How to Use the Vaccination Schedule Planner
Step 1 — Select pet type: Dog or Cat. Dogs and cats require entirely different vaccines for different diseases. The core canine vaccines protect against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies. The core feline vaccines protect against panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus, and rabies. There is no overlap — selecting the correct species loads the appropriate vaccine protocol and schedule.
Step 2 — Select age format: Weeks or Years. Use Weeks for puppies and kittens under 12 months — vaccine timing during the first year is measured in weeks because maternal antibody interference requires precise spacing. Use Years for adult pets where the schedule shifts to annual or triennial boosters.
Step 3 — Enter your pet's age. For puppies and kittens, enter exact age in weeks. This determines which vaccines are due now, which are upcoming, and how many rounds of the puppy/kitten series remain. For adult pets, enter age in years to determine booster status and which non-core vaccines are relevant.
Step 4 — Select location: United States or European Union. Vaccination protocols differ by region. Rabies frequency is mandated by law and varies by US state. Leptospirosis prevalence varies by geography. Leishmaniasis vaccination is relevant in southern Europe but not the US.
Step 5 — Click Generate Vaccination Schedule. Your personalised timeline shows every vaccine due now, upcoming dates for the remainder of the puppy/kitten series or adult boosters, and which non-core vaccines to discuss with your vet. Download or screenshot the schedule to bring to your next vet appointment.
Understanding Your Results
Core vs non-core vaccines — what the distinction means. Core vaccines are recommended for every dog or cat regardless of lifestyle because the diseases they prevent are severe, potentially fatal, and either highly contagious or zoonotic. Non-core vaccines are recommended selectively based on real exposure risk — a city apartment dog and a rural hunting dog have very different risk profiles.
Why puppies and kittens need multiple rounds of the same vaccine. Maternal antibodies protect early in life but also neutralise vaccines. Because maternal antibody levels vary and decline at different rates, vets use a series every 3–4 weeks from 6–8 weeks until 16 weeks. At least one dose will land after maternal antibodies have cleared. Skipping doses creates gaps.
The 3-year booster question. Many core vaccines provide immunity lasting 3 years or longer after the initial series and first annual booster. WSAVA guidelines support triennial boosters for DHPP and FVRCP in adult pets. Some vets still recommend annual boosters, and some facilities require annual proof regardless. Titre testing can confirm ongoing immunity.
Rabies vaccination and legal requirements. Rabies vaccination is legally mandated in all US states and most countries worldwide. Requirements vary by state — annual vs triennial after the first booster. Non-compliance creates serious legal liability if an unvaccinated pet bites someone.
Waiting periods and side effects. Most pets experience mild side effects for 24–48 hours after vaccination: lethargy, mild fever, reduced appetite, and local soreness. Serious adverse reactions are rare but require immediate vet attention. Wait 20–30 minutes at the clinic after vaccination if your pet has had prior reactions. Do not vaccinate a pet that is currently unwell.
Complete Vaccination Reference Tables
Core Dog Vaccines — Full Schedule
| Vaccine | Diseases Covered | Puppy Series | First Adult Booster | Subsequent Boosters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) | Distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza | 6–8 wks, 10–12 wks, 14–16 wks | 1 year after final puppy dose | Every 3 years |
| Rabies | Rabies virus | 12–16 weeks (single dose) | 1 year after puppy dose | Every 1–3 years (state law dependent) |
Non-Core Dog Vaccines — Risk-Based Recommendations
| Vaccine | Diseases Covered | Who Needs It | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leptospirosis | Leptospira bacterial infection | Dogs with outdoor/water/wildlife exposure | 2-dose initial series, annual booster |
| Bordetella | Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) | Dogs that board, groom, or visit dog parks | Annual or every 6 months for high-exposure dogs |
| Lyme Disease | Borrelia burgdorferi | Dogs in tick-endemic areas (Northeast, Midwest US) | 2-dose initial series, annual booster |
| Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8) | Dog flu | Dogs in kennels, shows, shelters | 2-dose initial series, annual booster |
| Rattlesnake | Crotalus atrox venom | Dogs in rattlesnake habitats | Annual, ideally before snake season |
Core Cat Vaccines — Full Schedule
| Vaccine | Diseases Covered | Kitten Series | First Adult Booster | Subsequent Boosters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) | Herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia | 6–8 wks, 10–12 wks, 14–16 wks | 1 year after final kitten dose | Every 3 years |
| Rabies | Rabies virus | 12–16 weeks (single dose) | 1 year after kitten dose | Every 1–3 years (jurisdiction dependent) |
Non-Core Cat Vaccines — Risk-Based Recommendations
| Vaccine | Diseases Covered | Who Needs It | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| FeLV (Feline Leukaemia Virus) | Feline leukaemia | Outdoor cats, cats in multi-cat households | 2-dose initial series, annual booster for at-risk cats |
| FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) | Feline AIDS | High-risk outdoor male cats in endemic areas | Discuss with vet — vaccine availability varies by country |
| Chlamydophila felis | Feline chlamydiosis | Multi-cat households with respiratory disease history | Annual |
| Bordetella (feline) | Kennel cough in cats | Cats in shelters or multi-cat environments | Annual |
Puppy Vaccination Timeline — Week by Week
| Age | Vaccine Due | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (1st dose) | Begin series — maternal antibodies may still interfere |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP (2nd dose) | Bordetella if boarding planned |
| 12–16 weeks | Rabies (1st dose) | Legal requirement in most jurisdictions |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP (3rd and final puppy dose) | Leptospirosis 1st dose if outdoor exposure |
| 17–18 weeks | Leptospirosis 2nd dose (if started) | Lyme 1st dose if tick area |
| 1 year | DHPP booster, Rabies booster, all non-core annual boosters | Critical — do not skip |
| Every 1–3 years | DHPP (per titre or protocol), Rabies (per state law) | Maintain for life |
Kitten Vaccination Timeline — Week by Week
| Age | Vaccine Due | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | FVRCP (1st dose) | FeLV 1st dose if outdoor or multi-cat |
| 10–12 weeks | FVRCP (2nd dose) | FeLV 2nd dose |
| 12–16 weeks | Rabies (1st dose) | Required in most US states |
| 14–16 weeks | FVRCP (3rd and final kitten dose) | |
| 1 year | FVRCP booster, Rabies booster, FeLV annual if outdoor | Critical — do not skip |
| Every 1–3 years | FVRCP (per titre or protocol), Rabies (per jurisdiction) | Indoor cats may follow 3-year protocol |
Vaccine Cost Reference — US 2026
| Vaccine | Typical Cost Per Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DHPP (dog) | $20–$45 | Often bundled in wellness exam |
| Rabies (dog or cat) | $15–$35 | Low-cost clinics often $10–$20 |
| FVRCP (cat) | $20–$40 | Often bundled in wellness exam |
| Bordetella | $20–$40 | Intranasal or injectable |
| Leptospirosis | $20–$45 | |
| Lyme disease | $25–$50 | |
| Canine Influenza | $25–$55 | |
| FeLV | $25–$50 | |
| Wellness exam (required with vaccines at most clinics) | $45–$150 |
Low-cost vaccination clinics at PetSmart (Banfield), Petco, and independent mobile clinics can reduce vaccine costs by 50–70% — but typically do not include a full physical exam.
