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A veterinarian listening to a white French bulldog’s heart
Photo courtesy of the Veterinarian Pet Alliance, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).

Vaccines for dogs and cats: a practical guide

5 min read · General information, not veterinary advice

Vaccines are one of the simplest ways to protect a pet from serious, sometimes fatal diseases. Schedules vary by country, by local law and by each animal’s lifestyle, so your veterinarian always has the final word. Still, knowing the basics makes those conversations easier and helps you never miss a date.

Core and lifestyle vaccines

Veterinary guidelines split vaccines into two groups:

Dogs

Cats

Puppies and kittens: a series, not a single shot

Antibodies from the mother protect young animals at first but also interfere with vaccines. That’s why puppies and kittens get a series: usually starting at 6–8 weeks, repeated every 2–4 weeks, with the last dose at about 16 weeks of age or later. A booster typically follows around a year later.

Until the series is complete, keep young pets away from places where many unknown animals pass, such as dog parks.

Adults: boosters

After the first-year booster, many core vaccines are repeated every 1 to 3 years, depending on the product and your vet’s assessment. Rabies intervals are often set by law (annual in many places, every three years in others), so follow your local rules and the certificate your vet gives you.

Keeping track without the stress

In Arch-Pet, the vaccine card shows your pet’s species protocol with what’s current, due soon or overdue, and reminders arrive before each due date. With Pro, you can import the clinic’s PDF and Arch-Pet fills in the vaccines and next-due dates for you to check.

This article is general information. Your veterinarian will recommend the right vaccines and schedule for your pet’s age, health and lifestyle.