What are the current AAHA guidelines for core and non-core canine vaccines and their booster intervals?

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The 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines (2024 Update) classify five antigens as core vaccines — canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus type 2, leptospirosis, and rabies — recommended for all dogs regardless of lifestyle unless a specific medical contraindication exists.34 Leptospirosis was reclassified from noncore to core following the 2023 ACVIM consensus statement recommending vaccination for all dogs over 12 weeks of age regardless of breed, geography, or lifestyle, based on its zoonotic potential and risk of fatal disease even with treatment.3 Noncore vaccines are indicated based on lifestyle, geographic location, and risk of exposure. Canine Bordetella vaccine, canine Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) vaccine, canine influenza virus vaccine, and the Western diamondback rattlesnake toxoid are classified as noncore.3 The WSAVA additionally lists canine parainfluenza virus and Leishmania infantum vaccines as noncore, with geographic availability varying by region.8 For core vaccines in dogs ≤16 weeks of age, the initial series is completed by 16–20 weeks, with a booster administered within 1 year of the last puppy dose. For the distemper/adenovirus-2/parvovirus combination (with or without parainfluenza), subsequent revaccination intervals are every 3 years or longer.2 Rabies revaccination interval is determined by the product label of the last vaccine administered — either 1-year or 3-year labeled products are available, and most states and provinces allow veterinarian discretion in product selection.2 For noncore vaccines, annual administration is required to maintain reliable protection. If protection has lapsed following a previously complete series, restarting with two doses given 2–4 weeks apart is recommended rather than administering a single booster.8 When an adult dog's vaccination history is unknown, the initial vaccination series should be treated as starting from scratch. Dogs >16 weeks of age follow the same core vaccine s