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.
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Vaccination Schedule for Dogs: Core and Non-core Vaccines
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Dog Vaccine
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Initial Puppy Vaccination (at or under 16 weeks)
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Initial Adult Dog Vaccination (over 16 weeks)
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Booster Recommendation
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Comments
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Rabies 1-year
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Can be administered in one dose, as early as 3 months of age. States regulate the age at which it is first administered.
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Single dose |
Annual boosters are required.
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Core dog vaccine. Rabies is 100% fatal to dogs, with no treatment available. Prevention is key. |
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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.
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Single dose |
A second vaccination is recommended after 1 year, then boosters every 3 years.
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Core dog vaccine. |
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Distemper
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At least 3 doses, given between 6 and 16 weeks of age
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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.
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Core dog vaccine. Caused by an airborne virus, distemper is a severe disease that, among other problems, may cause permanent brain damage. |
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Parvovirus
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At least 3 doses, given between 6 and 16 weeks of age
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2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart
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Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing the initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often.
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Core dog vaccine. Canine "parvo" is contagious, and can cause severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Parvo is usually fatal if untreated.
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Adenovirus, type 1 (CAV-1, canine hepatitis)
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At least 3 doses, between 6 and 16 weeks of age
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2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart
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Puppies need a booster 1 year after completing the initial series, then all dogs need a booster every 3 years or more often.
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Core dog vaccine. Spread via infected urine and feces; canine hepatitis can lead to severe liver damage, and death.
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| 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. |
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Parainfluenza
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Administered at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks old
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1 dose
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A booster may be necessary after 1 year, depending on manufacturer recommendations; revaccination every 3 years is considered protective.
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Non-core dog vaccine. Parainfluenza infection (not the same as canine influenza) results in cough, fever. It may be associated with Bordetella infection.
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Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)
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Depends on the vaccine type; 2 doses are usually needed for protection
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1 dose of the intranasal or oral product, or 2 doses of the injected product
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Annual or 6-month boosters may be recommended for dogs in high-risk environments.
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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.
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Lyme disease
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1 dose, administered as early as 9 weeks, with a second dose 2-4 weeks later
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2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart
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May be needed annually, prior to the start of tick season
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Non-core dog vaccine. Generally recommended only for dogs with a high risk for exposure to Lyme disease-carrying ticks.
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Leptospirosis
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First dose as early as 8 weeks, with a second dose 2-4 weeks later
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2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart
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At least once yearly for dogs in high-risk areas
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Non-core dog vaccine. Vaccination is generally restricted to established risk areas. Exposure to rodents and standing water can lead to a leptospirosis infection.
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Canine influenza
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First dose as early as 6-8 weeks; second dose 2-4 weeks later
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2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart
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Yearly
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Non-core dog vaccine.
Similar to bordetella. |
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Vaccination Schedule for Cats: Core and Non-core Vaccines
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Cat Vaccine
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Initial Kitten Vaccination (at or under 16 weeks)
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Initial Adult Cat Vaccination (over 16 weeks)
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Booster Recommendation
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Comments
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Rabies
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Single dose as early as 8 weeks of age, depending on the product. Revaccinate 1 year later
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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.
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Core cat vaccine. Rabies is 100% fatal to cats, with no treatment available. Prevention is key. |
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Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia) |
As early as 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age
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2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart |
1 dose is given a year after the last dose of the initial series, then every 3 years.
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Core cat vaccine. Feline distemper is a severe contagious disease that most commonly strikes kittens and can cause death. |
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Feline Herpesvirus
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As early as 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age
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2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart |
1 dose is given a year after the last dose of the initial series, then every 3 years.
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Core cat vaccine. Feline herpesvirus causes feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), a very contagious upper respiratory condition. |
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Calicivirus
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As early as 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age
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2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart
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1 dose is given a year after the last dose of the initial series, then every 3 years.
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Core cat vaccine. A very contagious upper respiratory condition that can cause joint pain, oral ulcerations, fever, and anorexia.
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Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
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As early as 8 weeks, then 3-4 weeks later
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2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart
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Every 2 years for cats at low risk; every year for those at higher risk
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Non-core cat vaccine.
Should test FeLV negative first. Transmitted via cat-to-cat contact. Can cause cancer, immunosuppressant |
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Bordetella
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As early as 4 weeks
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2 doses,1 year apart
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Annually
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Non-core cat vaccine.
A contagious upper respiratory condition. |