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Dog & Cat Vaccine Schedule: What Shots, and When
Last updated: 10 August 2026
Vaccines are one of the simplest, highest-impact things you do for a pet — but the schedule is genuinely confusing: a burst of shots as a puppy or kitten, then boosters spaced a year or three apart, with rabies on its own legal timeline. Here's the plain-English version of a typical dog and cat vaccine schedule, plus how to keep the due dates from slipping.
Core vs non-core vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for essentially every pet because the diseases are widespread, severe, or a legal requirement. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and risk — an indoor cat and a hiking dog have different needs.
| Core | Common non-core | |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus (hepatitis), rabies | Leptospirosis, Bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza, Lyme |
| Cats | Panleukopenia, calicivirus, herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis), rabies | Feline leukemia (FeLV), Bordetella, Chlamydia |
Dog owners will often see the core combination written as DHPP / DAPP, and the cat combination as FVRCP — those single shots bundle several core diseases together.
The puppy and kitten series
Young animals lose their mother's protective antibodies gradually, so the early vaccines are given as a series of boosters rather than a single shot. A typical pattern:
| Age | Puppies | Kittens |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First core (DHPP/DAPP) | First core (FVRCP) |
| 10–12 weeks | Booster | Booster |
| 12–16 weeks | Final core booster + first rabies | Final core booster + first rabies |
| ~1 year | Boosters | Boosters |
The exact number of visits and spacing (usually every 3–4 weeks) depends on when you start and your vet's protocol. Missing a booster in the series can leave a gap in protection, which is why keeping the next-due date visible matters most during these first few months.
Adult boosters
After the puppy/kitten series and a booster around one year, adult pets settle into a longer rhythm: core boosters are typically given every one to three years, depending on the specific vaccine, your pet's risk, and local law. Non-core vaccines like leptospirosis or Bordetella are usually annual when recommended.
Rabies: on its own timeline
Rabies is a special case — it's a core vaccine and a legal requirement in most places. The first shot is usually given around 12–16 weeks, boostered a year later, and then repeated every one or three years depending on the vaccine used and your local regulations. Keep the rabies certificate somewhere you can find it quickly; you'll need it for boarding, travel, licensing and grooming.
How to keep track of vaccine due dates
- Record every shot with two dates: the date given and the next-due date from your vet.
- Set a reminder ahead of time — a week or two before due — so you can book the appointment without a lapse.
- Keep the record with the rest of your pet's health info, not on a loose paper you'll lose before next year.
Because boosters can be a whole year apart, this is exactly the kind of thing memory fails at. PET-A tracks vaccines and vet visits alongside medications, with smart intervals and reminders days ahead — so a shot that's due in 11 months still surfaces on time.
Never miss a shot again
PET-A keeps vaccines, vet visits and medications in one private, local-first place — and reminds you before each is due. Free for one pet.
Frequently asked questions
What are core vaccines for dogs and cats?
Core canine vaccines protect against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus (hepatitis) and rabies. Core feline vaccines protect against panleukopenia, calicivirus, herpesvirus and rabies. Your vet may add non-core vaccines like leptospirosis, Bordetella or feline leukemia based on lifestyle.
When do puppies and kittens start vaccinations?
Usually around 6–8 weeks, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks, and the first rabies shot around 12–16 weeks. Always follow your veterinarian's plan.
How often do adult pets need boosters?
After a booster at about one year, adults typically get core boosters every one to three years depending on the vaccine and local rabies laws. Your vet sets the interval.
How can I keep track of vaccine due dates?
Record each vaccine with the date given and next-due date, and set a reminder ahead of time. PET-A tracks vaccines and vet visits and reminds you before each is due.