The Complete Dog and Cat Vaccine Schedule Guide

Vaccination Is the Foundation of Your Pet's Health

Vaccines are the single most reliable way to protect your pet from life-threatening infectious diseases. Yet many pet owners aren't entirely sure about when each vaccine is due or which ones their pet actually needs.

This guide breaks down the vaccine schedules for both dogs and cats, along with practical tips for managing records and watching for side effects.

Dog Vaccine Schedule

Rabies Vaccine (Required by Law in Many Regions)

• Who needs it: All dogs, typically required by local or national law
• First dose: Usually administered between 12 and 16 weeks of age
• Boosters: Every 1 to 3 years depending on local regulations and vaccine type
• Check your local requirements -- in many jurisdictions, proof of rabies vaccination is legally mandatory

Core Combination Vaccines (Highly Recommended)

• Commonly referred to as DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) or similar combinations
• Puppies: Start at 6-8 weeks old, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age
• Adult dogs: One booster at 1 year after the puppy series, then every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine

Core vaccines protect against: Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus (Hepatitis), and Parainfluenza.

Non-Core Vaccines (Based on Lifestyle)

• Bordetella (kennel cough): Recommended for dogs that visit boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons
• Leptospirosis: Recommended in areas where wildlife exposure is common
• Canine Influenza: May be required by boarding facilities
• Discuss your dog's specific risk factors with your veterinarian

Cat Vaccine Schedule

FVRCP -- Core Vaccine

• Protects against: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia
• Kittens: Start at 6-8 weeks, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age
• Adult cats: Booster at 1 year, then every 1-3 years

Rabies Vaccine

• Required by law in many areas, even for indoor-only cats
• First dose: Typically at 12-16 weeks of age
• Boosters: Every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine used and local regulations

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) -- Non-Core

• Recommended for: Outdoor cats, cats in multi-cat households, or cats exposed to unknown cats
• Schedule: Two initial doses 3-4 weeks apart, then annual boosters
• For strictly indoor cats with no exposure risk, discuss with your vet whether this vaccine is necessary

What to Watch for After Vaccination

Monitor your pet for 24-48 hours after any vaccination:

• Mild reactions (common): Slight lethargy, reduced appetite, mild swelling at the injection site. These typically resolve within 1-2 days
• Serious reactions (rare): Facial swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, collapse. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of these
• Avoid strenuous exercise and bathing on the day of vaccination

Why Keeping Vaccination Records Matters

Vaccination records come up more often than you might expect:

• Boarding and daycare: Most facilities require proof of current vaccinations
• Changing veterinarians: Your new vet needs a complete vaccination history to avoid unnecessary re-vaccination
• Knowing when the next dose is due: Without records, you're guessing -- and guessing can mean your pet goes unprotected

Paper vaccination cards are easy to lose and hard to find when you need them most. Digital records that you can pull up on your phone are far more practical.

Recommended Items for Pet Owners

• Pet Health Record Book — Keep vaccination history, vet visits, and medical notes all in one place. Essential for boarding facilities and vet handoffs
• Pet Carrier Bag — A comfortable, secure carrier for vet visits. Reduces travel stress for cats and small dogs
• Digital Pet Thermometer — Monitor for fever after vaccinations. Early detection of post-vaccine reactions allows for faster response

Automate Vaccine Tracking with PETTAS

PETTAS is a pet management app that makes vaccine tracking effortless. Simply enter the vaccination date and the next scheduled date, and PETTAS will send you a push notification reminder when it's time for the next shot. Your entire family can access the vaccination history, so no one has to wonder "When was the last vaccine?"

Combined with vet visit records and medication tracking, PETTAS keeps everything in one place -- making it easy to share accurate information with your veterinarian. Start managing your pet's vaccinations with PETTAS and never miss an important immunization again. Try all features free for 14 days.