Pet Vaccination Schedule: Complete Guide for Dogs and Cats

Why Vaccinations Matter

Vaccines help:

• Prevent life-threatening diseases
  
• Strengthen immunity
  
• Protect other pets and humans
  
• Ensure legal compliance (e.g., rabies)
  

Core Vaccines for Dogs

• Rabies: 12–16 weeks, then every 1–3 years
  
• Distemper/Parvo (DHP): Start at 6–8 weeks, boosters until 16 weeks
  

Core Vaccines for Cats

• Rabies: 12–16 weeks, then every 1–3 years
  
• FVRCP: Start at 6–8 weeks, boosters until 16 weeks
  

Non-Core Vaccines

Based on lifestyle:

• Dogs: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Bordetella
  
• Cats: Feline leukemia (FeLV), Chlamydia
  

Vaccination Timeline

• 0–4 months: Multiple doses for immunity
  
• 1 year: Booster shots
  
• Adult pets: Annual or every 3 years
  

Common Myths

• Indoor pets don’t need vaccines ❌
  
• Vaccines are unsafe ❌
  
• Boosters aren’t needed ❌