Dog Vaccination Schedule Builder
Get a personalized vaccination timeline for your puppy or adult dog based on AAHA 2022 guidelines, your state, and your dog's lifestyle.
Build Your Schedule
Select all that apply to determine noncore vaccines.
Enter your dog's age and state to generate a personalized vaccination schedule.
Understanding Your Dog's Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination is one of the most important preventive healthcare measures for dogs. A proper vaccination program protects your dog against serious and potentially fatal infectious diseases while contributing to broader community immunity.
Core vs. Noncore Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for every dog regardless of location or lifestyle. These protect against diseases that are highly contagious, widespread, and/or pose significant risk to animal and sometimes human health. Core vaccines include DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Rabies, and as of 2024, Leptospirosis.
Noncore vaccines are recommended based on individual risk assessment. Factors include geographic location, lifestyle exposure (boarding, dog parks, hiking), and travel patterns. Common noncore vaccines include Bordetella, Canine Influenza, Lyme disease, and Rattlesnake Toxoid.
The Puppy Vaccination Series
Puppies receive maternal antibodies through nursing that provide early protection but also interfere with vaccine response. The puppy series spaces doses every 2-4 weeks to ensure effective immunization once maternal antibody levels wane. The final dose should be given at or after 16 weeks of age to maximize protection.
Why Leptospirosis Became a Core Vaccine
In 2024, AAHA elevated Leptospirosis from noncore to core vaccine status based on nationwide prevalence data from the ACVIM 2023 consensus statement. Research showed that Leptospirosis is not limited to rural environments or dogs with water exposure. Urban dogs, small breed dogs, and indoor/outdoor dogs are all at risk. Regional prevalence ranges from approximately 4% to nearly 15%, making universal vaccination the recommended approach.
Adult Dogs with Unknown Vaccination History
If you've adopted an adult dog with no vaccination records, the recommended approach is to treat the dog as unvaccinated. This typically means a 2-dose DA2PP series (3-4 weeks apart), a Rabies vaccination, and a 2-dose Leptospirosis series. A 1-year booster follows, after which the dog transitions to routine adult boosters.
Sources & references
- AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines (2022) — Primary source for core and noncore vaccine recommendations, schedule intervals, and minimum age requirements.
- AAHA 2024 Leptospirosis Update — Elevation of Leptospirosis to core vaccine status for all dogs.
- ACVIM Consensus Statement (2023) — Leptospirosis prevalence data by region, informing the nationwide vaccination recommendation.
- CDC State Rabies Laws — State-by-state rabies vaccination requirements and triennial acceptance data.
- AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) — Canine vaccination principles, guidelines, and outbreak monitoring.
Disclaimer: This vaccination schedule is generated based on AAHA 2022 guidelines and general risk factors. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Your veterinarian may recommend adjustments based on your dog's individual health history, breed-specific considerations, and local disease prevalence. Always consult your vet before making vaccination decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccines does my puppy need?
All puppies need core vaccines: DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Rabies, and Leptospirosis (elevated to core status in 2024). Depending on your dog's lifestyle and location, noncore vaccines like Bordetella (kennel cough), Canine Influenza (CIV), Lyme disease, and Rattlesnake Toxoid may also be recommended.
When should my puppy start vaccinations?
Puppies can start DA2PP as early as 6 weeks. Rabies and Leptospirosis vaccines begin at 12 weeks. The puppy series continues every 2-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age, with some veterinarians recommending a final dose at 18-20 weeks in high-risk areas to ensure maternal antibody interference has waned.
What is the difference between core and noncore vaccines?
Core vaccines are recommended for ALL dogs regardless of lifestyle or location. These include DA2PP, Rabies, and Leptospirosis. Noncore vaccines are given based on individual risk factors such as exposure to other dogs (Bordetella, CIV), tick-endemic regions (Lyme), or Southwest desert environments (Rattlesnake Toxoid).
Why was Leptospirosis elevated to a core vaccine in 2024?
AAHA elevated Leptospirosis to core status based on ACVIM 2023 consensus data showing nationwide prevalence. Leptospirosis is no longer limited to rural or water-exposure environments — urban dogs are also at risk. Regional prevalence ranges from 4.2% (Pacific) to 14.9% (Midwest). The 4-serovar bacterin vaccine is now recommended for all dogs.
Does my state require rabies vaccination?
47 states plus DC require rabies vaccination by law. Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming have no statewide mandate, though local ordinances may still apply. After the initial dose and 1-year booster, most states accept 3-year rabies vaccination with an approved product.
What is titer testing?
Titer testing measures antibody levels in your dog's blood to assess immunity to specific diseases (typically DA2PP components). Some pet owners use titer testing as an alternative to routine boosters. While titers can demonstrate immunity, they do not replace legal rabies vaccination requirements. Discuss titer testing options with your veterinarian.
How does this tool determine which vaccines my dog needs?
The tool uses AAHA 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines (plus the 2024 Leptospirosis update) combined with your dog's age, state of residence, and lifestyle factors. State selection triggers automatic Lyme disease risk assessment and rabies requirement lookup. Lifestyle checkboxes determine which noncore vaccines are recommended based on exposure risk.
Can I share this schedule with my veterinarian?
Yes! You can download a PDF vaccination card with blank "Date Given" and "Vet Signature" columns, export to iCal for calendar reminders, or share a link that preserves your inputs. This schedule is a starting point — your veterinarian may adjust it based on your dog's individual health needs.