Dog Vaccination Schedule by Age (2026): Complete Puppy & Adult Guide
A practical, AAHA-aligned vaccination timeline for puppies and adult dogs — including core vs non-core vaccines, regional differences in the US, UK, and Korea, expected costs, and common side effects to watch for.
Puppies need a series of core vaccines starting at 6–8 weeks, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks of age, covering distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza (DAPP). Rabies is given once at 12–16 weeks. After a booster at one year, AAHA recommends DAPP every 3 years and rabies every 1–3 years depending on local law. A full puppy series typically costs USD 75–250 (KRW 150,000–300,000), and most side effects are mild, such as soreness or a day of low energy.
Why a vaccination schedule matters
Vaccinating on time is one of the most effective things you can do for your dog. Maternal antibodies from the mother typically wane between 6 and 16 weeks of age, leaving puppies vulnerable to potentially fatal diseases such as canine parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends a structured series of puppy boosters during this window precisely because no single dose can be guaranteed to overcome maternal antibodies. Following an age-based schedule — rather than a single shot — is what builds reliable, long-lasting immunity.
Puppy vaccination schedule (6–16 weeks)
Most puppies need three to four rounds of core vaccines spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Core vaccines protect against diseases that are widespread, severe, or transmissible to humans. Non-core vaccines depend on lifestyle and region.
| Age | Core vaccines | Optional (lifestyle) |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) #1 | Bordetella (kennel cough) intranasal |
| 10–12 weeks | DAPP #2 | Leptospirosis #1, Lyme #1, Canine Influenza #1 |
| 14–16 weeks | DAPP #3, Rabies (1-year) | Leptospirosis #2, Lyme #2, Influenza #2 |
| 12 months | DAPP booster, Rabies (1- or 3-year) | Annual non-core boosters as needed |
Adult booster schedule
After the 1-year booster, AAHA recommends DAPP every 3 years rather than annually for most adult dogs. Rabies is given every 1–3 years depending on local law. Non-core vaccines (Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme, Canine Influenza) typically require annual boosters because immunity is shorter. Senior dogs (7+ years) often benefit from titer testing to confirm protection before re-vaccinating, which your vet can run from a small blood sample.
Regional differences: US, UK, Korea
- United States: Rabies is required by law in most states. DHPP/DAPP is universal; Lyme is common in the Northeast and Upper Midwest.
- United Kingdom: Rabies is not legally required for pet dogs that don't travel, but is mandatory for the Pet Travel Scheme. DHP and Leptospirosis are the standard core in UK practice.
- Korea: DHPPL (DAPP + Leptospirosis), Corona, Kennel Cough, and Rabies are standard. Korean clinics commonly run 5 rounds spaced 2–3 weeks apart, finishing around 16 weeks.
Cost ranges and side effects
A full puppy series typically costs USD 75–250 in the US, GBP 60–120 in the UK, and KRW 150,000–300,000 in Korea, depending on clinic and optional vaccines. Mild side effects — soreness at the injection site, low fever, or 24 hours of reduced energy — are common and normal. Seek a vet immediately if you notice facial swelling, hives, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, or collapse within hours of vaccination, as these can signal an anaphylactic reaction.
Track every shot in one place
PetCare AI's care calendar lets you log each vaccine and sends reminders for upcoming boosters. You can also ask the AI vet assistant lifestyle questions — for example, whether your dog needs a Lyme vaccine — and find a nearby clinic without leaving the app. Always confirm the final schedule with your local veterinarian, who can adjust timing based on breed, health status, and regional disease prevalence.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should a puppy start vaccinations?
Most puppies start their core vaccine series at 6–8 weeks of age. Boosters follow every 3–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks, because maternal antibodies can block a single early dose. The final dose around 14–16 weeks is the most important for lasting immunity.
How often do adult dogs need booster shots?
After the first annual booster, AAHA recommends the core DAPP vaccine every 3 years rather than yearly. Rabies is given every 1–3 years depending on local law and the vaccine used. Non-core vaccines such as Leptospirosis, Bordetella, and Lyme usually require annual boosters because their immunity is shorter.
How much does it cost to vaccinate a puppy?
A full puppy series typically costs USD 75–250 in the US, GBP 60–120 in the UK, and KRW 150,000–300,000 in Korea. The range depends on the clinic and which optional, lifestyle-based vaccines you add. Rabies is often a separate low-cost shot, sometimes available at reduced-price clinics.
What are the common side effects after a dog vaccination?
Mild reactions are common and usually resolve within 24–48 hours, including soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, mild lethargy, and reduced appetite. These are signs the immune system is responding normally. Contact a vet immediately if you see facial swelling, hives, repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing, or collapse, as these can signal a rare anaphylactic reaction.
Is it safe to vaccinate two vaccines on the same day?
Yes, combining core and non-core vaccines in one visit is routine and considered safe for most healthy puppies and dogs. Vets often space large or high-risk combinations for very small breeds or dogs with a history of reactions. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's size, breed, and health status.
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