Pet Vaccination Schedule Calculator — Dog & Cat Shot Timeline from Birth Date
Enter your pet's birth or adoption date to generate a personalized vaccination schedule with due dates for core and optional vaccines for dogs and cats.
Next due: DHPP #1 (distemper series) on Aug 25, 2026 (42 days)
| Vaccine | Due Date | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHPP #1 (distemper series) | Aug 25, 2026 | In 42 days | First core puppy vaccine at 6-8 weeks. |
| DHPP #2 booster | Sep 22, 2026 | In 70 days | Second booster at 10-12 weeks. |
| DHPP #3 booster | Oct 20, 2026 | In 98 days | Final puppy series dose at 14-16 weeks. |
| Rabies (1-year) | Oct 6, 2026 | In 84 days | First rabies vaccine; legally required in most states. |
| Bordetella (optional) | Sep 8, 2026 | In 56 days | Kennel cough vaccine if boarding or daycare planned. |
| Leptospirosis (optional) | Oct 6, 2026 | In 84 days | Lifestyle vaccine for outdoor or water exposure. |
| DHPP annual booster | Jul 14, 2027 | In 365 days | First adult booster one year after puppy series. |
| Rabies 3-year booster | Jul 13, 2029 | In 1095 days | Three-year rabies booster after initial dose. |
Source & methodology
Last reviewed:
Methodology
Generates vaccine due dates from birth/adoption date using AAHA canine and AAFP feline core vaccine series offsets.
Limitations
General schedule only. Local laws, lifestyle, and veterinarian recommendations may differ.
How the vaccination schedule works
Core puppy and kitten vaccines follow a series of doses spaced 3-4 weeks apart starting at 6-8 weeks. This calculator converts your pet's birth or adoption date into exact due dates for each dose based on AAHA canine and AAFP feline guidelines.
Each vaccine is scheduled as start date + offset days. For example, DHPP #1 fires at day 42 (6 weeks), DHPP #2 at day 70 (10 weeks), and DHPP #3 at day 98 (14 weeks). Rabies is typically due at day 84 (12 weeks). Past doses show as complete; upcoming doses display a countdown in days.
Puppy core vaccine timeline
| Vaccine | Age window | Offset from birth | Core or optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHPP #1 | 6-8 weeks | Day 42 | Core |
| DHPP #2 | 10-12 weeks | Day 70 | Core |
| DHPP #3 | 14-16 weeks | Day 98 | Core |
| Rabies (1-year) | 12-16 weeks | Day 84 | Core (legal req.) |
| Bordetella | 8+ weeks | Day 56 | Optional (boarding) |
| DHPP annual booster | 1 year | Day 365 | Core |
| Rabies 3-year | 3 years | Day 1,095 | Core |
Kitten core vaccine timeline
| Vaccine | Age window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FVRCP #1-3 | 6, 10, 14 weeks | Feline distemper series — 3 doses |
| Rabies | 12-16 weeks | Legally required in most states |
| FeLV | 8+ weeks | Recommended for outdoor / multi-cat homes |
Worked example: puppy born March 1, 2026
A puppy born March 1, 2026 would have these approximate due dates:
- DHPP #1: April 12, 2026 (6 weeks)
- Bordetella (optional): April 26, 2026 (8 weeks)
- DHPP #2: May 10, 2026 (10 weeks)
- Rabies: May 24, 2026 (12 weeks)
- DHPP #3: June 7, 2026 (14 weeks) — final puppy series dose
Missing the 16-20 week window leaves puppies vulnerable to parvovirus and distemper. If you only know the adoption date, enter it — most adopted puppies are at least 8 weeks old.
For full life-stage milestones including spay/neuter timing, see the dog age calculator by birth date or read our vaccination schedule by age guide.
Frequently asked questions
When should puppies get their first vaccinations?
Puppies should receive their first DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age. Boosters follow every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks. Rabies is typically given at 12-16 weeks. This calculator generates personalized dates from your puppy's birth or adoption date.
What is the kitten vaccination schedule?
Kittens receive FVRCP (feline distemper) starting at 6-8 weeks with boosters at 10-12 and 14-16 weeks. Rabies is given at 12-16 weeks per local law. Optional FeLV vaccine is recommended for outdoor or multi-cat households. Enter your kitten's birth date to see exact due dates.
How often do dogs and cats need rabies shots?
The first rabies vaccine is typically a 1-year dose. Subsequent boosters may be 1-year or 3-year depending on vaccine type and state law. This calculator schedules an initial rabies dose and a 3-year booster. Confirm interval requirements with your veterinarian and local regulations.
Are Bordetella and FeLV vaccines required?
Bordetella (kennel cough) and FeLV (feline leukemia) are optional lifestyle vaccines, not core requirements. Bordetella is recommended for dogs in boarding, daycare, or grooming. FeLV is recommended for outdoor cats or multi-cat homes. This calculator includes them as optional entries in the schedule.
Can I use an adoption date instead of birth date?
Yes. If you don't know the exact birth date, enter the adoption date and adjust mentally — most adopted puppies and kittens are at least 8 weeks old. Your veterinarian can estimate age from teeth and development if the birth date is unknown.