Puppy Vaccination Schedule: Which Shots and When (US Guidelines)

Why puppies need several doses

In their first weeks, puppies are protected by antibodies from their mother. Those antibodies fade gradually, but while they're present they can "cancel out" a vaccine. Since nobody knows exactly when they disappear in each puppy, vets give several doses every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks or later, to make sure one of them works.

A typical schedule

Every clinic adapts the schedule to the vaccines it uses, your area and your puppy. This is a common plan based on AAHA guidelines:

Age	Vaccine	Protects against
6-8 weeks	DAPP, dose 1	Distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus, parainfluenza
10-12 weeks	DAPP, dose 2; leptospirosis, dose 1 (from 12 weeks)	The same, plus leptospirosis
14-16 weeks	DAPP, dose 3; leptospirosis, dose 2 (2-4 weeks after dose 1)	The same
12-16 weeks (per state law)	Rabies	Rabies (required in most states)
16 weeks or older	Final DAPP dose if needed	The last puppy dose must be at 16 weeks or later
Within a year of the series	DAPP and rabies boosters	Completes first-year protection
Every year after	Checkup, leptospirosis (yearly)	DAPP usually every 3 years; rabies every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine and your state

AAHA guidelines call for at least three DAPP doses, starting at 6-8 weeks, 2-4 weeks apart, with the last dose at 16 weeks or older.

Optional (non-core) vaccines

Your vet will recommend these based on lifestyle and where you live:

Bordetella (kennel cough): often required by boarding kennels, daycare, groomers and training classes.
Canine influenza: for dogs that board, attend daycare or shows, or live where outbreaks have occurred.
Lyme disease: in areas where Lyme-carrying ticks are common, alongside tick prevention (ticks on dogs).

When can my puppy go outside?

The old advice was to wait until all vaccines were done. Today many vets recommend a balance: the window between about 3 and 14 weeks is key for socialization, so your puppy should meet people, sounds and healthy, vaccinated dogs in controlled settings (like a puppy class that requires vaccines), while avoiding dog parks, pet store floors and places with lots of unknown dogs until your vet gives the green light.

How much puppy vaccines cost

Item	Typical US cost
DAPP (DHPP) vaccine, per dose	about $42
Rabies vaccine (1-year)	about $35
Microchip	about $48
Total puppy vaccines, first year	$180-$300

Per-dose averages from the Synchrony/CareCredit 2025-2026 cost study; first-year total from Rover's 2026 cost survey. Many clinics charge an exam fee on top: ask beforehand. Shelters, humane societies and some counties run low-cost vaccine and rabies clinics.

Before each vaccine

Your puppy should be healthy: if they have diarrhea, a fever or seem unwell, the shot is postponed.
Puppies are usually dewormed at the same visits. See how often to deworm a dog.
Keep your vaccination records and rabies certificate: you'll need them for a dog license, boarding and travel.

Do you also have a cat? See the cat vaccination schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Is the rabies vaccine required by law?

Most states require rabies vaccination for dogs, usually by 3-6 months of age, and about ten states leave it to local governments, many of which require it too. Proof of rabies vaccination is usually needed to license your dog. We explain it in pet laws in the US.

What happens if a puppy shot is late?

A few days late usually isn't a problem. If several weeks pass, your vet may recommend repeating a dose. In the meantime, be extra careful about contact with other dogs.

Is it normal for my puppy to be tired after shots?

Yes, it's common for a puppy to be a bit tired or sore at the injection site for 24-48 hours. If you notice facial swelling, vomiting, trouble breathing or severe weakness, call your vet right away.

Sources

This article is for general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet's health, call your vet clinic.