Dog and Cat Vaccine Schedules Explained

One of the most important things you can do, as a pet owner, to ensure your dog or cat stays healthy and lives a long life is to maintain their Dog and Cat Vaccine Schedules. Vaccines protect pets from serious, sometimes fatal, diseases many of which are easily preventable by immunization.

Whether you have just welcomed home a puppy or kitten, or your pet is getting older, it’s useful to know what shots they should have and when. In this guide, I’ll explain the core and non-core vaccines, the recommended schedules, and answer common questions to help you make informed choices for the health of your pet.

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Why Vaccines Are Needed for Dogs and Cats

Vaccines are a key component of safeguarding your pet’s health by training their immune system to combat harmful pathogens. When a vaccine is administered, it introduces your pet to a harmless version of a virus or bacteria, either inactivated (killed) or modified (attenuated), that provokes an immune response. This “trains” your pet’s body to combat the actual disease if they ever come into contact with it later in life.

The Risks of Skipped Vaccinations

Dogs and cats become vulnerable to very contagious and even fatal diseases in the absence of immunization. Some diseases spread so rapidly from one unimmunized pet to another that they put individual pets as well as animal populations at risk.

Fatal Diseases in Unimmunized Dogs

• Canine Parvovirus (CPV) – Highly contagious virus attacking the gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and typically death—especially in puppies.
• Canine Distemper (CDV) – Fatal virus attacking the respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal tracts, leading to seizures, paralysis, and high mortality rates.
• Rabies – A zoonotic fatal disease that affects the nervous system and can be spread to humans through bites.
• Leptospirosis – A water-borne bacterial infection that kills the liver and kidneys and is a risk to humans as well.

Diseases of Death in Unvaccinated Cats

• Feline Panleukopenia (FPV, or “feline distemper”) – A highly contagious and often fatal virus that causes violent vomiting, diarrhea, and failure of the immune system.
• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – A leading cause of cancer and immune deficiency in cats, spread by close contact (grooming, shared food bowls, bites).
• Feline Calicivirus (FCV) & Herpesvirus (FHV-1) – Common offenders of upper respiratory illness, resulting in chronic sneezing, ulcers of the eyes, and pneumonia.
• Rabies – As deadly for cats as dogs, posing a public health risk.

Herd Immunity & Community Protection

Getting your pet vaccinated doesn’t just keep them safe—it stops outbreaks by having herd immunity. When enough pets in a community are vaccinated, illness can’t spread, shielding high-risk animals, including:

• Puppies and kittens not yet fully vaccinated
• Senior pets with weakened immune systems
• Pets that have medical conditions that prevent vaccination

. Legal & Travel Requirements

Most states require by law cats and dogs to be vaccinated for rabies. Boarding kennels, groomers, and travel agents also need to have current vaccinations to keep all the animals under their care safe.

By adhering to a proper dog and cat vaccine schedule, you’re not only extending your pet’s life but also contributing to a healthier, safer environment for all animals. If you’re unsure which vaccines your pet needs, consult your veterinarian for a personalized plan based on their age, health, and lifestyle.

Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines: What’s the Difference?

Core Vaccines (Recommended for All Pets)

They are employed to avert serious, widespread diseases and are considered to be essential.

For Dogs:

• Rabies (Required in most states)
• Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
• Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
• Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2, protects against hepatitis)

For Cats:

• Rabies (Required by law in many areas)
• Feline Panleukopenia (FPV, or feline distemper)
• Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)
• Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Non-Core Vaccines (Given Based on Lifestyle & Risk Factors)

These are recommended according to your pet’s risk of exposure.

For Dogs:

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough) – For boarding, daycare, or dog park dogs
• Leptospirosis – For pets living in wildlife or standing water areas
• Lyme Disease – For dogs residing in tick areas
• Canine Influenza (CIV) – For social dogs

For Cats:

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – Used for outdoor cats or multi-cat homes
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – For cats that are at risk
• Chlamydia felis – Used for shelter or catterly cats

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Dog Vaccine Schedule: A Year-by-Year Guide

Puppy Vaccination Schedule (First Year)

Age	Core Vaccines	Non-Core Vaccines (if necessary)
6-8 weeks	Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus	Bordetella, Leptospirosis
10-12 weeks	DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza)	Lyme, Canine Influenza
14-16 weeks	DHPP Booster, Rabies	Leptospirosis Booster
12-16 months	DHPP & Rabies Boosters	Non-core boosters as needed

Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule

After the first year, all core vaccinations are given every 1-3 years, which varies by type of vaccine and state regulations.

• Rabies – Every 1-3 years (state is variable)
• DHPP – Every 3 years
• Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme – Annually for high-risk animals

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Cat Vaccine Schedule: Kitten to Adult

Kitten Vaccination Schedule (First Year)

Age	Core Vaccines	Non-Core Vaccines (if needed)
6-8 weeks	FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)	FeLV (for high-risk kittens)
10-12 weeks	FVRCP Booster	FeLV Booster
14-16 weeks	FVRCP Booster, Rabies	FeLV Booster (if needed)
12-16 months	FVRCP & Rabies Boosters	FeLV Booster (if necessary)

Adult Cat Vaccine Schedule

• Rabies – Every 1-3 years (depending on vaccine)
• FVRCP – Every 3 years
• FeLV – Every year for outdoor cats

Final Thoughts: Dog and Cat Vaccine Schedules Protect for Your Pet

Following the correct Dog and Cat Vaccine Schedules is one of the easiest routines to safeguard your pet’s health. Whether you have a hyperactive puppy, a naughty kitten, or a geriatric companion, keeping pets current on shots guards them from preventable illnesses.