Core vaccines protect against the most dangerous, widespread diseases and are recommended for all pets. Non-core vaccines depend on your pet's lifestyle, location, and risk factors. This guide follows AVMA and AAHA guidelines.
Core Vaccines Required for all dogs
| Vaccine | Puppy Series | Adult Booster | Notes |
|---|
| Distemper/Parvo (DA2PP) | 6, 9, 12 weeks → 16 weeks | 1 year, then every 3 years | Most important puppy vaccine. Covers distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza. |
| Rabies | 12–16 weeks | 1 year, then every 1–3 years | Required by law in most US states. 1-year or 3-year formulations available. |
Non-Core Vaccines Based on lifestyle
| Vaccine | Who Needs It | Schedule |
|---|
| Bordetella (Kennel Cough) | Dogs who board, attend daycare, dog parks | Every 6–12 months |
| Leptospirosis | Dogs exposed to wildlife or standing water | Annual booster |
| Lyme Disease | Dogs in tick-endemic regions | Annual booster |
| Canine Influenza | High-contact environments | Annual booster |
| Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) | Dogs in rattlesnake regions, hiking dogs | Annual booster |
Talk to your vet about which non-core vaccines make sense for your dog's lifestyle and geographic location. Titer tests can measure antibody levels to determine if boosters are needed.
Core Vaccines Required for all cats
| Vaccine | Kitten Series | Adult Booster | Notes |
|---|
| FVRCP (Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) | 6–8, 10–12, 14–16 weeks | 1 year, then every 3 years | The "feline distemper combo." Covers upper respiratory and intestinal disease. |
| Rabies | 12–16 weeks | 1 year, then every 1–3 years | Required by law in most states regardless of indoor/outdoor status. |
Non-Core Vaccines Based on lifestyle
| Vaccine | Who Needs It | Schedule |
|---|
| FeLV (Feline Leukemia) | Outdoor cats, multi-cat households, kittens | Annual for at-risk cats |
| FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) | Outdoor cats at high risk (limited availability) | Consult vet |
| Chlamydophila felis | Multi-cat environments with respiratory issues | Annual |
| Bordetella | Cats in boarding or shelter environments | Annual |
Indoor-only cats still need rabies and FVRCP. FeLV is strongly recommended for kittens and outdoor cats. Discuss vaccine-associated sarcoma risk with your vet — injection site monitoring is important for cats.