Vaccinations are one of the most important preventive health measures for dogs. They protect against serious, sometimes fatal diseases, and in many cases, they’re required by law (e.g. rabies). Below is a guideline for what most U.S. veterinarians follow for puppy and adult dog vaccinations, along with ballpark costs in U.S. dollars.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule (Birth to ~1 Year)
| Age | Core Vaccines & Timing | Optional / Lifestyle Vaccines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First dose of DAPP/DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parvo, Parainfluenza) | Maybe Bordetella, maybe leptospirosis depending on risk area | Maternal antibodies still present; multiple doses required to build full immunity. |
| 10–12 weeks | Second dose DHPP/DAPP etc. | Lifestyle vaccines (Bordetella, Leptospirosis, maybe Lyme, canine influenza) as advised by vet | |
| 14–16 weeks | Third or final puppy DHPP / DAPP series; first rabies vaccination usually given around this time (depends on state law) | Boost of lifestyle vaccines as needed (e.g. leptospirosis, Bordetella) | |
| 12–16 months | Booster of DHPP / DAPP; booster of rabies (if required one-year after first) | Boosters of lifestyle vaccines (if dog exposed or high risk) |
Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule (After 1st Year)
| Vaccine | Core vs. Lifestyle | Typical Booster Frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| DHPP / DAPP | Core | Usually every 1 to 3 years depending on vaccine type/formulation, state recommendations, dog’s health. |
| Rabies | Core / Legal requirement | Usually every 1 year or every 3 years depending on state law and the vaccine used. |
| Leptospirosis | Lifestyle (increasingly core in some areas) | Often yearly if used. |
| Bordetella (Kennel cough) | Lifestyle | May be every 6-12 months (especially if dog is boarded, goes to dog parks, etc.). |
| Lyme disease, Canine influenza, Others | Lifestyle | Yearly or as needed depending on exposure. |
*Booster frequency depends on state law, vaccine manufacturer guidelines, and veterinarian’s judgment.
Approximate Costs
Here are typical cost ranges (2024-2025) for various vaccines and full puppy vaccination series. Prices vary widely by region, clinic type (private vs low-cost), and whether there are package deals.
| Vaccine / Service | Typical Cost per Dose / Visit |
|---|---|
| DHPP / DAPP (core combo) | $20–$60 per dose. |
| Rabies vaccine | $20–$30 typically. Some states / clinics charge more. |
| Leptospirosis | ~$25–$60 per dose. |
| Bordetella (Kennel cough) | ~$30–$50 depending on route (injectable vs intranasal etc.). |
| Canine influenza | ~$45‐$65 per dose. |
| Lyme disease vaccine | ~$20–$40 per dose. |
| First‐Year Total (all core + some lifestyle) | Between $100 and $300+ depending on how many vaccines your puppy gets, where you live, clinic fees. |
| Annual boosters (core + selected lifestyle) | Usually less, often $50-$150+ depending on number of shots. Also exam / vet fee adds cost. |
Important Legal, Health, & Practical Notes
Rabies laws: Every U.S. state has laws about rabies vaccination. Age at first vaccine, frequency of boosters, and record-keeping differ. Always follow local requirements.
Tailoring by risk: Lifestyle matters — dogs that go outdoors a lot, attend boarding or daycare, or live near woods/water are more likely to need additional vaccines (e.g. leptospirosis, Lyme, kennel cough).
Vaccine reactions: Most dogs tolerate vaccines well. Some mild side effects (soreness at injection site, mild fever, lethargy) are common. Serious reactions are rare. You should stay at the clinic for a short period after vaccination in case of adverse reaction.
Titer testing: In some cases, vets will check antibody titers (blood tests) to see if immunity is present rather than automatically administering booster shots. But titers may not satisfy legal requirements (especially for rabies).
Final Thoughts
Vaccination protects not just your dog, but also the community (e.g. rabies).
Work with your veterinarian to develop a vaccine schedule that matches your dog’s risk (geography, lifestyle, health).
Keep good records and reminders for boosters — forgetting can leave your dog vulnerable.
Consider budget and schedule ahead so you’re not caught off guard. Some clinics and shelters offer low-cost “vaccination clinics.”
