Comprehensive List of Canine Vaccines for Dogs (Core & Non-Core)

Key Takeways:

• Core vaccines protect dogs from deadly and highly contagious diseases.
• Non-core vaccines depend on your dog’s environment and lifestyle risks.
• Puppy vaccines start early and require multiple boosters for full protection.
• Adult dogs need routine boosters to maintain long-term immunity.
• Rabies vaccination is legally required and essential for public safety.
• Skipping vaccines increases your dog’s risk of preventable illnesses.
• Always consult your vet to create a personalized vaccination schedule.
• Regular vaccination records help with boarding, daycare, and travel approval.

Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary, and are required for dogs by law? Pet parents ask us this every week.

Parvo and distemper can put puppies in the hospital.

A missed rabies booster can block boarding or travel.

This guide gives a clear canine vaccine list, the dog vaccine names you will see on records, and how to use them based on age and lifestyle. It follows current veterinary guidance and common kennel and travel rules, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking for Dog vaccination services in Fontana.

Why Vaccination is Critical for Every Dog

• Protects against severe and contagious diseases like parvovirus and distemper that are common in the community.
• Supports public health by preventing rabies, which is required by law in most states. Keep your certificate and tag.
• Helps dogs join everyday activities. Boarding, daycare, training classes, and grooming often ask for DHPP/DA2PP, rabies, and sometimes Bordetella and canine influenza.
• Reduces emergency costs and stress by preventing ICU-level illness in puppies and seniors.

What Are Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines?

Core vaccines are important for every dog because they protect against common or serious diseases. Non-core vaccines depend on your dog’s lifestyle — like boarding, travel, contact with wildlife, tick exposure, or local outbreaks. These are usually part of professional pet vaccination services in Fontana.

Detailed List: Canine Vaccine Names & Descriptions

DA2PP / DHPP / DA2PPC (core combination shot)

• What it is: One combo that covers four major viruses: distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Some products also include coronavirus.
• Use: Puppy series followed by boosters. Keeps dogs protected from life-threatening GI and respiratory diseases.
• Good to know: Is canine parainfluenza virus a core vaccine? It is generally included as part of the core combo. As a single vaccine it is considered risk-based, so most clinics protect against it within the combo.

Rabies Vaccine (core): legal significance and zoonotic protection

• What it is: Protection from rabies, a fatal disease that can also affect people.
• Use: First dose at the legal age, a one-year booster, then usually every one or three years depending on product and local rules. Keep your certificate and tag.
• Why it matters: Required by law in most states; also needed for travel.

Bordetella (non-core): for boarding or high-exposure settings

• What it is: Helps prevent kennel cough.
• Use: Often required for boarding and daycare. Given by nose, mouth, or injection. Many facilities ask that it be up to date 1 to 12 months prior, and some want it given at least a week before check-in.
• Best for: Dogs that board, visit daycares, group training, busy groomers, or dog parks.

Leptospirosis core): wet or wildlife-exposed environments

• What it is: Bacterial infection from wildlife and water that can damage kidneys and liver. It can affect people.
• Use: Two-dose start, then yearly if risk remains.
• Best for: Dogs that hike, swim, live near wildlife, or in rainy areas.

Lyme Vaccine (non-core): for tick-prone areas

• What it is: Helps protect against Borrelia burgdorferi carried by ticks.
• Use: Two-dose start, then yearly. Use with tick control for best results.
• Best for: Dogs in tick-heavy regions or that camp, hike, or travel to those areas.

Canine Influenza Vaccine (non-core): H3N2/H3N8 for social or travel dogs

• What it is: Protection from two common dog flu strains that spread in group settings.
• Use: Two-dose start, then yearly. Many boarding facilities now request it.
• Best for: Dogs that board, attend shows, travel often, or live where outbreaks occur.

Optional by region

• Rattlesnake toxoid: Consider in snake-heavy regions; discuss benefit versus risk with your vet.
• Coronavirus vaccine: Seldom used; value depends on local risk and product availability.

Read more: Important of Pet Vaccinations for Dog & Cat’s Health

Typical Vaccination Schedule

Puppy schedule

• Starts around 6 to 8 weeks of age
• Boosters every 2 to 4 weeks until 16 to 20 weeks
• Includes DA2PP at each visit, plus leptospirosis when old enough, and rabies at the legal age
• Avoid busy dog parks until the series is complete and your vet clears social time

Adult dogs

• Core boosters every 1 to 3 years, depending on product and local rules
• Non-core vaccines yearly or as risk changes (boarding, travel, outbreaks)

Unknown vaccine history

• Catch-up plan is common
• Often two visits, 3 to 4 weeks apart, for DA2PP with or leptospirosis recc as core vaccine now plus rabies per law

Read more: The Importance of Routine Checkups for Your Pets

Which Vaccines Are Required by Law or for Travel/Boarding?

Most states require a current rabies vaccine, so keep the certificate and tag. Timing of the first dose and exemptions varies by local law.

For boarding or daycare, (varies depending on there requirements so advised to confirm requirement before vaccination)expect Bordetella plus up-to-date DA2PP/DHPP and rabies. Many facilities also ask for canine influenza and, in some areas, leptospirosis. Confirm requirements a few weeks before check-in.

For travel, airlines and international trips typically need a health certificate and proof of rabies. Dogs entering the U.S. must be microchipped and at least six months old. Best is to plan ahead of time.

You might also want to read: How Much Are Cat Vaccinations?

Conclusion

You now have a clear list of canine vaccines for dog owners to use: core dog vaccines list (rabies, DA2PP/DHPP+ leptospira) for every pet, and non-core vaccines for boarding dogs or higher risk lifestyles (Bordetella,, Lyme, canine influenza).

For a simple plan that fits your dog, book a visit with our Veterinarian in Fontana. We will review your records, map out the schedule, and prepare any forms for boarding or travel.

Frequantly Asked Question

What if my dog missed a vaccine booster?

If your dog misses a scheduled booster, don’t worry—catch-up plans are common. Your veterinarian will review your dog’s vaccination history and create a short series to bring them back up to date. Core vaccines like DA2PP/DHPP lepto also and rabies are prioritized, while non-core vaccines depend on lifestyle and boarding or travel needs. This ensures your dog stays protected and compliant with local rules.

Are vaccines required if my dog never goes outside?

Yes, even indoor dogs need core vaccines. Diseases like parvovirus, distemper leptospira as core vaccine , and rabies can be brought into your home on shoes, clothing, or other pets. Rabies vaccination is also a legal requirement in most states to protect public health. Non-core vaccines depend on exposure risks like daycare or travel. Vaccinating keeps your dog and family safe.