A straightforward reference for puppy and kitten vaccination timelines, adult booster schedules, and the core vaccines every pet needs.
Vaccine schedules can feel confusing, especially when you bring home a new puppy or kitten. Different vaccines are given at different ages, some need annual boosters and some are every three years, and your vet may recommend additional vaccines depending on your pet's lifestyle.
This guide covers the standard timelines for dogs and cats. Always confirm the schedule with your own vet — they know your pet's individual health history.
Puppies receive a series of vaccines spaced a few weeks apart because maternal antibodies from nursing can interfere with vaccine effectiveness early on. The series ensures full protection as those antibodies fade.
| Age | Vaccine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (first dose) | Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP (booster) | Second dose in the series |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP (final) + Rabies | Rabies required by law in most states |
| 12–16 weeks | Bordetella | Recommended for dogs who visit groomers, dog parks, or boarding |
| Vaccine | Frequency |
|---|---|
| DHPP | 1 year after puppy series, then every 3 years |
| Rabies | 1 year after first dose, then every 1–3 years (varies by state and vaccine type) |
| Bordetella | Every 6–12 months for social dogs |
| Leptospirosis | Annually, if recommended by your vet |
| Lyme disease | Annually, for dogs in tick-prone areas |
Kittens follow a similar series to puppies. The core vaccine for cats is FVRCP — which covers feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
| Age | Vaccine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | FVRCP (first dose) | Core vaccine for all cats |
| 10–12 weeks | FVRCP (booster) | Second dose in the series |
| 14–16 weeks | FVRCP (final) + Rabies | Rabies required in most states even for indoor cats |
| 8–12 weeks | FeLV (Feline Leukemia) | Recommended for cats that go outdoors |
| Vaccine | Frequency |
|---|---|
| FVRCP | 1 year after kitten series, then every 3 years |
| Rabies | Annually or every 3 years depending on vaccine type |
| FeLV | Annually for outdoor cats |
Most missed vaccines are not the result of negligence. They happen because the due date was a year away when you left the vet office, and by the time it comes around, it has simply slipped. That is especially common with three-year boosters — the gap is long enough that it falls off the radar entirely.
The most effective habit is logging the next due date immediately at the vet visit, before you leave, and letting a reminder come to you well in advance. Not the day of — far enough ahead that booking an appointment is still easy.
Pet Doc Pro tracks your pet's entire vaccine history and sends a push notification before each due date, even when the app is closed. You can also store the vet's exact notes and the vaccine type so you always have the full record on hand.
Track your pet's vaccine schedule and get reminders before every due date. Free for 3 days — no credit card required.
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