Pet vaccination schedule

Pick your pet's species, breed and age to see a general vaccination schedule.

DHPP #1
6 to 8 weeks
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Bordetella (if going to puppy class or daycare)
6 to 8 weeks
Protects against kennel cough (Bordetella).
DHPP #2
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis #1 (at 12 weeks or older)
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Lyme #1 (regional)
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
Rabies #1
12 to 16 weeks, as state or local law sets it
Protects against rabies.
DHPP final dose
16 weeks or later
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis #2 (2 to 4 weeks after the first)
16 weeks or later
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Lyme #2 (2 to 4 weeks after the first)
16 weeks or later
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
DHPP booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Rabies booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against rabies.
Lyme yearly
12 to 16 months
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
Bordetella yearly
12 to 16 months
Protects against kennel cough (Bordetella).

Floky, drawn as a dog, at a laptop with books, a lightbulb lit overhead

Floky, drawn as a cat, at a laptop with books, a lightbulb lit overhead

Questions

When should my puppy or kitten start vaccinations?

Most puppies get their first DHPP between 6 and 8 weeks. Most kittens get their first FVRCP between 6 and 8 weeks in the US, or 8 to 9 weeks in the UK and the EU. Your vet sets the actual dates.

Is rabies required everywhere?

No. Most US states require it by law for dogs and cats, usually given between 12 and 16 weeks as state or local law sets it. It is not routine for pets that stay in the UK. For travel within the EU it is required for the pet passport, at 12 weeks of age or older.

Can I delay a vaccine?

Usually by a week or two. Longer delays compromise immunity. Always confirm timing with the clinic that treats your pet.

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Pet vaccination schedule

DHPP #1

Bordetella (if going to puppy class or daycare)

DHPP #2

Leptospirosis #1 (at 12 weeks or older)

Lyme #1 (regional)

Rabies #1

DHPP final dose

Leptospirosis #2 (2 to 4 weeks after the first)

Lyme #2 (2 to 4 weeks after the first)

DHPP booster

Leptospirosis booster

Rabies booster

Lyme yearly

Bordetella yearly

Questions

When should my puppy or kitten start vaccinations?

Is rabies required everywhere?

Can I delay a vaccine?

Dog breeds

Cat breeds

Pet vaccination schedule

Result

Questions

When should my puppy or kitten start vaccinations?

Is rabies required everywhere?

Can I delay a vaccine?

Related guides

Dog breeds

Cat breeds