Direct Answer
Puppies and kittens follow a similar vaccination schedule, with core shots starting at 6-8 weeks and boosters every 3-4 weeks through 16-20 weeks. Puppies need DHPP, kittens need FVRCP, and both get rabies at 12-16 weeks depending on state law.
Last verified on: June 28, 2026
Editorial note: Vaccine schedules follow AAHA and AAFP guidelines. State rabies laws vary. Your veterinarian may adjust timing based on local disease prevalence and your pet’s health. This is not medical advice.
Research method: AAHA 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines, AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines, and state rabies law summaries reviewed June 28, 2026.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
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| Age (weeks) | Core vaccines | Non-core (if needed) |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 | DHPP (1st) | Bordetella |
| 10-12 | DHPP (2nd) | Leptospirosis (1st) |
| 14-16 | DHPP (3rd), Rabies | Leptospirosis (2nd), Lyme |
| 16-20 | DHPP (final) | Influenza |
| 12 months | DHPP booster, Rabies (if 1-yr) | Bordetella, Lyme annual |
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
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| Age (weeks) | Core vaccines | Non-core (if needed) |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 | FVRCP (1st) | FeLV (1st, if at risk) |
| 10-12 | FVRCP (2nd) | FeLV (2nd) |
| 14-16 | FVRCP (3rd), Rabies | - |
| 16-20 | FVRCP (final) | - |
| 12 months | FVRCP booster, Rabies (if 1-yr) | FeLV annual (if at risk) |
Adult Booster Schedule
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| Vaccine | Dog frequency | Cat frequency |
|---|---|---|
| DHPP/FVRCP | Every 3 years (core) | Every 3 years (core) |
| Rabies | 1 or 3 years (by state) | 1 or 3 years (by state) |
| Bordetella | Every 6-12 months | N/A |
| FeLV | N/A | Annual (outdoor cats) |
| Leptospirosis | Annual (if given) | N/A |
Core vs Non-Core Vaccines
Core vaccines for dogs are DHPP and rabies. Core vaccines for cats are FVRCP and rabies. Every pet needs these regardless of lifestyle.
Non-core vaccines depend on geography, lifestyle, and exposure risk. For dogs these include Bordetella, Lyme, Leptospirosis, and Canine Influenza. For cats they include FeLV, Chlamydia, and Bordetella. Discuss with your veterinarian.
Cost Summary
Individual vaccine visits run $75-$150 per appointment including the exam fee. A complete puppy or kitten series covering 3-4 visits totals $300-$600. Low-cost clinics offer individual shots for $15-$30 without an exam. Rabies alone costs $15-$30. Annual adult booster visits run $80-$200.
Worked Example: Labrador Puppy Born March 1, 2026
A Labrador puppy born March 1, 2026 with no vaccines yet. First DHPP is due at 8 weeks (April 26) - keep the puppy indoors except for vet visits. Second DHPP at 12 weeks (May 24). Still avoid dog parks since parvo risk is highest between 8 and 16 weeks. Third DHPP plus rabies at 16 weeks (June 21). Socialization is safer after this point. A final booster at 20 weeks (July 19) depending on whether the vet recommends a fourth dose for high-risk breeds. First adult booster at 12 months (March 1, 2027).
The complete series runs $400-$600 across four vet visits at $100-$150 each. Low-cost clinics may reduce this to $200-$300 if exam fees are skipped at booster-only visits.
How to Interpret Your Vaccination Schedule
Due now means the vaccine window is open - schedule an appointment within 7 days. Overdue means the recommended window was missed. Call the vet for a catch-up dose. A full restart is not needed if under 4 weeks late. Upcoming appointments two or more weeks out mean the schedule is on track. Add a reminder to your calendar. Once the core series is complete, switch to a 3-year booster schedule per AAHA guidelines.
Maternal antibodies from nursing can interfere with early vaccines - that is why puppies need multiple DHPP doses rather than one shot. Never assume one vaccine provides full immunity.
Getting Your Puppy or Kitten Vaccinated
Enter your pet’s birth date and species in the Pet Vaccination Schedule Calculator to get exact due dates. Schedule the first vet visit at 6-8 weeks - do not wait until 12 weeks. Keep unvaccinated puppies off public grass, dog parks, and pet store floors. Ask your vet about Bordetella if enrolling in puppy class before 16 weeks.
