Puppy vaccine schedule: which shots, at what age?
Short answer: puppies usually get at least 3 doses of the combination vaccine (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza) between 6 and 16 weeks of age, 2 to 4 weeks apart. Rabies is given from 12 weeks as required by local law. A booster follows within a year, then the combination vaccine moves to every 3 years.
A typical schedule, week by week
The 2022 American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) guidelines, widely followed in the US and Canada, recommend at least 3 doses of the combination vaccine between 6 and 16 weeks, 2 to 4 weeks apart. Here is a common example; your vet may adjust it.
| Age | Usual vaccines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Combination vaccine (DA2PP / DHPP), dose 1 | Often given by the breeder or shelter: ask for the record |
| 12 weeks | DA2PP dose 2; leptospirosis dose 1; rabies as advised by your vet | Leptospirosis is 2 doses starting at 12 weeks |
| 16 weeks | DA2PP dose 3; leptospirosis dose 2 | A final dose around 16 weeks gives better protection against parvovirus |
| Within the next year | DA2PP, leptospirosis and rabies boosters | Often around 12 to 16 months |
| Adult | DA2PP every 3 years; leptospirosis yearly; rabies every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine | Yearly wellness visit recommended |
Core vaccines
- Distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus (and parainfluenza): combined in one shot, often written DA2PP or DHPP. Parvovirus is highly contagious and dangerous for puppies.
- Leptospirosis: classified as core by AAHA since 2022. Two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart, then a yearly booster.
- Rabies: given as required by law and advised by your vet, from 12 weeks of age.
Lifestyle vaccines
- Kennel cough (Bordetella): useful if your dog goes to daycare, boarding, groomers or dog parks. Many daycares ask for proof.
- Lyme disease: depending on tick exposure where you live. Two doses, then a yearly booster.
- Canine influenza: depending on local risk, on your vet's advice.
Is the rabies vaccine mandatory?
It depends on where you live. In Ontario, the law requires every dog, cat and ferret aged 3 months or more to be vaccinated against rabies. In Quebec, there is no province-wide requirement for all dogs, but municipalities may have their own rules. In the US, most states require it. See our guide rabies vaccine rules in Ontario and Quebec.
How not to miss a booster
The most common slip is not the first shot, it is the booster a year later. Write down each vaccine with the product, lot number, clinic and next due date, and set a reminder two weeks before. Keep the record handy: daycares, boarding and groomers often ask for proof.
Read next: the kitten vaccine schedule and taking your dog from Canada to the US. Version française : calendrier de vaccination du chiot.
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Get it on Google Play Join the Discord communityFrequently asked questions
When does a puppy get its first vaccine?
Usually between 6 and 8 weeks of age, then every 2 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks, according to the 2022 AAHA guidelines and your vet's advice.
How many shots does a puppy need?
At least 3 doses of the combination vaccine (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus) before 16 weeks, plus 2 doses of leptospirosis and rabies, depending on lifestyle and local law.
When can my puppy go to the dog park?
Your vet will tell you based on the schedule you follow. In practice, owners usually wait a few days after the last combination dose, around 16 weeks, before busy places with many dogs.
Is the rabies vaccine required by law?
It depends on where you live. Ontario requires it for dogs, cats and ferrets aged 3 months or more. Quebec has no province-wide requirement for all dogs. Most US states require it.
How often do adult dogs need boosters?
According to AAHA: the combination vaccine every 3 years after the first booster, leptospirosis every year, and rabies every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine and local law.
Sources
- AAHA, 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines: core and noncore vaccines
- Ontario, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 567: Rabies Immunization (Health Protection and Promotion Act)
Informational article based on the official sources below. It does not replace advice from your veterinarian or the official agencies, whose rules can change.