three doses of a combination vaccine (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, often with parainfluenza) given 2 to 4 weeks apart between 6 and 16 weeks of age, two doses of leptospirosis vaccine from 12 weeks, and rabies as required by law, usually at 12 to 16 weeks. A booster follows within a year, then distemper-parvo every 3 years and leptospirosis every year.

Key facts

At least 3 DAPP doses, 2–4 weeks apart, between 6 and 16 weeks.
Leptospirosis is core for all dogs (AAHA 2024): 2 doses from 12 weeks.
Rabies usually at 12–16 weeks, as required by law.
Booster within 1 year, then DAPP every 3 years and lepto yearly.

This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If your pet seems unwell, or you're worried, call your vet.

Puppy vaccine chart

Age	Vaccines
6–8 weeks	Combination vaccine (DAPP): distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, ± parainfluenza
10–12 weeks	DAPP. Leptospirosis dose 1 from 12 weeks
14–16 weeks	DAPP (keep going every 2–4 weeks until 16 weeks or older). Leptospirosis dose 2, 2–4 weeks after dose 1. Rabies, as required by law
6–12 months	DAPP booster and leptospirosis booster, within a year of the last puppy dose
Adult	DAPP every 3 years · leptospirosis every year · rabies every 1 or 3 years

Lifestyle vaccines (if your vet recommends them) are covered below. Exact timing depends on your puppy's age at the first visit and the products your vet uses, so always follow your vet's schedule.

Core vaccines every puppy needs

Distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus (DAPP or DHPP). Given as one combination injection. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends at least three doses between 6 and 16 weeks, 2 to 4 weeks apart. Antibodies from the mother can block vaccines in young puppies, which is why several doses are needed and the last one should be given at 16 weeks or older.

Leptospirosis. A bacterial infection spread in the urine of wildlife and other animals, often through puddles and standing water, that can damage the kidneys and liver and also infect people. AAHA updated its guidelines in 2024 to recommend leptospirosis as a core vaccine for all dogs. Puppies get two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart starting at 12 weeks, then a yearly booster.

Rabies. Rabies is required by law in most US states and many countries. The first dose is usually given at 12 to 16 weeks, followed by a booster a year later, then every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine and local law.

Lifestyle (non-core) vaccines

AAHA describes these as just as important for dogs at risk:

Bordetella (kennel cough): for dogs that go to kennels, daycare, grooming, training classes or dog parks. Intranasal or oral vaccines need one dose; injectable ones need two doses 2–4 weeks apart. Boosted yearly.
Canine influenza: for social dogs where flu is circulating. Two doses 2–4 weeks apart, then yearly.
Lyme disease: for dogs in areas with blacklegged ticks. Two doses 2–4 weeks apart, then yearly, alongside tick prevention.

When is my puppy protected?

Puppies aren't fully protected until about 1–2 weeks after their final puppy dose. Until then, avoid places where unknown dogs gather and their waste collects, such as dog parks, pet shop floors and busy walking routes.

That doesn't mean keeping your puppy indoors. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends starting puppy classes and safe socialisation as early as 7–8 weeks, at least 7 days after the first vaccines, because the socialisation window closes at around 14–16 weeks. Carry your puppy to new places, meet vaccinated adult dogs in clean homes, and join a well-run puppy class.

Other vaccine schedules

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Sources

We check guides against veterinary sources and update them when guidance changes. How we write and review.

Questions.

How many shots does a puppy need?

Usually three or four combination (DAPP) doses, two leptospirosis doses and one rabies dose in the first 16 weeks, plus any lifestyle vaccines, then boosters within a year.

Can my puppy go outside before vaccines are finished?

Yes, with care. Your own garden is generally fine if unvaccinated dogs don't visit. Carry your puppy in public, avoid dog parks, and go to puppy classes that require vaccines.

What if my puppy missed a vaccine?

Talk to your vet. Usually the series continues with a dose as soon as possible; very long gaps may need extra doses.

Are puppy vaccines safe?

Serious reactions are rare. Mild tiredness or a sore spot for a day is common. Call your vet for facial swelling, hives, vomiting or collapse.