Everyday care
Core vaccination schedule for dogs and cats: when to start, how many doses, and after-care
General information only. It does not replace an examination by a vet who knows your pet. In an emergency, go to the nearest clinic straight away.
Vaccination is one of the most important things you can do for your pet. It protects against serious, often fatal diseases such as parvo, rabies, distemper and feline panleukopenia, and protects other animals and your family too. The schedule here is a general guide; the final plan is set by your vet based on your pet's age, health, lifestyle and the vaccines available.
Why do young animals need several doses?
Puppies and kittens receive antibodies from their mother's milk in the first weeks. These protect them for a while, but can also stop a vaccine from working. Because the moment this protection fades differs between animals, doses are given every few weeks so that at least one lands after the mother's protection has gone.
Core vaccines
Recommended for almost all dogs and cats:
- Dogs: the combined vaccine against distemper, parvovirus and infectious hepatitis (adenovirus), often called DHPP or similar, plus rabies.
- Cats: the combined vaccine against panleukopenia and the respiratory viruses (herpesvirus and calicivirus), known as FVRCP, plus rabies.
A guide schedule for young animals
| Age | Usually given |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First dose of the combined core vaccine |
| Every 3–4 weeks | Repeat doses of the combined vaccine until at least 16 weeks |
| Around 12 weeks | First rabies vaccine |
| 6 months to 1 year | Booster of the combined vaccine |
| 1 year after the first rabies dose | Rabies booster |
| After that | Depending on the vaccine and your vet — yearly or every three years |
Optional vaccines
Your vet decides on these based on your pet's lifestyle and where you live:
- Dogs: leptospirosis, especially for dogs near standing water or rats; and kennel cough for dogs that mix with many dogs at boarding or training.
- Cats: feline leukaemia vaccine, especially for kittens and cats that go outdoors or live with cats of unknown status.
Adult pets with an unknown history
If you adopt an adult whose vaccine history is unknown, don't worry. The vet usually starts a short new series of doses, then moves on to regular boosters.
Don't forget deworming
Intestinal worms are very common in puppies and kittens, and some can pass to people. Deworming usually starts early and is repeated every two weeks in the first weeks, then monthly until about six months of age, then regularly after that. Your vet chooses the product and schedule.
After the vaccine
Normal reactions that may last a day or two:
- mild tiredness and less activity;
- slight pain or a small swelling at the injection site;
- a mild temperature or a temporary dip in appetite.
Signs that need a vet straight away, usually within minutes or hours:
- swelling of the face or around the eyes;
- hives or intense itching;
- repeated vomiting or diarrhoea;
- difficulty breathing or collapse.
Before vaccinations are complete
- Avoid places where unknown dogs or cats gather until your vet says it's safe.
- Puppies can still meet healthy, vaccinated dogs in clean places — early socialisation matters for behaviour.
- Wash your hands after touching other animals, and mind the shoes you bring indoors.
Keep the record in one place
On Pets4Pals, a member clinic records every vaccine in your pet's medical file with the date and vaccine type. The record stays with you, any member vet can see it with your permission, and it moves with the pet if ownership is transferred.
See also parvovirus and rabies.
Frequently asked questions
Can a sick pet be vaccinated?
The vet usually postpones vaccination if your pet is ill or has a fever, until it recovers. That's why pets are examined before each dose.
I missed a dose — do we start again?
Not always. Tell your vet which date you missed, and they will decide whether a single dose is enough or the series needs repeating.
Do indoor cats need vaccines?
Yes, they need the core vaccines. Some viruses come into the home on clothes and shoes, and a cat may escape or need boarding or travel.
