Vaccination Schedule for Puppies and Kittens: The Complete Guide
One of the most common questions we get from new pet parents is simple: "what shots does my puppy or kitten actually need, and when?" Missing a booster, or spacing doses too far apart, is one of the easiest ways to leave a young animal under-protected during exactly the weeks it's most vulnerable. Here's the schedule we follow, and why the timing matters as much as the vaccine itself.
Why puppies and kittens need a series, not a single shot
Newborns get some protection from their mother's milk in the first weeks of life, but that immunity fades unpredictably between 6 and 16 weeks of age. Vaccinating too early means the maternal antibodies can block the vaccine from working; vaccinating too late leaves a gap where the puppy or kitten has no protection at all. A staggered series closes that gap regardless of exactly when the mother's immunity runs out.
Puppy vaccination schedule
| Age | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPPi (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus) — 1st dose |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPPi — 2nd dose |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPPi — 3rd dose + Rabies |
| 6 months | Booster + deworming check |
| Annually | DHPPi and Rabies boosters |
Kitten vaccination schedule
| Age | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) — 1st dose |
| 10–12 weeks | FVRCP — 2nd dose |
| 14–16 weeks | FVRCP — 3rd dose + Rabies |
| Annually | FVRCP and Rabies boosters |
What to expect after a vaccine
Mild tiredness, a slight loss of appetite, or soreness at the injection site for a day is normal and not a cause for concern. Keep your puppy or kitten calm and well-hydrated for 24 hours after each dose.
Common mistakes we see
- Assuming one shot covers everything — most core vaccines are multi-dose series, not single visits
- Skipping the rabies vaccine because a pet is "indoor-only" — it's required by law in most areas regardless
- Stopping boosters after the first year — annual boosters keep protection at full strength
- Mixing up vaccination and deworming schedules — they're related but separate routines
Before your next visit, have ready:
Sticking to the schedule
If you're not sure where your puppy or kitten stands in the series — especially with rescues or pets adopted mid-way through their shots — bring in any records you have, or we can run a titer test to check existing immunity before deciding on next steps.
Due for a vaccination or not sure where your pet stands?
Bring in any existing records and we'll map out the rest of the schedule in one visit.
Call +91 81979 09066
