Dog vaccines to let them run wild (within reason)
Set them up for a long, healthy life with key preventive care.
Dog vaccines to let them run wild (within reason)
Set them up for a long, healthy life with key preventive care.
Get their shots, then get back to being the fun parent.
It matters. Dog vaccinations help protect your kid from diseases that can cost you both.
Disease prevention
Help them avoid parvo, rabies, distemper, and other illnesses.
Community safety
Reduce the spread of contagious diseases for pets and people.
Fewer expenses
Spend far less on preventive care than treating serious illnesses.
Look out for them from day one.
Bringing a puppy into your home is so exciting, but being responsible for the health of this new bundle of chaos can be overwhelming! In this video our vet expert explains all you need to know about the important vaccines they need, but is your wallet prepped for those first few visits? You can save up to $150 on those vaccines with Pumpkin Wellness Club at your side.
Get them on a puppy vaccine schedule.
Dogs get a series of shots and boosters from the time they first come home until they’re about a year to a year and a half old. It’s a lot of vet visits in a short window, but each one helps build protection that lasts.¹
Why boosters matter: Puppies receive antibodies from their mother's milk that gradually fade. The series of vaccines ensures your puppy develops their own strong immunity. Missing boosters can leave gaps in protection, putting your pup at risk.
6 - 8 Weeks (First dose)
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Distemper, Parvovirus
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Bordetella (optional)
10 - 12 Weeks (Second dose)
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DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo)
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Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza (optional)
14 - 16 Weeks (Third dose)
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DHPP Booster
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Rabies
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Leptospirosis, Lyme, Flu Boosters
12 - 16 Months (Booster)
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DHPP Booster
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Rabies Booster
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Leptospirosis, Lyme, Flu (Annual)
Adult (Every 1-3 Years)
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DHPP (often every 3 years)
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Rabies (every 1 or 3 years)
Common dog vaccines
Veterinarians recommend core vaccines for nearly all dogs throughout their lives. These vaccines help protect individual pets, reduce the spread of disease, and support the health of dogs, families, and communities.²
Protects Against: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus
Timing: Puppies: 3 doses (6–16 weeks). Adults: Booster every 1–3 years
Pricing: $20–$50 per dose (puppies need 3 doses)
Notes: The most important vaccine series for puppies. Protects against 4 highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases.Protects Against: Rabies virus (a 100% fatal neurological disease).
Timing: First dose at 12–16 weeks. Booster required 1 year later, then every 1–3 years depending on local laws.
Pricing: $20–$50 per dose.
Notes: This is a legally required vaccine in most states. It protects both your dog and humans, as Rabies is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to people.
Protects Against: Canine Parvovirus (a highly contagious gastrointestinal virus).
Timing: Puppies: 3 doses (6–16 weeks). Adults: Booster every 1–3 years.
Pricing: $20–$50 per dose.
Notes: Parvovirus is extremely hardy and can survive in the environment for years. While usually included in the DHPP combo, it is the most critical component for preventing severe, bloody diarrhea and dehydration in young dogs.
What every parent should know about the rabies vaccine
A deadly disease that’s transmitted from one infected animal with a bite, rabies attacks the nervous system and brain. It's often fatal.
What is rabies?
Because it’s so dangerous, the rabies vaccine is mandated in every state. Most require the first dose by 4 months of age and boosters every 1–3 years.⁴
Legal requirements
Puppies need their first shot between weeks 12 and 16. A booster is given a year later, then every 1–3 years after that. Your vet can offer guidance based on where you live.
When to vaccinate
After the initial vaccine and 1-year booster, rabies vaccines typically provide 1–3 years of immunity. Your vet can confirm when a booster is necessary.
How long does it last
Puppies need a series of core vaccines to protect them while their immune systems are still developing. While it may seem like they need an endless amount of shots at first, these vaccinations — including core shots like DHPP and Rabies — are vital to protect them and other dogs against the spread of dangerous diseases like Distemper. These are typically given over several visits during the first few months of life, with spacing that helps build protection safely and effectively. Depending on your pet's lifestyle, your vet may also recommend additional vaccines for things like daycare or frequent outings. As they grow, they will need fewer shots but will still need to keep up with routine vaccinations throughout their adult life to stay protected.
Most puppies receive their first rabies vaccine between 12 and 16 weeks of age. After that, boosters are given based on local laws and the type of vaccine used. Rabies vaccination is required for both puppies and adult dogs in many areas, which makes staying current important for every dog’s safety. Your vet will help keep timing straightforward for your pet's entire life.
While core vaccines remain important, the specific vaccinations your dog needs can change as they get older. Most dogs continue receiving core boosters on a regular schedule, but your vet may adjust recommendations based on your dog's age, lifestyle, travel, and overall health. Routine checkups help ensure your dog stays protected with a plan that evolves alongside them.
Puppy vaccinations are spread across multiple vet visits during the first year. While each appointment may feel manageable, the total can add up quickly. According to CareCredit, the average cost for individual core vaccines ranges from $34 to $42 per dose, while non-core vaccines can average up to $53 each. Costs vary by location and vaccine type, but early preventive care helps avoid far more expensive illness later on.
After the initial rabies vaccine and first booster, protection typically lasts one to three years. The timing depends on the specific vaccine used and local regulations in your area. Your vet will let you know when the next booster is due — keeping records handy makes renewals much easier.
FAQs
Get paid up to $150 for annual dog vaccines.³
It’s just one benefit of joining the Pumpkin Wellness Club.
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Annual wellness exams
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Vaccinations (DHPP, Rabies, and more)
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Fecal tests and parasite screenings
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Heartworm and tick-borne disease tests
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Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
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Microchip implantation