Dog & Cat Vaccination Schedule Calculator
Enter your pet's species and birth date (or current age) to see a personalized core-vaccine schedule with due-date windows, based on AAHA 2022 and AAFP/WSAVA guidelines.
Awaiting Details
Enter your pet's birth date or current age to generate their core-vaccine schedule.
Important: Core vaccines only — local laws & lifestyle matter
This tool shows general core-vaccine timing only (DAPP/Rabies for dogs; FVRCP/Rabies for cats). Vaccine timing requirements vary by local/state law, lifestyle risk (indoor vs. outdoor, boarding, travel), and vet judgment. Non-core vaccines — Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, FeLV, FIV, and others — are not covered here and must be discussed with your veterinarian. Do not use this schedule as a replacement for a personalized vaccination plan from your vet.
How It Works & The Vaccination Timing Formula
The AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines (2022) and AAFP/WSAVA Feline Vaccination Guidelines recommend starting the core puppy/kitten series at 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks old. Rabies is given at 12–16 weeks per state law. This tool calculates those windows by adding the guideline offsets (in days) to your pet's birth date:
How to interpret the schedule: The earliest date in a window is the soonest the vaccine is typically given; the latest date is the outer bound before protection may lapse. If your pet is already past a window, that item is hidden — only upcoming events are shown. The first item highlighted in green is the most immediately due. Adult booster windows are wide (1–3 years) because exact timing depends on the product label and your vet's titer-testing results — treat those rows as reminders to have a conversation with your vet, not fixed appointments.
Sources & References
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines 2022 — core vs. non-core classification, puppy series timing, and adult booster intervals.
- American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) / WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group, AAFP/WSAVA Feline Vaccination Guidelines — FVRCP and Rabies kitten series, adult booster recommendations, triennial vaccine preference for low-risk indoor cats.
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), Vaccination Guidelines for New Puppy and Kitten Owners — maternal antibody interference and the rationale for the multi-dose series ending at ≥16 weeks.
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Rabies Vaccination Requirements — overview of Rabies vaccine legal requirements and state-level variation.
For a complete list of our data sources across all calculators, see our full sources & citations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are core vaccines for dogs and cats?
Core vaccines are those recommended for ALL dogs or cats regardless of lifestyle, because the diseases they prevent are serious, widespread, or transmissible to humans. For dogs, core vaccines are DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) and Rabies. For cats, core vaccines are FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) and Rabies. Non-core vaccines like Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, and FeLV are recommended based on individual lifestyle and risk — discuss these with your vet.
Why is the puppy/kitten vaccine series spread over multiple visits?
Young animals receive maternal antibodies through colostrum (first milk) that can block vaccine response — but these antibodies fade at unpredictable times between 6 and 16 weeks of age. The series of boosters every 3–4 weeks ensures at least one dose hits the window after maternal antibodies wane but before the pet is unprotected. The final dose at or after 16 weeks is critical to ensure immune protection.
When does my puppy or kitten need its first Rabies vaccine?
AAHA and AAFP guidelines recommend the first Rabies vaccine at 12–16 weeks of age. Most US states require Rabies vaccination by law, and many set the minimum age at 12 weeks. Check your local/state requirements because the exact legal timing varies. A booster is typically given 12 months later, then every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine label and your state's law.
Can I give vaccines earlier if I'm worried about disease exposure?
Vaccines given before 6 weeks old are generally not recommended because very high levels of maternal antibodies interfere with the immune response. If your puppy or kitten has had known high-risk exposure (e.g., a shelter environment or contact with unvaccinated animals), your vet may adjust timing or add a dose — this tool shows standard core-vaccine windows, not a high-risk protocol.
Do adult pets really need boosters every year?
It depends on the vaccine. AAHA 2022 guidelines allow DAPP boosters every 3 years after the puppy series and 1-year booster, for low-risk adult dogs. Rabies booster frequency is set by your state law and vaccine label (1-year or 3-year products exist). Your vet may also recommend titer testing (measuring antibody levels) to assess whether a booster is actually needed for a given pet.
Medical Disclaimer
This tool provides general, educational estimates and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Vaccine timing, product choice, and non-core vaccine recommendations must be tailored to your pet's individual health status, lifestyle risk, and local legal requirements by a licensed veterinarian. Never skip or delay vaccines without consulting your vet. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs before making changes to their diet, water intake, or care routine.
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