Puppy Shot Calendar
Create a suggested vaccination and deworming schedule for your puppy or litter, with a printable checklist to accompany veterinary records.
Plan with your veterinarian
These suggested appointments assume a healthy puppy starting a new series. Review dates and product choices with your veterinarian before treatment. If a dose was already given, was delayed, or is combined with another vaccine, your veterinarian should adjust this plan. It is not proof of vaccination.
The puppy distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus series generally starts at 6–8 weeks and repeats every 2–4 weeks through at least 16 weeks. Your veterinarian may extend the series to 18–20 weeks based on risk. Rabies timing depends on local requirements and the vaccine label. Ask your veterinarian about leptospirosis, other vaccines and parasite prevention.
Reference: AAHA canine vaccination guidelines. Do not restart or change an existing vaccine series based only on this calendar.
Core vaccines for puppies
Distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus: these are the core combination-vaccine components. Product names may also include parainfluenza.
Rabies: have your veterinarian confirm the legal schedule and provide the vaccination certificate.
Leptospirosis: AAHA now recommends this as a core vaccine for all dogs. It should not be treated as merely optional because a dog lives indoors.
See the AAHA guidelines and 2024 update for the current recommendations.
Lifestyle and exposure-based vaccines
Ask your veterinarian whether Bordetella, Lyme disease or canine influenza vaccination fits your dog’s exposure, travel and boarding plans. Product choice determines the starting age, route and follow-up doses; one universal date does not fit all vaccines.
Deworming and parasite prevention
Vaccination and deworming are different parts of puppy care. CAPC recommends beginning puppy deworming at two weeks and repeating every two weeks until regular broad-spectrum parasite control begins. Have your veterinarian select the product and dose for the puppy’s age, weight and health.
Keep a separate record of the product, date given and next due date. Ask about fecal testing and an ongoing prevention plan instead of assuming the same wormer covers every parasite.
Reference: Companion Animal Parasite Council puppy parasite guidance.
Where are vaccines given?
The correct route and site depend on the specific product. Do not use a generic dog diagram as an injection guide or assume an oral, nasal and injectable product are interchangeable. Ask your veterinary team to administer the vaccine and record its product name, route and site in the medical record.
Frequently asked questions about puppy shots
When should my puppy start getting shots?
Use the age milestones above to plan a conversation with your veterinarian. Bring any breeder or shelter vaccination records so the clinic can account for doses already given.
What if my puppy misses a vaccine appointment?
Call your veterinarian with the dates and products already received. Do not automatically restart the series or give extra doses; the next step depends on the vaccine and the gap between doses.
Why does a puppy need a series of shots?
Antibodies received from the mother can interfere with vaccination. A series helps cover the period when that protection is declining. A single early dose does not guarantee lasting protection.
Can vaccines cause side effects?
Temporary soreness, reduced activity or mild swelling can occur. Contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen. Facial swelling, trouble breathing, collapse or repeated vomiting require urgent veterinary attention. Tell the clinic about any previous vaccine reaction.
How much will puppy vaccinations cost?
Ask your clinic for an itemized estimate covering the examination, vaccines and any testing. Check whether follow-up visits are included. Prices and available low-cost services vary by location.
Can I give this sheet to a puppy buyer?
Yes. Include the actual treatment dates and original veterinary records. A planned date is not evidence that a vaccine was administered, and this sheet does not replace a rabies certificate.
Further reading: AVMA vaccination information for pet owners.
