Pet vaccination schedule

Cat, Dog, Ferret, Bunny

Vaccine: Rabies

When: At 3 months for initial protection, and again at 1 year

Booster: Every 1 to 3 years

Dog*

Vaccine: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (combined DHPP), Leptospirosis, Adenovirus

When: At 6 to 8 weeks, 9 to 11 weeks, and 12 to 14 weeks

Booster: 1 year after last puppy dose, then every 1 to 3 years depending on vaccine type

Dog

Vaccine: Rabies

When: 3 months

Booster: 1 year after puppy dose, then as required by local authorities

Dog

Vaccine: Coronavirus

When: 6 weeks of age, then every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks of age

Dog - if it will be exposed to ticks

Vaccine: Lyme

When: 9 to 11 weeks, and 12 to 14 weeks

Booster: Every year

Dog - if it will be boarded, or going to dog shows or obedience classes

Vaccine: Kennel cough (Bordetelle)

When: 16 weeks

Booster: Every year

Dog - outdoor dogs; can spread to humans

Vaccine: Giardia

When: 12 weeks, 15 weeks

Booster: Every year, if indicated in your area

* Not a vaccination, but dogs should receive heartworm prevention starting at between 8-15 weeks of age, continued for life, with annual heartworm blood tests.

After the vaccination, it is important to watch your pet for the next couple of days for any signs of a reaction to the shot. Possible symptoms include: 

• Loss of appetite
• Minor fever
• Irritability, expressed as biting, growling, or unwillingness to be with people
• Unusual sleepiness, lack of energy
• Swelling or redness around the injection site

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian. If you observe a lump on your cat for more than 3 months after it has been vaccinated for rabies or feline leukemia call your vet. This could be a sign of a vaccine-associated tumor.

Reactions to vaccines happen from time to time, but for the most part, having your pet vaccinated, and given a health checkup once a year, is the safest way to protect them and help them live a long, happy life.

Sources: American Animal Hospital Association and Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, Ontario, Canada

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