The Complete Puppy Vaccination Schedule for 2026
Bringing home a new puppy is one of life's greatest joys. But with that bundle of energy comes responsibility — and vaccinations are one of the most important things you'll do in your puppy's first year.
Why Vaccinations Matter
Puppies are born with some immunity from their mother, but this protection fades between 6-16 weeks of age. Vaccinations train their immune system to fight serious — and sometimes fatal — diseases.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for ALL puppies regardless of lifestyle:
- Distemper — Highly contagious virus affecting the respiratory, GI, and nervous systems
- Parvovirus — Extremely dangerous, especially for puppies. Attacks the GI tract
- Adenovirus (Hepatitis) — Affects the liver and can be fatal
- Rabies — Required by law in most areas. Fatal once symptoms appear
Non-core vaccines depend on your puppy's risk factors:
- Bordetella — "Kennel cough." Recommended for daycare, boarding, or dog parks
- Leptospirosis — Bacterial infection spread through water. Important in humid areas
- Lyme Disease — If you live in a tick-prone area
- Canine Influenza — Recommended for dogs in social environments
The Vaccination Timeline
6-8 Weeks
- First DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- Bordetella (if needed)
10-12 Weeks
- Second DHPP booster
- Leptospirosis (first dose, if applicable)
- Lyme disease (first dose, if applicable)
14-16 Weeks
- Third DHPP booster
- Rabies (first dose)
- Leptospirosis booster
- Lyme disease booster
12-16 Months
- DHPP booster
- Rabies booster
- Any non-core vaccine boosters
Every 1-3 Years (Adult)
- DHPP booster (every 3 years after initial series)
- Rabies booster (every 1-3 years per local law)
- Annual Bordetella if in social settings
- Annual Leptospirosis if at risk
Important Tips
Cost Expectations
Puppy vaccinations typically cost $75-200 per visit, with 3-4 visits needed in the first year. Many clinics offer puppy packages for $300-500.
Track every vaccination with Pet Capsule. Our health tracking feature lets you log vaccines, set reminders for boosters, and share records with your vet. Join the waitlist to get early access.