Does my adult dog need DHPP every year?

Current guidelines say every three years after the first booster, and many vets offer a titer test instead. Some clinics still booster annually; ask why.

When can a puppy go to daycare?

Usually once the DHPP series is complete at 16 weeks or later and rabies is done, plus whatever the daycare requires. Ask the daycare; the answer is often around four to five months.

Schedule

Dog vaccine schedule: puppy to adult

Quick answer

Every dog needs DHPP and rabies: DHPP every 2–4 weeks as a puppy until 16 weeks, a booster within a year, then every three years; rabies at 12–16 weeks, a year later, then every one or three years. Bordetella, leptospirosis, influenza and Lyme are added by lifestyle and region.

What a dog is vaccinated against, when the puppy series happens, and how often the boosters come round. Core vaccines first, then the ones that depend on what your dog does.

Last reviewed September 2026

Core vaccines: every dog

Vaccine	Puppy	First booster	Adult
DHPP (distemper, adenovirus, parvo, parainfluenza)	Every 2–4 weeks from 6–8 weeks until at least 16 weeks	Within 1 year of the series (often at 6 months)	Every 3 years
Rabies	One dose at 12–16 weeks (state rules vary)	1 year later	Every 1 or 3 years by product and state

Non-core vaccines: by lifestyle and region

Vaccine	First course	Adult	Who
Bordetella (kennel cough)	One dose (intranasal or oral) or two injectable doses 2–4 weeks apart	Every 12 months; some facilities every 6	Dogs that board, go to daycare or the groomer
Leptospirosis	Two doses 2–4 weeks apart	Every 12 months	Most dogs in many regions; dogs that swim, hike, or live near rodents
Canine influenza (H3N2/H3N8)	Two doses 2–4 weeks apart	Every 12 months	Daycare, boarding, shows, dog parks
Lyme	Two doses 2–4 weeks apart	Every 12 months	Dogs in tick areas

By age, at a glance

Age	What usually happens
6–8 weeks	First DHPP. Often the breeder or shelter.
10–12 weeks	Second DHPP. Leptospirosis, Bordetella, influenza may start.
14–16 weeks	Third DHPP (the one that counts). Rabies from 12–16 weeks.
6 months to 1 year	DHPP booster; second doses of any lifestyle vaccines.
1 year	Rabies booster (may be a 3-year product from here).
Every year	Bordetella, leptospirosis, influenza, Lyme as applicable; wellness exam.
Every 3 years	DHPP; rabies if on a 3-year product.

What kennels actually check

Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella, with canine influenza increasingly on the list. See dog boarding vaccine requirements and dog daycare requirements. The timing rule (a week or two before the stay) applies to all of them.

Common questions

Does my adult dog need DHPP every year?: Current guidelines say every three years after the first booster, and many vets offer a titer test instead. Some clinics still booster annually; ask why.
When can a puppy go to daycare?: Usually once the DHPP series is complete at 16 weeks or later and rabies is done, plus whatever the daycare requires. Ask the daycare; the answer is often around four to five months.

Sources

Rules and guidelines change, and businesses set their own policies. Confirm with your vet and with whoever is asking.

Keep reading

Related guides and pages.

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