Puppies need 3 to 4 vaccine visits between 6 and 16 weeks, then annual or triennial boosters for life. This checklist breaks down what's required, what's optional, and when to set each reminder.
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The puppy series is the most critical window. Maternal antibodies fade during this period, and vaccines need to be timed correctly to build lasting immunity. According to the AAHA 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines, puppies should receive their final core vaccine dose at 16 weeks of age or older.
| Age | Vaccines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | DAPP (1st dose) | Distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus |
| 10-12 weeks | DAPP (2nd dose), Bordetella, Leptospirosis (1st) | Non-core vaccines start based on lifestyle |
| 14-16 weeks | DAPP (3rd dose), Rabies, Leptospirosis (2nd) | Rabies is legally required; final DAPP in the series |
| 12-16 months | DAPP booster, Rabies booster | One-year boosters lock in long-term immunity |
After the 12-to-16-month boosters, your dog transitions to the adult schedule. Set a pet vaccine reminder for each due date so nothing falls through the cracks.
Core vaccines are for every dog. Non-core depends on your dog's lifestyle.
Once your dog has completed the puppy series and the one-year booster, the schedule becomes simpler. Most core vaccines shift to a 3-year cycle. Non-core vaccines typically stay annual.
| Vaccine | Frequency | Reminder tip |
|---|---|---|
| DAPP | Every 3 years | Set a reminder 3 years from the last booster |
| Rabies | Every 1-3 years (varies by state) | Check your state's requirement; set accordingly |
| Bordetella | Every 12 months | Often required for boarding; set a yearly reminder |
| Leptospirosis | Every 12 months | Annual booster if your dog has exposure risk |
| Canine influenza | Every 12 months | Required by many groomers and daycares |
The best time to set a reminder is right after a vet visit, while the next due date is fresh. Set the reminder for the actual due date. You'll get notified 7 days before, giving you time to book the appointment.
If your dog gets multiple vaccines on different cycles, set a separate reminder for each one. A dog on annual bordetella and triennial DAPP has two different due dates. Treating them as one reminder means one will always be wrong.
Not sure what's due? Check your vet records, or call the clinic and ask. They'll have the dates on file even if you don't. Then set your reminders and stop carrying the schedule in your head.
Bordetella, leptospirosis, and canine influenza typically need annual boosters. Rabies and DAPP (distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus) are given every 1 to 3 years depending on the vaccine type and local regulations.
Puppies receive their first DAPP vaccine at 6 to 8 weeks, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Rabies is given at 12 to 16 weeks. The series typically requires 3 to 4 vet visits in total.
Core vaccines are considered essential for all dogs regardless of lifestyle: DAPP (distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus) and rabies. These protect against the most dangerous and contagious diseases.
Core vaccines protect against diseases that are widespread, highly contagious, or legally required. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle, travel, and exposure risk. Your vet will recommend which non-core vaccines your dog needs.
After completing the puppy series and the one-year booster, most core vaccines switch to a 3-year cycle. Some non-core vaccines like bordetella and canine influenza remain annual. Your vet will confirm the schedule based on which products they use.
Enter the next due date for each vaccine. You'll get notified before it's time, not after you've missed it.
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