Bringing home a new puppy is exciting… and a little overwhelming. Vaccines are one of the first “grown-up” responsibilities you’ll manage, and the timing matters. A printable puppy vaccine chart keeps everything in one place, so you don’t miss boosters, stay ready for daycare/boarding, and feel confident talking with your vet.

Below, you’ll find the simple first-year timeline, the best places to download a printable chart, and exactly how to use it (even if you’re not a “spreadsheet person”).

Key takeaways

• Core vaccines for puppies typically include DHPP and Rabies
• DHPP is given in a series starting around 6–8 weeks old
• Vets give the rabies vaccine in the first year, with a booster later (law varies by location)
• Non-core vaccines also depend on your puppy’s lifestyle and exposure risks (daycare, hiking, ticks, wildlife, outbreaks)
• Puppies are also usually well protected 1–2 weeks after their final DHPP dose
• Keeping vaccine records is essential for daycare, boarding, training, and travel

Make Vaccinating Your Pup Easy

A printable puppy vaccine chart is a one-page tracker you can keep in your puppy folder or on the fridge. It helps you record:

• Vaccine name (DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella, etc.)
• Date given
• Next due date (or due window)
• Vet/clinic name
• Notes (brand/lot number, side effects, reminders)

Why it matters: Most first-year vaccines aren’t “one and done.” DHPP, for example, is a series; your chart keeps the rhythm clear, and is also excellent record-keeping in case of travel.

Where Can I Find a Printable Puppy Vaccine Chart?

If you want something vet-aligned and also easy to print, start with these:

1) American Kennel Club (AKC) Printable Schedule (Free)

First, you can start with a simple, widely used PDF-style schedule that’s easy to print and reference.

• Use it when you want a quick timeline by age
• Great for first-time puppy owners who want “just tell me what’s next.”

2) AAHA-based Schedules (Best for “What’s Medically Recommended?”)

AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) guidelines are often what clinics reference when planning vaccine timing and boosters.

• Use these to understand core vs. non-core recommendations
• Helpful when you’re deciding whether lifestyle vaccines (like lepto or Lyme) make sense

3) Your Veterinarian’s Clinic Printout (Most Personalized)

Many vets can print a plan that already reflects your puppy’s age, health, and, additionally, local risks.

• Best choice if your puppy started vaccines before coming home
• This is also the best for catch-up schedules in the case of any delay

If you’re using an online chart, always confirm details with your veterinarian, especially for rabies timing and legal booster intervals, which can vary by state and vaccine type.

How Do I Use a Printable Puppy Vaccine Chart?

Step 1: Fill in Your Puppy’s Basics

Beginning at the top of the page, first write:

• Puppy’s name
• Birthdate (or estimated age)
• Breed/size notes (helpful for general wellness planning)
• Vet clinic contact info

Step 2: Record What’s Already Been Done

If your puppy came with records, also transfer them to your chart:

• DHPP dates
• Deworming dates (if you’re tracking those too)
• Any non-core vaccines already started

If anything is unclear, you can also call the clinic listed on the paperwork and request an official record.

Step 3: Use “Due Windows,” Not Just Exact Dates

Generally, puppy vaccines are spaced every 2–4 weeks. On your chart, also write:

• “Due: week of ____”
• Or “Due between ____ and ____”

This gives you wiggle room and also makes scheduling easier if your life gets busy.

Step 4: Bring the Chart to Every Appointment

Additionally, ask your vet or vet tech to:

• Confirm what was given today
• Write the next due date before you leave
• Note any brand/lot numbers if you need documentation for boarding/travel

Step 5: Keep a Backup Copy

Do at least one:

• Take a photo after each visit
• Also scan it into a “Puppy Medical” folder
• Store a copy with your puppy’s adoption paperwork

First-year Puppy Vaccination Schedule

This is a typical starting timeline many vets use. Your vet may adjust it based on your puppy’s health, age at first appointment, and risk factors.

​What Does A First-year Puppy Vaccination Schedule Look Like?

