PART OF THECAREECOSYSTEM
Back to blog
PreventionArticle

Dog & cat vaccinations: the complete guide

8 March 20267 min read

Vaccination is the most effective — and the most affordable — shield against diseases that often kill. So let's look at what your pet needs, and when.

Why it's essential

Diseases like parvovirus and distemper claim stray and unvaccinated puppies every year. The vaccine, put simply, "trains" the immune system in advance — so that when the real threat shows up, the body already knows what to do.

Keep the record up to date

Bring the booklet to every visit. You'll need it for travel and boarding, and it helps us make sure no dose slips through the cracks.

Dog protocol

The core schedule starts at 6–8 weeks and finishes with the rabies vaccine.

  • ~30 days: Nobivac DP (early distemper + parvovirus protection)
  • 6–8 wks: DHPPi
  • 9–12 wks: DHPPi + Leptospirosis
  • 12–16 wks: + Rabies

New: the four-dose protocol

Here's a development worth knowing about. With Nobivac DP at ~30 days, high-risk puppies are protected earlier and the schedule becomes four doses. It's ideal in areas where parvovirus hits hard.

Cat protocol

For kittens, the core is the FVRCP vaccine:

  • 8–9 wks: FVRCP (Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
  • 12 wks: FVRCP (+ FeLV if indicated)
  • ≥12 wks: Rabies

Boosters

Once the initial series is done, there's an annual booster — and we pair it with the general check-up and parasite control, so you get everything sorted in one go. We tailor the schedule to your pet's lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions

What if I miss a dose?+

Give us a call. We usually just carry on from where we left off — though if a fair bit of time has passed, a few doses might need restarting.

Is the rabies vaccine mandatory?+

Yes, it's required by law — and necessary anyway if you're planning to travel.

Vaccination schedule

See the full schedule

Vaccination schedule
Share:f𝕏