Dog vaccines: which shots your dog needs and when

The short answer: most dog vaccines fall into two groups: core shots almost every dog should have, and lifestyle vaccines that depend on where your dog lives, travels and plays.

• Core: rabies, distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus
• Lifestyle: leptospirosis, Bordetella, canine influenza and Lyme
• Boosters: core every three years, rabies every one or three years
• What boarding, daycare and groomers usually require
• Next step: Plan it with the Pet Health Records ($5.49).

Most dog vaccines fall into two groups: core shots that almost every dog should have, and lifestyle (non-core) vaccines that depend on where your dog lives, travels and plays. This guide explains each one, how often adult dogs need boosters, what boarding and daycare usually ask for, and how to keep a simple record so you're never hunting for proof at check-in.

This is general information to help you talk with your vet, not veterinary advice. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's age, health, lifestyle and local laws.

Core dog vaccines every dog needs

Core vaccines protect against diseases that are common, serious and, in the case of rabies, a public health risk.

• Rabies. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear and can spread to people. Vaccinating pets is a key part of preventing rabies, and most states and localities require it by law.
• Canine distemper. A virus that affects the lungs, gut and nervous system.
• Canine parvovirus. A tough, highly contagious virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, especially in puppies. Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center notes that parvovirus can survive in the environment for a long time, which is why vaccination matters even for dogs that rarely leave home.
• Canine adenovirus. Protects against infectious canine hepatitis. It's usually part of the combination shot.

Distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus are usually given together, often with parainfluenza, in a combination vaccine you'll see written as DAPP or DHPP on the invoice.

Lifestyle (non-core) dog vaccines

Leptospirosis is worth knowing about because it can also infect people. The CDC explains that leptospirosis spreads through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals.

Adult dog vaccine schedule at a glance

1. Puppy series. Starts around 6 to 8 weeks with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks or older. See our puppy vaccine schedule for each visit.
2. First rabies shot. Usually between 12 and 16 weeks, depending on local law.
3. One-year boosters. About a year after the puppy series, dogs get boosters of the core vaccines and rabies.
4. Core boosters every three years. After the one-year boosters, many vets give the combination shot every three years.
5. Rabies every one or three years. This depends on the vaccine used and your state or local rules.
6. Lifestyle vaccines on their own schedule. Leptospirosis and Bordetella are often given yearly, and sometimes more often for dogs at higher risk.

Veterinary schools publish guidelines that vets use to set these intervals. The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine's vaccination guidelines for dogs and cats are one example. Your own vet may adjust timing for older dogs, dogs with health conditions or dogs with a history of reactions.

What boarding, daycare and groomers usually require

Most facilities ask for proof of rabies and the distemper-parvo combination. Many also require Bordetella, and some ask for canine influenza. A few want vaccines given at least several days before the visit. Ask for the list when you book, and bring a printed copy of your dog's record. If you're bringing home a new dog, put the vaccine record in the same folder as the adoption papers and microchip number.

Before and after a vaccine visit

• Bring the record. Your vet can see what's due and avoid double-dosing.
• Mention past reactions. Swelling, hives or vomiting after an earlier shot changes the plan.
• Expect mild soreness. A tired dog or a tender spot for a day is common.
• Watch for warning signs. Facial swelling, hives, repeated vomiting or trouble breathing need a vet right away.
• Write down the next due date. Add it to your calendar the same day.

Budgeting for dog vaccines

Vaccines are a predictable cost, which makes them easy to plan for. Prices vary a lot by region and by type of clinic: a full exam at a private practice costs more than a walk-in vaccine clinic, and lifestyle shots add to the bill. Many shelters, humane societies and city animal services run reduced-cost rabies clinics a few times a year. A simple approach is to ask your vet for an itemized estimate of next year's visit, divide it by twelve and set that amount aside each month. If you use a budget categories list, give pets their own line for food, vaccines, preventives and grooming so the annual visit never comes as a surprise. Pets also get sick unexpectedly, so a small emergency cushion on top of the routine costs is worth building over time.

Keep a dog vaccine record you can find in seconds

Groomers, kennels, trainers, dog parks, new vets and even some apartment complexes may ask for proof of vaccination. A single place for every certificate saves a lot of stress. Our dog vaccination record book guide compares paper and digital options, and if you have a cat too, see the kitten vaccine schedule.

A simple home for your pet's health records

The Pet Health Records ($5.49) printable gives each pet a profile page plus logs for vaccines, vet visits, medications, weight and a pet sitter sheet. Prefer a bound book for the glovebox or kennel bag? The Pet Health Record Book (Paperback) ($9.99) has the same logs in a durable notebook. Both are part of keeping household paperwork in one place, alongside the Home Management Bundle ($16.99).

Keeping records for a cat as well? Our cat years to human years chart shows when a cat reaches the senior stage (over 10) and needs more frequent checkups.

If someone else will care for your dog, write it all down with a pet sitter instructions template.