Direct Answer
Puppies and kittens need core vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks. Puppies receive DHPP; kittens receive FVRCP. Rabies is given at 12-16 weeks per state law. Track your pet’s exact due dates with the Pet Vaccination Schedule Calculator.
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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| Category | Dog vaccines | Cat vaccines | Required for all? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | DHPP, Rabies | FVRCP, Rabies | Yes |
| Non-core | Bordetella, Lyme, Lepto, Flu | FeLV, Chlamydia, Bordetella | No |
Non-core vaccines depend on lifestyle, geography, and exposure risk. Discuss with your veterinarian.
Cost Summary
| Service | Cost range |
|---|---|
| Single puppy/kitten visit | $75-$150 |
| Complete puppy/kitten series | $300-$600 |
| Annual adult booster visit | $80-$200 |
| Rabies vaccine alone | $15-$30 |
| Low-cost clinic (no exam) | $15-$30/shot |
Worked Example: Labrador Puppy Born March 1, 2026
Profile: Labrador puppy, birth date March 1, 2026, no vaccines yet, planning socialization class at 12 weeks.
| Due date | Age | Vaccine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 26, 2026 | 8 weeks | DHPP (1st) | First core vaccine — keep indoors except vet visits |
| May 24, 2026 | 12 weeks | DHPP (2nd) | Still avoid dog parks — parvo risk highest 8-16 weeks |
| June 21, 2026 | 16 weeks | DHPP (3rd) + Rabies | Final core puppy dose — socialization safer after this |
| July 19, 2026 | 20 weeks | DHPP (final booster) | Some vets give 4th dose for high-risk breeds |
| March 1, 2027 | 12 months | DHPP + Rabies booster | First adult booster year |
Cost estimate: Four vet visits at $100-$150 each = $400-$600 for the complete puppy series. Low-cost clinics may reduce this to $200-$300 if you skip exam fees at booster-only visits (confirm with your vet).
How to Interpret Your Vaccination Schedule
| Status in calculator | What it means | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Due now | Vaccine window is open | Schedule appointment within 7 days |
| Overdue | Missed recommended window | Call vet — may need catch-up dose, not full restart if under 4 weeks late |
| Upcoming (2+ weeks) | On track | Add reminder to calendar |
| Complete (adult) | Core series finished | Switch to 3-year booster schedule per AAHA |
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.
New Puppy and Kitten Vaccination Checklist
- Enter birth date and species in the Pet Vaccination Schedule Calculator
- Schedule 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 — 1-year vs 3-year initial vaccine rules vary
- Save vaccination records — boarding, grooming, and travel require proof
- 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?
Kittens receive FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) starting at 6-8 weeks with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks per AAFP guidelines. Rabies is given at 12-16 weeks per state law. FeLV (feline leukemia) is recommended for kittens with outdoor access, starting at 8 weeks. The final kitten FVRCP should be at or after 16 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?
Both follow a 3-4 week booster interval from 6-8 weeks through 16-20 weeks. Puppies receive DHPP; kittens receive FVRCP. Rabies timing is similar (12-16 weeks). Kittens may additionally need FeLV based on lifestyle. Puppies may need Leptospirosis and Bordetella based on region and socialization plans. Both species require the final core vaccine at or after 16 weeks for reliable immunity.
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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