Health and vet care
Puppy vaccination schedule in the US: core shots by age
In the US, the core viral puppy course protects against distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus. The planner shows an example at eight, twelve and sixteen weeks. Your vet must confirm the actual course, separate leptospirosis care and rabies timing under local requirements.
Which dates does the example calculate?
The date rule is birth date plus the number of weeks multiplied by seven. A birth date of 3 August 2026 gives the example dates below. Enter the date from the birth or adoption record and count only documented core viral visits.
These are planned dates, not confirmation that a vaccine was given or protection has developed. Some puppies need different intervals or a later final dose. Share the actual record with your vet.
Sources: AAHA canine vaccination guidelines, 2024 update (opens in a new tab)
What else is core in the US?
AAHA also treats leptospirosis as core. Its initial two-dose course and later boosters are separate from the viral course. A viral visit count does not establish whether the leptospirosis course is complete.
Rabies timing follows the licensed instructions and state or local law. The tool's twelve-to-sixteen-week display is a planning window, not a nationwide deadline. The rabies booster must be timed from the actual rabies dose, not from the final viral example.
Sources: AAHA canine vaccination guidelines, 2024 update (opens in a new tab)AAHA canine distemper guidance (opens in a new tab)CDC rabies guidance for veterinarians (opens in a new tab)
What if doses are late or the record is unclear?
Do not invent an earlier visit to make the calendar look complete. The tool can remove earlier viral checkpoints when doses are entered, but that does not validate every medical history or create a catch-up prescription.
A past date is a prompt to contact the practice. The calculator does not move every remaining event to today, certify immunity or decide which course should restart.
Sources: AAHA canine vaccination guidelines, 2024 update (opens in a new tab)
How can you take the plan to the practice?
Save keeps a copy on this device. Share link places the entered settings in the link, so anyone receiving it can read them. Print card and the calendar download carry the calculated dates; neither books an appointment.
Worked example
Birth ; no core viral doses given
- 8-week viral example
- 12-week viral example
- 16-week viral example
- First viral booster planning date
These are tool-checked planning dates. The actual clinical course and any earlier review require confirmation.
Use the country edition matching where the puppy receives care. Confirm booster timing, additional courses and any legal requirement before acting on a reminder.
Try it with your own details
Use the Puppy vaccination schedule to build your own result.
For general information only, not professional advice. Check the official sources below. Use your own judgement and speak to your vet before you act.
Common questions
More answers on this topic.
Are these the only possible puppy dates?
No. They are the planner's dated example; individual protocols can need different timing or a later final dose.
Does entering doses confirm protection?
No. The count changes the displayed viral checkpoints, not the puppy's medical record or immunity.
Is rabies timed from the last viral dose?
No. Rabies has its own licensed and local requirements, with boosters related to the actual rabies dose.
Does a calendar download book the visit?
No. It creates reminder events only; contact the practice to agree appointments.
Sources and checked dates
Each note explains what its source supports. Open the link to read the guidance yourself.
Table 2 supports a three-dose viral example, 2 to 4 weeks apart. Leptospirosis is core with a two-dose course from 12 weeks and annual boosters. Rabies follows local law.
The viral course starts at 6 to 8 weeks and continues beyond 16 weeks; 18 to 20 weeks may be preferred in high-risk settings. First booster within one year.
The vaccination section describes a usual minimum age of 3 months (12 weeks), and says schedules vary by product, state and local laws. It does not establish a national 16-week deadline.