What Shots Does My Pet Need?

Talk to your vet to ensure your pet gets all the vaccinations they need

Read Time: 5 minutes
Vaccinations are a major part of keeping your pet healthy and safe. Shots can help to prevent many diseases that could be harmful or even deadly to your pet. But what shots does your pet need to get and when?

Puppies and kittens can get different diseases and therefore have different vaccination schedules. These vaccinations also differ from what shots a dog or cat needs as an adult.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

The following shots are those that puppies will need in the first 16 months of their lives. Puppies should receive their first vaccinations as early as 6 weeks old. Some vaccines may be considered optional because whether they’re needed may depend on your and your puppy’s lifestyles. Ask your vet if they recommend any of the optional vaccines.

6 to 8 Weeks Old

Required vaccinations include:

• Distemper
• Parvovirus

Optional vaccinations include:

• Bordetella

10 to 12 Weeks Old

Require vaccinations include:

• DHPP, which includes:
  • Distemper
  • Hepatitis
  • Parainfluenza
  • Parvovirus

Optional vaccinations include:

• Influenza
• Leptospirosis
• Bordetella
• Lyme disease

16 to 18 Weeks Old

Require vaccinations include:

• DHPP
• Rabies

Optional vaccinations include:

• Influenza
• Bordetella
• Lyme disease
• Leptospirosis

12 to 16 Months Old

Require vaccinations include:

• DHPP
• Rabies

Optional vaccinations include:

• Coronavirus
• Bordetella
• Lyme disease
• Leptospirosis

What Vaccines Do Adult Dogs Need?

Some of these vaccines need to be administered on a regular basis into adulthood. DHPP and rabies are required but the other vaccines are optional depending on your pet’s lifestyle. Make sure to speak with your vet regarding which vaccinations your dog needs to be safe and healthy.

• DHPP – every 1 to 2 years
• Rabies – every 1 to 3 years
• Influenza – every 1 to 2 years
• Bordetella – every 1 to 2 years
• Coronavirus – every 1 to 2 years
• Leptospirosis – every 1 to 2 years
• Lyme disease – every 1 to 2 years

Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Just like with puppies, there are vaccines that are required, sometimes by law, for kittens to get at certain times. Others are optional or recommended based on your cat’s lifestyle. Speak with your vet regarding what of the optional vaccinations you should get for your kitten.

6 to 8 Weeks Old

Require vaccinations include:

• FVRCP, which includes:
  • Viral rhinotracheitis
  • Calicivirus
  • Panleukopenia

Optional vaccinations include:

• FeLV (feline leukemia)

10 to 12 Weeks Old

Require vaccinations include:

• FVRCP

Optional vaccinations include:

• FeLV

14 to 16 Weeks Old

Require vaccinations include:

• FVRCP
• Rabies

Optional vaccinations include:

• FeLV

1 Year Old

Require vaccinations include:

• FVRCP
• Rabies

Optional vaccinations include:

• FeLV

What Vaccines Do Adult Cats Need?

Adult cats should continue to receive the following vaccines:

• Rabies – every 1 to 3 years
• Panleukopenia – every 1 to 3 years
• Herpesvirus – every 1 to 3 years
• Calicivirus – every 1 to 3 years
• Bordetella – every year

How Much Do Vaccines Cost?

How much pet vaccines cost depends on the vaccine and your location but typically range between $25 and $100. There may be discounts available at animal shelters if you adopt your pet there.

Why Are Pet Vaccines Necessary

It’s vital for your pet’s health to stay up-to-date on all vaccines required or recommended by your vet. The diseases they protect your pets from could be harmful or even fatal. In some cases, like with the rabies vaccine, it’s required by law because the disease is dangerous and deadly to both animals and humans.

Are Pet Vaccinations Required by Law?

Not all vaccinations are legally required. The rabies vaccine, for example, is required by law. Others may be optional depending on your pet’s lifestyle and therefore wouldn’t be a legal obligation.