Puppy & Kitten Vaccination Schedules: What to Expect

Why puppies and kittens need a series, not one shot

Young animals are usually born with some temporary immunity from their mother, which fades on its own timeline and can interfere with a single vaccine "taking." That's why vets give a series of shots a few weeks apart, rather than one dose, to make sure protection actually develops.

General timing

• Most puppies and kittens start their first round of core vaccines around 6–8 weeks old, with follow-up doses roughly every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks of age. A rabies vaccine is typically given once the pet reaches the minimum age required by local law, often around 12–16 weeks.
• This is a general pattern, not a fixed rule — your vet will adjust timing based on your pet's health, local disease risk, and the specific vaccines they use.

"Core" vs. "non-core" vaccines

Core vaccines are recommended for nearly all pets because they protect against serious, widespread diseases. Non-core vaccines are recommended selectively, based on things like your region, whether your pet goes to daycare or boarding, or spends time outdoors. Your vet is the right person to decide which non-core vaccines make sense for your pet's actual lifestyle.

After puppy/kitten stage

Most core vaccines need a booster around one year old, then typically move to a less frequent schedule after that — often every one to three years depending on the vaccine. Your vet will track this and let you know when boosters are due.