If you own a dog or cat, a clear vaccination schedule is one of the single most important things you can do to protect your pet and your family. This 2025 pet vaccine guide explains core vs non‑core vaccines, recommended schedules for puppies, kittens and adults, how to personalize vaccination plans, what to expect after shots, and the simple steps that keep your pet safe and legal.

Vaccines stimulate your pet’s immune system to fight serious infectious diseases — many of which are highly contagious and sometimes fatal. Vaccinating on the right timeline prevents outbreaks, reduces veterinary costs down the road, and keeps communities safer (especially for zoonotic diseases such as rabies). Veterinary authorities worldwide recommend core vaccinations for every dog and cat, while non‑core vaccines are added based on risk.

Core vaccines are those recommended for all animals of a species because the diseases they prevent are severe, widely distributed, or pose public‑health risks. Non‑core vaccines are given selectively — depending on an animal’s lifestyle, geographic location, exposure risks, or the presence of the disease in the area. For example, leptospirosis may be considered core in places where it is common; Bordetella or Lyme vaccines are often non‑core and used for at‑risk dogs.

Puppy schedule:

6–8 weeks:

First round of combination vaccines (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus). Every 2–4 weeks thereafter until 12–16 weeks: Booster shots. 12–16 weeks:

Rabies vaccine (timing may follow local law). 1 year after primary series: Booster, then follow local/vaccine recommendations (some vaccines every 1–3 years).

Kitten schedule:

8 weeks:

Start core vaccine for feline panleukopenia (FPV), calicivirus (FCV) and herpesvirus (FHV‑1). Every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks: Additional boosters. 12–16 weeks:

Rabies vaccine where required. 1 year after primary series: Annual or triennial boosters as advised; FeLV vaccine is recommended for kittens that will go outdoors.

After the initial series, adult vaccination plans depend on the vaccine, product, and local guidelines: some immunizations require boosters every year, others every 2–3 years. Many vets now use antibody titer testing for diseases like distemper or parvovirus to determine whether boosters are needed. Rabies vaccination often follows legal schedules that may require boosters at fixed intervals.

Core vaccines for dogs:

Distemper

Adenovirus

Parvovirus

Rabies

Core vaccines for cats:

Panleukopenia (FPV)

Calicivirus (FCV)

Herpesvirus (FHV‑1).

FeLV is often treated as core for kittens and outdoor cats in areas where FeLV is prevalent.

Most pets experience only mild, short‑lived reactions — soreness at the injection site, mild lethargy, or low‑grade fever for 24–48 hours. Severe allergic reactions are rare but require immediate veterinary attention. Proper vaccine handling and spacing reduce risk and improve effectiveness.

Checklist:

Get a written vaccine record, follow the primary series, discuss titers with your vet, ask about local risks, microchip + vaccinate when traveling, check rabies laws in your country.

Global guidelines provide the scientific baseline, but local disease prevalence and law matter. Rabies remains a public‑health priority in many countries; local authorities run vaccination campaigns and set rules. Coordinate with your vet or public health office for up‑to‑date policies and vaccine access.

FAQ:

Q: How often should my adult dog get vaccinated?

A: Depends on vaccine; some boosters are every year, others every 2–3 years.

Q: Can titers replace boosters?

A: Often yes for some diseases.

Q: Are vaccines safe for older pets?

A: Yes, age alone is not a reason to skip vaccines.

Conclusion:

Vaccines save lives. Start puppies and kittens on schedule, keep adult pets up to date using a risk‑based approach, and always follow local rabies and public‑health rules.