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Pet Vaccination Schedules: Complete Guide
Vet Care8 min readLast updated: October 2025
📋 Quick Summary
- • Puppies need shots every 3-4 weeks from 6-16 weeks old
- • Kittens start vaccines at 8 weeks, continue every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks
- • Core vaccines protect against life-threatening diseases
- • Annual boosters maintain immunity in adult pets
- • Work with your vet to customize schedule based on risk factors
Vaccinations are one of the most important preventive health measures for your pet. Understanding the vaccination schedule helps ensure your furry friend is protected against serious diseases at the right times.
Understanding Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
✅ Core Vaccines
Essential vaccines recommended for all pets regardless of lifestyle
Dogs
- • DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- • Rabies
Cats
- • FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
- • Rabies
⚡ Non-Core Vaccines
Lifestyle-based vaccines recommended based on risk factors
Dogs
- • Bordetella (kennel cough)
- • Lyme disease
- • Leptospirosis
- • Canine influenza
Cats
- • FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
- • FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
- • Chlamydia
- • Bordetella
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
🐶 Standard Puppy Schedule
| Age | Core Vaccines | Non-Core (if needed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | DHPP #1 | Bordetella | First vet visit |
| 10-12 weeks | DHPP #2 | Lyme, Bordetella booster | Maternal antibodies waning |
| 14-16 weeks | DHPP #3, Rabies | Lyme #2, Lepto | Final puppy shots |
| 1 year | DHPP booster, Rabies | Based on lifestyle | Adult schedule begins |
Important Puppy Considerations
- Socialization window: Can start controlled socialization 2 weeks after first vaccine
- Avoid high-risk areas: No dog parks or public areas until fully vaccinated
- Puppy classes: Look for classes requiring vaccination proof
- Timing flexibility: Never earlier than recommended, but can be slightly delayed
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
🐱 Standard Kitten Schedule
| Age | Core Vaccines | Non-Core (if needed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | FVRCP #1 | FeLV (outdoor cats) | First vet visit |
| 12 weeks | FVRCP #2 | FeLV #2 | Building immunity |
| 16 weeks | FVRCP #3, Rabies | Based on lifestyle | Final kitten shots |
| 1 year | FVRCP booster, Rabies | FeLV annual | Adult schedule begins |
Special Kitten Considerations
- Indoor vs. outdoor: Outdoor cats need additional vaccines like FeLV
- Mother's milk protection: Antibodies from mother provide early protection
- Isolation period: Keep away from unvaccinated cats until series complete
- Spay/neuter timing: Often done around final vaccination visit
Adult Pet Vaccination Schedules
Annual Requirements
🐕 Dogs
- • DHPP: Every 1-3 years (varies by vaccine type)
- • Rabies: Every 1-3 years (based on local laws)
- • Bordetella: Every 6-12 months
- • Lyme: Annually in endemic areas
- • Leptospirosis: Annually if at risk
🐱 Cats
- • FVRCP: Every 1-3 years
- • Rabies: Every 1-3 years (based on local laws)
- • FeLV: Annually for outdoor cats
- • Bordetella: If boarding frequently
- • Chlamydia: Multi-cat households
Vaccine Safety and Side Effects
Normal Reactions
Expected Mild Reactions
- • Lethargy: Mild tiredness for 24-48 hours
- • Soreness: Tenderness at injection site
- • Decreased appetite: May eat less for a day
- • Low-grade fever: Slight temperature elevation
- • Small lump: Temporary swelling at injection site
⚠️ When to Call Your Vet
- • Severe lethargy: Won't eat or move for 24+ hours
- • Vomiting or diarrhea: Persistent digestive upset
- • Facial swelling: Allergic reaction signs
- • Difficulty breathing: Respiratory distress
- • Collapse or seizures: Emergency symptoms
- • Persistent pain: Extreme discomfort at injection site
Special Situations and Considerations
Pregnant Pets
- Generally avoid vaccines: Most vaccines not recommended during pregnancy
- Pre-breeding vaccination: Ensure current before breeding
- Puppy/kitten protection: Mother's antibodies protect newborns initially
- Veterinary guidance: Discuss specific risks with your vet
Sick or Immunocompromised Pets
- Delay vaccination: Wait until pet is healthy
- Chronic conditions: May need modified schedules
- Medication considerations: Some drugs affect vaccine efficacy
- Titer testing: May check antibody levels instead
Cost and Financial Planning
💰 Typical Vaccination Costs
Puppy Series
- • Core vaccines: $200-$400
- • Exam fees: $150-$300
- • Non-core vaccines: $100-$300
- • Total: $450-$1,000
Kitten Series
- • Core vaccines: $150-$300
- • Exam fees: $150-$300
- • Non-core vaccines: $75-$200
- • Total: $375-$800
Annual adult boosters: $150-$400 depending on vaccines needed and location
Money-Saving Tips
- Wellness plans: Many vets offer prepaid plans for routine care
- Low-cost clinics: Animal shelters often provide affordable vaccines
- Pet stores: Some offer vaccination clinics with licensed vets
- Package deals: Combine with spay/neuter for discounts
- Pet insurance: Some plans cover routine vaccines
💡 Expert Tip
"Never skip core vaccines, but work with your vet to customize the non-core vaccine schedule based on your pet's lifestyle and risk factors. Over-vaccination can be as problematic as under-vaccination."
— Dr. Rachel Veterinary Immunologist
🧮 Related Tools
Plan and track your pet's vaccination schedule:
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🎯 Next Steps
Keep your pet protected! Use ourVaccine Reminder Plannerto track upcoming shots or learn aboutFinding the Right Vetfor your pet's care.