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.
Chances are your vet's suggestions will break down into two categories: core pet vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core pet vaccinations are those recommended for every pet, while non-core vaccines may be advised based on your pet's lifestyle. For example, your vet may suggest certain non-core vaccinations if your cat or dog is outdoors only or boarded often.
Many vaccines can be given to pets as young as 6 weeks old, so talk to your vet about setting up the best vaccination schedule for your cat or dog, kitten or puppy.
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) | Depends on vaccine. For instance, the intranasal one just has to be boostered once a year | depends on vaccine | 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 saliva, 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 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; one dose is 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 | First dose as early as 8 weeks, with a second dose 2-4 weeks later | 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 | single dose with yearly booster | 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 16-20 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 16-20 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 16-20 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 kitten should get a booster at one year. If the cat doesn't go outside, no further vaccination is needed unless they are at higher risk. then annually. | 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. |