Recommended vaccine schedules for dogs and cats. Core vaccines are essential for all pets; optional vaccines depend on lifestyle and risk factors.
| Species | Age | Vaccine | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat | 6-8 weeks | FVRCP | First combo: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia. | Core |
| Cat | 10-12 weeks | FVRCP Booster | Second dose. | Core |
| Cat | 12-16 weeks | Rabies | First rabies, required by law. | Core |
| Cat | 14-16 weeks | FVRCP Booster + FeLV | Third FVRCP. FeLV recommended for outdoor cats. | Core |
| Cat | 12-16 weeks | Feline Leukemia (FeLV) | Protection against leading cause of illness in cats. | Optional |
| Cat | 1 year (annual) | FVRCP Booster | Annual combo. Some vets every 3 years. | Core |
| Cat | 1 year (annual or 3 yr) | Rabies Booster | Per state regulations. | Core |
| Cat | Annual | FeLV Booster | Annual feline leukemia for at-risk cats. | Optional |
| Dog | 6-8 weeks | DHPP | First combination vaccine: distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza. Booster in 2-4 weeks. | Core |
| Dog | 10-12 weeks | DHPP Booster | Second dose of core combo. | Core |
| Dog | 12-16 weeks | Rabies | First rabies vaccine. Required by law. 1 year validity. | Core |
| Dog | 14-16 weeks | DHPP Booster + Leptospirosis | Third DHPP. Leptospirosis optional for dogs exposed to wildlife/water. | Core |
| Dog | 12-16 weeks | Bordetella | Kennel cough protection. Recommended for boarding/grooming/daycare. | Optional |
| Dog | 12-16 weeks | Canine Influenza | Dog flu protection for group settings. | Optional |
| Dog | 12-16 weeks | Lyme Disease | Tick-borne protection in endemic areas (Northeast, Upper Midwest). | Optional |
| Dog | 6 months | DHPP + Rabies Booster | Final puppy DHPP. Rabies 1-year certificate. | Core |
| Dog | 1 year (annual) | DHPP Booster | Annual combo booster. Some vets every 3 years after initial. | Core |
| Dog | 1 year (annual or 3 yr) | Rabies Booster | Per state law, 1 or 3 year validity. | Core |
| Dog | Annual | Bordetella | Annual kennel cough vaccine. | Optional |
| Dog | Annual | Canine Influenza | Annual dog flu. Two initial doses 2-4 weeks apart. | Optional |
| Dog | Annual | Lyme Booster | Annual Lyme in endemic areas. | Optional |
| Dog | Annual | Leptospirosis Booster | Annual lepto for at-risk dogs. | Optional |