Puppy and kitten vaccine schedule

How puppy and kitten vaccines are scheduled

Young animals get some protection from their mother's milk, and that protection can block a vaccine from working. Because no one can tell exactly when it wears off, puppies and kittens get a series of doses a few weeks apart until they are old enough that the last dose is sure to count.

Puppies

• Distemper combo (DAPP) covers distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus, often with parainfluenza. At least three doses 2 to 4 weeks apart between 6 and 16 weeks of age, a booster within a year of the last dose, then every 3 years.
• Leptospirosis is core for all dogs in the 2022 guidelines. Two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart starting at 12 weeks, a booster within a year, then every year.
• Rabies is required by law in most places, and the law sets the timing. Your vet will tell you when it's due where you live.
• Dogs older than 16 weeks starting from scratch get two doses of the distemper combo and of leptospirosis, 2 to 4 weeks apart.

Kittens

• FVRCP covers feline distemper (panleukopenia), herpesvirus and calicivirus. Starting no earlier than 6 weeks, a dose every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 to 20 weeks. One more dose at 6 months or 1 year (the guidelines suggest considering 6 months), then every 3 years.
• Feline leukemia (FeLV) is core for kittens and cats under a year old. Two doses 3 to 4 weeks apart starting as early as 8 weeks, a booster 12 months later, then only for cats at risk, such as cats that go outside.
• Rabies follows the vaccine label and local law.
• Cats older than 16 weeks starting from scratch get one or two doses of FVRCP, and two doses of FeLV 3 to 4 weeks apart.

Lifestyle vaccines for dogs

Bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza and Lyme disease are recommended for some dogs, depending on where they go and where you live. Boarding, daycare, grooming and dog parks raise the risk of the first two; ticks raise the risk of Lyme. Ask your vet whether your dog needs them.

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten? Read Your puppy's or kitten's first vet visit: what to bring and what to ask.

Sources: 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines and 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines. This page is general information, not veterinary advice.