The Complete Vaccination Schedule Guide for Dogs & Cats

Vaccination is a cornerstone of canine and feline preventive healthcare. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), vaccines are one of the most cost-effective ways of maintaining your pet's health, longevity, and quality of life.

Core Vaccines for Dogs

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs regardless of lifestyle. The AAHA Canine Vaccination Task Force identifies these as essential:

• Rabies - Required by law in most states. First dose at 12-16 weeks, booster at 1 year, then every 1-3 years depending on local law.
• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) - Series of 3-4 shots starting at 6-8 weeks, with the final dose no earlier than 16 weeks of age.
• Leptospirosis - As of 2024, AAHA now recommends this as a core vaccine for all dogs due to its zoonotic nature and risk of serious illness.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

For puppies 16 weeks or younger, AAHA recommends one dose of MLV (modified live virus) vaccine every 3-4 weeks starting at 6-8 weeks of age. The series should be completed no earlier than 16 weeks to ensure maternal antibodies don't interfere with immune response.

• 6-8 weeks: First DHPP dose
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHPP dose, first Leptospirosis dose
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHPP dose, second Leptospirosis dose, Rabies
• 1 year: Booster for all core vaccines

Core Vaccines for Cats

Even indoor cats need core vaccines, as diseases can be brought in on shoes, clothing, or through brief escapes.

• Rabies - Required by law. First dose at 12-16 weeks.
• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) - Series starting at 6-8 weeks, completed by 16 weeks.

Non-Core Vaccines

These depend on your pet's lifestyle, geographic location, and risk factors. Discuss with your vet:

• Dogs: Bordetella (kennel cough), Lyme disease, Canine influenza
• Cats: FeLV (Feline Leukemia) for outdoor cats, FIV for high-risk cats