6–8 weeks	DHPP #1 (Distemper/Adenovirus/Parvo/Parainfluenza)	Core	Start the DHPP series (usually every 2–4 weeks)
8–10 weeks	DHPP #2	Core	Booster to build protection
10–12 weeks	DHPP #3	Core	Some pups finish later depending on start date and spacing
12–16 weeks	Rabies (first dose)	Core (legally regulated)	Timing varies by state law + vaccine label; many give around 14–16 weeks
12–16 weeks	DHPP #4 (final for many puppies)	Core	Final dose is often at 16 weeks or later (some pups need a dose up to 18–20 weeks depending on risk/timing)
16–18 weeks (or 1–2 weeks after final DHPP)	“Ready” window	—	Many puppies are better protected 1–2 weeks after the final DHPP—ask your vet before dog parks/daycare
9–12 months	Optional lifestyle boosters (if started)	Non-core	Some non-core vaccines require boosters in the first year—follow your vet’s schedule
12–16 months	DHPP booster (and other boosters per vet)	Core	Many clinics boost at about 1 year after the puppy series
12–16 months	Rabies booster (if required by local rules/product)	Core (legally regulated)	Booster interval depends on your location and the vaccine used

What To Track On Your Printable Puppy Vaccine Chart

What Main Vaccines Are Recommended For all Puppies?

DHPP and Rabies are the big two to track clearly, as they’re nearly always required for things like travel, boarding, and doggy daycare, and are also some of the biggest preventative measures to secure your dog’s health.

What Does DHPP Protect Against?

Distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus, and parainfluenza.

Why is a Rabies Vaccine Required?

Rabies is fatal, can spread to humans, and is legally regulated in many areas, so documentation matters.

Non-core Vaccines (Based on Lifestyle + Region)

Most commonly discussed in the first year:

• Bordetella (daycare, grooming, classes, boarding)
• Leptospirosis (wildlife, puddles/standing water, hiking, suburban/rural exposure)
• Lyme (tick-heavy regions)
• Canine influenza (dog-dense environments or outbreak areas)

Your chart should include these as “optional” lines so your vet can check what’s recommended for your puppy’s life.

Finishing Up Puppy Vaccinations

Most puppies are considered well protected 1–2 weeks after their final DHPP dose, often around 16–20 weeks (depending on when the series started and how it was spaced).

Until then, your chart isn’t just a record, it’s a safety plan. Use it to avoid high-risk environments (like dog parks or shared potty areas) until your vet says your puppy is ready.

Common reactions can also include:

• Sleepiness for a day
• Mild soreness or a small lump at the injection site
• Brief decrease in appetite

These symptoms are mild and typically resolve on their own.

When Should I Call the Vet?

Seek care immediately for severe reactions.

Additionally, call your vet or an emergency clinic if you notice:

• Facial swelling or hives
• Vomiting or severe diarrhea
• Trouble breathing
• Collapse or extreme weakness

Serious reactions are rare, but prompt treatment is important.

FAQs: Printable Puppy Vaccine Chart

Where can I get a free printable puppy vaccine chart?

You can download one from the AKC (simple printable schedule), use an AAHA-aligned schedule for guidance, or request a custom printout from your vet (most accurate for your puppy).

What vaccines do puppies need in the first year?

Most puppies need core vaccines: DHPP (given in a series starting around 6–8weeks) and Rabies (usually around 14–16 weeks, depending on local rules and your vet). Non-core vaccines can depend on lifestyle (Bordetella, leptospirosis, Lyme, canine influenza).

How often do puppy vaccines happen?

Typically every 2–4 weeks during the DHPP series until the final dose, then boosters around 12–16 months.

What should I write on a puppy vaccine chart?

First, the vaccine name, then date given, next due date/window, vet/clinic name, and also any notes (side effects, lot number if provided).

What if my puppy misses a vaccine appointment?

Don’t guess, call your vet. They may adjust timing, extend the series, or create a safe catch-up plan based on your puppy’s age and what they’ve already received.

Puppy Dreams Tip: Make the First Year Simpler

First-year puppy vaccines move fast. Having a chart you actually use, and bringing it to every appointment, reduces stress and also helps you stay ready for training classes, grooming, daycare, and travel.

When you take home your new best friend from Puppy Dreams, ask about our Puppy for Life Program. It’s designed to support you with the essentials (including staying on track with vaccinations) so you don’t have to figure everything out alone.

Find a location near you today!