A dog’s vaccination schedule changes a lot from puppyhood to senior years, and getting the timing right matters — for your dog’s health, for legal compliance, and for access to boarding, daycare, and grooming. This is the complete 2026 schedule: which shots, when, why, and what they cost.
Always confirm specifics with your veterinarian — protocols vary by region, lifestyle, and your dog’s health history. This guide is a planning reference, not medical advice.
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs:
- Rabies — legally required in nearly all U.S. states
- Distemper, Adenovirus (Hepatitis), Parvovirus, Parainfluenza — given as the combo shot DHPP / DAPP
Non-core (lifestyle) vaccines depend on exposure risk:
- Bordetella — kennel cough; required for boarding/daycare/grooming
- Canine Influenza (CIV) — dog flu; increasingly required in metros
- Leptospirosis — bacterial, water-borne; recommended for outdoor/rural dogs
- Lyme — tick-borne; recommended in high-tick regions
Puppy Vaccination Schedule (Week by Week)
| Puppy Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (1st dose) |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP (2nd dose); Bordetella, Leptospirosis, CIV (if lifestyle warrants) |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP (3rd/final dose); Rabies; CIV 2nd dose; Lyme (if applicable) |
| 12–16 months | DHPP booster; Rabies booster; non-core boosters |
Critical window: Puppies aren’t fully protected until the DHPP series finishes around 16 weeks. Until then, avoid dog parks, group daycare, and boarding — your puppy isn’t immune yet. This is why most boarders and daycares won’t accept a puppy until ~4 months old.
Adult Dog Schedule (1–7 years)
- Rabies: Every 1 or 3 years (depends on vaccine type and state law)
- DHPP: Every 1 or 3 years
- Bordetella: Every 6–12 months (every 6 if you board/daycare frequently)
- Canine Influenza: Annual
- Leptospirosis / Lyme: Annual, if lifestyle warrants
Many vets now use 3-year intervals for rabies and DHPP based on titer research, reducing over-vaccination. Ask your vet whether a titer test (which measures existing immunity) is appropriate before automatic re-vaccination.
Senior Dog Schedule (7+ years)
Seniors still need core vaccines, but the conversation shifts. Some vets recommend titer testing instead of automatic boosters for older dogs, and tailoring non-core vaccines to actual lifestyle (a senior who no longer boards may not need Bordetella). Don’t stop vaccinating a senior without a vet’s input — immunity wanes with age, but so does the body’s tolerance for unnecessary shots. It’s a balance your vet should help strike.
Vaccination Costs
- Rabies: $15–$30
- DHPP: $20–$40
- Bordetella: $20–$40
- Canine Influenza (2-dose series): $70–$120
- Full puppy series (all visits): $150–$300 total
- Annual adult boosters: $80–$200/year depending on non-core needs
Low-cost and mobile vaccine clinics (Vetco, VIP Petcare, PetVet) handle routine vaccines at 40–60% less than a full-service vet. For complete pricing, see our vet visit cost guide.
Worth having: [placeholder-link: pet health record organizer], [placeholder-link: digital pet thermometer]. We’ll update these with vetted picks once our Amazon Associates application clears.
What Boarders & Daycares Require
If you plan to board, use daycare, or even just visit a groomer, you’ll need proof of: Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella at minimum, with Canine Influenza increasingly required. See our dedicated boarding vaccination requirements guide for exactly what to bring to drop-off and the timing to plan for.
Keep Records — You’ll Need Them
Every boarder, daycare, groomer, and trainer will ask for vaccination proof. Keep a digital copy (most vets offer a downloadable PDF via their portal) so you can produce it instantly. Print two copies before any boarding drop-off.