Pet Vaccines: Schedules for Cats and Dogs

Like people, pets need vaccines. And pet vaccinations, like those for humans, may sometimes require a booster to keep them effective. The best way to stay on schedule with vaccinations for your dog or cat is to follow the recommendations of a veterinarian you trust.

Vaccination Schedule for Dogs: Core and Non-core Vaccines

Dog Vaccine	Initial Puppy Vaccination (at or under 16 weeks)	Initial Adult Dog Vaccination (over 16 weeks)	Booster Recommendation	Comments
Rabies 1-year	Can be administered in one dose, as early as 3 months of age. States regulate the age at which it is first administered.	Single dose	Annual boosters are required.	Core dog vaccine. Rabies is 100% fatal to dogs, with no treatment available. Prevention is key.
Rabies 3-year	Can be administered as one dose, as early as 3 months of age. States regulate the age at which it is first administered.	Single dose	A second vaccination is recommended after 1 year, then boosters every 3 years.	Core dog vaccine.
Distemper	At least 3 doses, given between 6 and 16 weeks of age	2 doses, given 3-4 weeks apart	Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing their initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often.	Core dog vaccine. Caused by an airborne virus, distemper is a severe disease that, among other problems, may cause permanent brain damage.
Parvovirus	At least 3 doses, given between 6 and 16 weeks of age	2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart	Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing the initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often.	Core dog vaccine. Canine "parvo" is contagious, and can cause severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Parvo is usually fatal if untreated.
Adenovirus,  type 1 (CAV-1, canine hepatitis)	At least 3 doses, between 6 and 16 weeks of age	2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart	Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing the initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often.	Core dog vaccine. Spread via infected urine and feces; canine hepatitis can lead to severe liver damage, and death.
Adenovirus, type 2 (CAV-2 (kennel cough)	At least 3 doses, between 6 and 16 weeks of age	2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart	Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing the initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often.	Core dog vaccine. Spread via Spread via coughs and sneezes.
Parainfluenza	Administered at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks old	1 dose	A booster may be necessary after 1 year, depending on manufacturer recommendations; revaccination every 3 years is considered protective.	Non-core dog vaccine. Parainfluenza infection (not the same as canine influenza) results in cough, fever. It may be associated with Bordetella infection.
Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough )	Depends on the vaccine type; 2 doses are usually needed for protection.	1 dose of the intranasal or oral product, or 2 doses of the injected product	Annual or 6-month boosters may be recommended for dogs in high-risk environments.	Non-core dog vaccine. Not usually a serious condition, although it can be dangerous in young puppies. It is usually seen after activities like boarding or showing.
Lyme disease	1 dose, administered as early as 9 weeks, with a second dose 2-4 weeks later	2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart	May be needed annually, prior to the start of tick season	Non-core dog vaccine. Generally recommended only for dogs with a high risk for exposure to Lyme disease-carrying ticks.
Leptospirosis	Last dose at 12 weeks	2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart	At least once yearly for dogs in high-risk areas	Non-core dog vaccine. Vaccination is generally restricted to established risk areas. Exposure to rodents and standing water can lead to a leptospirosis infection.
Canine influenza	First dose as early as 6-8 weeks; second dose 2-4 weeks later	2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart	Yearly	Non-core dog vaccine. Similar to bordetella.

Vaccination Schedule for Cats: Core and Non-core Vaccines

Cat Vaccine	Initial Kitten Vaccination (at or under 16 weeks)	Initial Adult Cat Vaccination (over 16 weeks)	Booster Recommendation	Comments
Rabies	Single dose as early as 8 weeks of age, depending on the product. Revaccinate 1 year later.	2 doses, 12 months apart	Required annually or every 3 years, depending on vaccine used. State regulations may determine the frequency and type of booster required.	Core cat vaccine. Rabies is 100% fatal to cats, with no treatment available. Prevention is key.
Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia)	As early as 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.	2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart	1 dose is given a year after the last dose of the initial series, then every 3 years.	Core cat vaccine. Feline distemper is a severe contagious disease that most commonly strikes kittens and can cause death.
Feline Herpesvirus	As early as 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age	2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart	1 dose is given a year after the last dose of the initial series, then every 3 years.	Core cat vaccine. Feline herpesvirus causes feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), a very contagious upper respiratory condition.
Calicivirus	As early as 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age	2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart	1 dose is given a year after the last dose of the initial series, then every 3 years.	Core cat vaccine. A very contagious upper respiratory condition that can cause joint pain, oral ulcerations, fever, and anorexia.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)	As early as 8 weeks, then 3-4 weeks later	2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart	Every 2 years for cats at low risk; every year for those at higher risk	Non-core cat vaccine. Should test FeLV negative first. Transmitted via cat-to-cat contact. Can cause cancer, immunosuppressant
Bordetella	As early as 4 weeks	2 doses,1 year apart	Annually	Non-core cat vaccine. A contagious upper respiratory condition.