When do puppies start their vaccines?

Core puppy vaccination typically begins at 6 to 8 weeks of age with the first DHPP dose, then repeats every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks. Rabies is usually given once at 12 to 16 weeks depending on local law.

What is the kitten core series?

Kittens receive the FVRCP combination vaccine starting around 6 to 8 weeks, boostered every 3 to 4 weeks through about 16 weeks. Rabies is given once around 12 to 16 weeks, and FeLV is recommended for kittens with outdoor exposure.

Why are boosters spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart?

Maternal antibodies passed in milk can neutralise a vaccine, and they fade at different ages in different animals. Repeating the dose every few weeks ensures at least one shot lands after maternal immunity has waned, producing lasting protection.

When is the first annual booster?

After the puppy or kitten series finishes around 16 weeks, a booster is given one year later. This tool schedules that first annual booster, after which most cores move to a one to three year cycle set by your vet.

Is this a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. This is a planning aid using standard age windows. Rabies law, FeLV and lifestyle vaccines, and any health concerns must be decided with your veterinarian, who may shift dates for your pet and jurisdiction.

Pet Vaccination Schedule Calculator

A puppy or kitten’s core vaccine series is timed by age in weeks, with doses repeated every few weeks until maternal antibodies have faded. This calculator turns your pet’s birth date into a dated schedule of those core shots plus the first annual booster.

How it works

The schedule anchors each dose to a target age in weeks and adds it to the birth date:

DHPP / FVRCP dose 1  →  ~8 weeks
DHPP / FVRCP dose 2  →  ~12 weeks  (3-4 week interval)
DHPP / FVRCP dose 3  →  ~16 weeks
Rabies               →  ~14 weeks  (single juvenile dose)
First annual booster →  dose 3 date + 52 weeks

Dogs receive DHPP (distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus); cats receive FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia). Each date is computed as birth date plus the target number of weeks.

Notes and tips

Bring the dated list to your first appointment so your vet can adjust for local rabies law, lifestyle vaccines such as leptospirosis, Bordetella, or feline leukaemia, and your pet’s individual health. Do not let more than about four weeks lapse between boosters in the puppy or kitten series — a long gap can mean restarting doses to guarantee protection after maternal antibodies fade.