Confirm your state’s rabies law because initial vaccine rules vary between 1-year and 3-year schedules. Save vaccination records since boarding, grooming, and travel require proof of vaccination. Budget $300-$600 for the complete puppy or kitten series in year one. Set annual booster reminders - adult core vaccines repeat every 3 years.
Assumptions and Limitations: Schedules follow AAHA 2022 canine and AAFP feline guidelines using standard 3-4 week booster intervals. Your veterinarian may adjust timing for sick pets, maternal antibody titers, or local disease outbreaks (e.g., leptospirosis in wet climates).
State rabies laws override general guidelines - some states require rabies at 12 weeks, others at 16 weeks, and revaccination intervals differ. This guide supports planning - not medical decisions. Always confirm your pet’s schedule with a licensed veterinarian.
Calculator Methodology
The Daily Calcs Pet Vaccination Schedule Calculator:
- Accepts pet type (dog or cat), birth date, and vaccines already received.
- Generates a timeline of upcoming due dates based on AAHA/AAFP intervals.
- Flags overdue vaccines and next recommended appointment windows.
- Adjusts rabies timing based on state 1-year vs 3-year requirements.
Limitations: Individual health conditions, maternal antibody levels, and local disease outbreaks may require schedule modifications by your veterinarian.
Related Reading
- Puppy Age Milestones - Week by Week - developmental timeline alongside vaccines
- Kitten Growth Stages - First 24 Months - kitten development and care
- How Much Does a Dog Cost Per Year - vaccination costs in annual budget
- Average Vet Costs by State - regional vet price differences
Official and Supporting Sources:
- AAHA: 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines
- AAFP: Feline Vaccination Guidelines
- AVMA: Vaccination Principles
Next step:
Enter your pet’s birth date and vaccination history in the Pet Vaccination Schedule Calculator to see every upcoming due date and never miss a booster.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do puppies need their first shots?
Puppies should receive their first DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age, followed by boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks. AAHA recommends the final puppy DHPP at or after 16 weeks. Rabies is typically given at 12-16 weeks depending on state law. Missing the 16-week booster window leaves puppies vulnerable to parvovirus.
What vaccines do kittens need and when?
FVRCP - covering feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia - is the core vaccine for kittens. The series starts at 6-8 weeks with boosters every 3-4 weeks through 16-20 weeks. Rabies is given at 12-16 weeks per state law. FeLV is recommended for kittens with outdoor access starting at 8 weeks.
How often do adult dogs need vaccine boosters?
AAHA 2022 guidelines recommend core vaccines (DHPP, rabies) every 3 years after the initial puppy series and first adult booster. Non-core vaccines (Bordetella, Lyme, Leptospirosis, Influenza) are given annually or as needed based on lifestyle and geography. Your veterinarian may run titer tests to determine if boosters are necessary instead of automatic revaccination.
Puppy vaccination schedule vs kitten schedule: What's different?
The booster schedule is the same for both species - every 3-4 weeks starting at 6-8 weeks through 16-20 weeks. Puppies get DHPP, kittens get FVRCP. Rabies timing is similar at 12-16 weeks. What differs are the optional vaccines: kittens may need FeLV depending on lifestyle, while puppies may need Leptospirosis and Bordetella based on region and socialization plans. Both need the final core dose at or after 16 weeks.
What happens if my puppy misses a vaccine dose?
If a booster is missed by less than 4 weeks, continue the series without restarting. If more than 4 weeks lapse, AAHA recommends restarting the series or giving an additional booster 3-4 weeks after the late dose. Do not take unvaccinated puppies to dog parks, pet stores, or training classes until the series is complete - parvovirus can survive in soil for months.
How much do puppy and kitten vaccinations cost?
Individual vaccine visits cost $75-$150 per appointment including the exam fee. A complete puppy or kitten series (3-4 visits) totals $300-$600. Low-cost vaccine clinics and shelters offer individual vaccines for $15-$30 per shot without an exam. Rabies is often required by law and costs $15-$30. Annual adult boosters run $80-$200 per visit.
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