Week by week
| Age | Usually given | Why then |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP #1 | Maternal antibodies start to fade; often done by the breeder or shelter. |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP #2. Leptospirosis, Bordetella or influenza may start. | Keeps protection going while maternal antibodies are unpredictable. |
| 12–16 weeks | Rabies (per state law and vet) | Required by law; first certificate, valid one year. |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP #3; second doses of anything started at 10–12 weeks | The dose at or after 16 weeks is the one that reliably counts. |
| 6 months to 1 year | DHPP booster | Many vets now booster at 6 months to close any gap. |
| 1 year | Rabies booster (may be a 3-year product from here) | The first rabies dose is always good for one year. |
Why so many DHPP doses?
Antibodies from the mother block the vaccine for an unpredictable number of weeks. Repeating the dose every few weeks until 16 weeks makes sure one of them lands after that protection fades. See the DHPP vaccine, explained.
When can the puppy board or go to daycare?
Usually once the series is finished after 16 weeks, rabies is done, and any Bordetella or influenza doses have had a week or two to work. Most places land somewhere around four to five months. See how early to vaccinate before boarding.
Sources
Rules and guidelines change, and businesses set their own policies. Confirm with your vet and with whoever is asking.