Puppy and kitten vaccine schedule: core jabs and boosters

Puppies and kittens usually start their vaccines at around 6 to 8 weeks old, with a dose every 2 to 4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks or older. A booster follows somewhere between 6 and 12 months later, and after that many core vaccines are given every three years while others, such as leptospirosis, are yearly. Your vet sets the exact plan based on your pet's age, health, lifestyle and where you live.

Below you will find the core and lifestyle vaccines, typical schedules for dogs and cats, what normal after-effects look like, and the signs that mean you should call the vet.

Core vaccines and lifestyle vaccines

Vets usually group vaccines into two kinds. Core vaccines protect against diseases that are serious, widespread or easily spread, and are recommended for every dog or cat regardless of how they live. Non-core, or lifestyle, vaccines are chosen based on your pet's individual risk.

Guidelines from bodies such as WSAVA and AAHA encourage vets to give every pet core protection, add lifestyle vaccines where the risk justifies it, and avoid vaccinating more often than needed.

Core vaccines for dogs

• Canine distemper virus, which can affect the lungs, gut and nervous system
• Canine adenovirus, which protects against infectious canine hepatitis
• Canine parvovirus, a severe and often fatal cause of vomiting and diarrhoea in young dogs
• Rabies, where it is required by law or recommended for your area, and for travel

The first three are normally given together in one combination injection, which you may see written on the vaccine card as DHPP, DA2PP or similar. Rabies is a separate injection.

Common lifestyle vaccines for dogs

• Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease spread through the urine of rats and other wildlife, often in water. In many regions, including the UK, it is treated as core.
• Bordetella and parainfluenza, the main causes of kennel cough, often given as drops up the nose or by mouth
• Lyme disease, in areas where ticks carrying it are common
• Canine influenza, in places where outbreaks occur

Dogs that go to kennels, daycare, groomers or classes are more likely to need kennel cough protection, and many kennels ask to see it.

Core vaccines for cats

• Feline panleukopenia, also called feline parvovirus or infectious enteritis
• Feline herpesvirus, which causes feline viral rhinotracheitis (cat flu)
• Feline calicivirus, another major cause of cat flu and mouth ulcers
• Rabies, where required by law or recommended locally, and for travel

The first three are usually combined in one injection, often written as FVRCP. Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is technically a lifestyle vaccine, but it is strongly recommended for kittens and for any adult cat that goes outdoors or lives with cats that do. Your vet may suggest a blood test for FeLV before vaccinating.

A typical puppy vaccination schedule

Schedules vary between vets, vaccine brands and countries, so treat this as a general picture. Doses are repeated so that at least one lands after the antibodies a puppy got from its mother have faded.

• 6 to 8 weeks: first combination vaccine (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus), sometimes with leptospirosis
• 10 to 12 weeks: second combination dose, and second leptospirosis dose if started
• 14 to 16 weeks or older: final puppy dose of the combination vaccine
• 12 to 16 weeks: rabies, where required, depending on local law and the product used
• 6 to 12 months: booster to complete the primary course; some vets give this at around six months
• Every year after: leptospirosis and kennel cough, if given
• Every three years: many core combination vaccines, once the primary course and first booster are done

Some UK practices use a shorter two-dose puppy course with a final dose at 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the vaccine. Ask your vet when your puppy is fully covered and when it is safe to walk in public places and meet unfamiliar dogs.

A typical kitten vaccine schedule

• 8 to 9 weeks: first FVRCP dose, often with the first FeLV dose
• 11 to 12 weeks: second FVRCP dose and second FeLV dose
• 16 weeks or older: a further FVRCP dose is commonly recommended
• 12 to 16 weeks: rabies, where required
• 6 to 12 months: booster to complete the primary course
• Every one to three years: FVRCP, depending on the cat's risk; cats that board in catteries may be advised to have cat flu components yearly
• Every one to two years: FeLV for cats that remain at risk, as advised by your vet

Indoor-only cats still need core vaccines, as panleukopenia virus is hardy and can be carried in on shoes and clothes.

How often do adult dogs and cats need boosters?

Once the puppy or kitten course and first booster are complete, the timing depends on the vaccine rather than a single annual jab for everything. Many modern core vaccines are licensed to protect for three years. Leptospirosis, kennel cough and FeLV protection fades faster, so those are usually given every one or two years.

Most pets still see the vet yearly, which is also a chance for a health check and a review of parasite cover; see our guide to flea, tick and heartworm prevention.

Rabies intervals are set by law and by the product licence, usually every one or three years. If you plan to travel abroad with your pet, the rules on timing are strict, so read our guide to pet travel documents well before you book.

Side effects: what is normal and what is not

Most pets have no reaction. Mild effects in the first day or two usually pass on their own.

• Slight tiredness or wanting to sleep more
• A small, tender lump at the injection site
• A mild drop in appetite for a day
• Sneezing or a runny nose for a few days after a nasal kennel cough vaccine

Contact your vet the same day if you notice:

• A lump at the injection site that is growing, painful, or still there a month later (especially important in cats)
• Lethargy or loss of appetite lasting more than 48 hours
• Hives, itching or redness on the skin
• Vomiting or diarrhoea

Treat these as an emergency and phone the vet or out-of-hours clinic straight away:

• Swelling of the face, muzzle, lips or around the eyes
• Difficulty breathing, noisy breathing or repeated coughing
• Collapse, extreme weakness or pale gums
• Repeated vomiting soon after the injection

Serious reactions are uncommon and usually happen within minutes to hours. If your pet has reacted before, tell your vet, who may change the vaccine or space injections out.

How to keep vaccine dates from slipping

The most common problem with vaccines is not the science but the diary. Young animals need several visits close together, and adult boosters fall in different years.

• Ask for the next due date of every vaccine before you leave the clinic, not just the next appointment
• Keep the vaccine card or certificate somewhere you can find it, and take a photo of each new entry
• Set reminders two to four weeks before a due date so you have time to book
• Check kennel, cattery, daycare and groomer requirements early, as many ask for proof of recent vaccination

What to bring and ask at the appointment

• Previous vaccine records, especially from a breeder, rescue or previous vet, and any past reactions
• Lifestyle changes, such as daycare, travel plans or a cat starting to go outdoors
• Ask which vaccines are given today, which are optional, and when your pet will be fully protected

How Petify helps

Petify lets you log each vaccine with the date given and the next due date, then sends reminders before anything is due. Your digital vaccine card sits in Records alongside weight logs and vet notes, so the history moves with your pet when you change vet.

If a kennel, cattery or sitter needs proof, you can share your pet's health passport by link or QR code. It does not replace your vet's advice; it keeps the dates where you can see them.

Frequently asked questions

When can my puppy go outside after vaccinations?

This depends on the vaccine your vet uses. Many vets advise waiting around one to two weeks after the final puppy dose before walking in public areas or meeting unknown dogs. Until then, your own garden and carrying your puppy to meet calm, vaccinated dogs are usually fine for early socialisation.

Does my indoor cat need vaccines?

Yes. Feline panleukopenia can be carried in on shoes and clothing, and any trip to a vet or cattery brings contact with other cats. FeLV may matter less for strictly indoor cats, so discuss it with your vet.

Do dogs need vaccines every year?

Not every vaccine is needed every year. Many core vaccines are given every three years once the primary course is complete, while leptospirosis and kennel cough are usually yearly. Most dogs still visit the vet annually for whichever vaccines are due and a general health check.

What happens if my pet misses a booster?

A few weeks late is rarely a disaster, but protection may lapse, and after a long gap your vet may restart the course with two doses. Book in as soon as you can and avoid kennels and unknown animals until your pet is covered again.