Step 1 — Select pet type: Dog or Cat. Dogs and cats require entirely different vaccines for different diseases. The core canine vaccines protect against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies. The core feline vaccines protect against panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus, and rabies. There is no overlap — selecting the correct species loads the appropriate vaccine protocol and schedule.
Step 2 — Select age format: Weeks or Years. Use Weeks for puppies and kittens under 12 months — vaccine timing during the first year is measured in weeks because maternal antibody interference requires precise spacing. Use Years for adult pets where the schedule shifts to annual or triennial boosters.
Step 3 — Enter your pet's age. For puppies and kittens, enter exact age in weeks. This determines which vaccines are due now, which are upcoming, and how many rounds of the puppy/kitten series remain. For adult pets, enter age in years to determine booster status and which non-core vaccines are relevant.
Step 4 — Select location: United States or European Union. Vaccination protocols differ by region. Rabies frequency is mandated by law and varies by US state. Leptospirosis prevalence varies by geography. Leishmaniasis vaccination is relevant in southern Europe but not the US.
Step 5 — Click Generate Vaccination Schedule. Your personalised timeline shows every vaccine due now, upcoming dates for the remainder of the puppy/kitten series or adult boosters, and which non-core vaccines to discuss with your vet. Download or screenshot the schedule to bring to your next vet appointment.
Understanding Your Results
Core vs non-core vaccines — what the distinction means. Core vaccines are recommended for every dog or cat regardless of lifestyle because the diseases they prevent are severe, potentially fatal, and either highly contagious or zoonotic. Non-core vaccines are recommended selectively based on real exposure risk — a city apartment dog and a rural hunting dog have very different risk profiles.
Why puppies and kittens need multiple rounds of the same vaccine. Maternal antibodies protect early in life but also neutralise vaccines. Because maternal antibody levels vary and decline at different rates, vets use a series every 3–4 weeks from 6–8 weeks until 16 weeks. At least one dose will land after maternal antibodies have cleared. Skipping doses creates gaps.
The 3-year booster question. Many core vaccines provide immunity lasting 3 years or longer after the initial series and first annual booster. WSAVA guidelines support triennial boosters for DHPP and FVRCP in adult pets. Some vets still recommend annual boosters, and some facilities require annual proof regardless. Titre testing can confirm ongoing immunity.
Rabies vaccination and legal requirements. Rabies vaccination is legally mandated in all US states and most countries worldwide. Requirements vary by state — annual vs triennial after the first booster. Non-compliance creates serious legal liability if an unvaccinated pet bites someone.
Waiting periods and side effects. Most pets experience mild side effects for 24–48 hours after vaccination: lethargy, mild fever, reduced appetite, and local soreness. Serious adverse reactions are rare but require immediate vet attention. Wait 20–30 minutes at the clinic after vaccination if your pet has had prior reactions. Do not vaccinate a pet that is currently unwell.
2-dose initial series, annual booster for at-risk cats
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
Feline AIDS
High-risk outdoor male cats in endemic areas
Discuss with vet — vaccine availability varies by country
Chlamydophila felis
Feline chlamydiosis
Multi-cat households with respiratory disease history
Annual
Bordetella (feline)
Kennel cough in cats
Cats in shelters or multi-cat environments
Annual
Puppy Vaccination Timeline — Week by Week
Age
Vaccine Due
Notes
6–8 weeks
DHPP (1st dose)
Begin series — maternal antibodies may still interfere
10–12 weeks
DHPP (2nd dose)
Bordetella if boarding planned
12–16 weeks
Rabies (1st dose)
Legal requirement in most jurisdictions
14–16 weeks
DHPP (3rd and final puppy dose)
Leptospirosis 1st dose if outdoor exposure
17–18 weeks
Leptospirosis 2nd dose (if started)
Lyme 1st dose if tick area
1 year
DHPP booster, Rabies booster, all non-core annual boosters
Critical — do not skip
Every 1–3 years
DHPP (per titre or protocol), Rabies (per state law)
Maintain for life
Kitten Vaccination Timeline — Week by Week
Age
Vaccine Due
Notes
6–8 weeks
FVRCP (1st dose)
FeLV 1st dose if outdoor or multi-cat
10–12 weeks
FVRCP (2nd dose)
FeLV 2nd dose
12–16 weeks
Rabies (1st dose)
Required in most US states
14–16 weeks
FVRCP (3rd and final kitten dose)
1 year
FVRCP booster, Rabies booster, FeLV annual if outdoor
Critical — do not skip
Every 1–3 years
FVRCP (per titre or protocol), Rabies (per jurisdiction)
Indoor cats may follow 3-year protocol
Vaccine Cost Reference — US 2026
Vaccine
Typical Cost Per Dose
Notes
DHPP (dog)
$20–$45
Often bundled in wellness exam
Rabies (dog or cat)
$15–$35
Low-cost clinics often $10–$20
FVRCP (cat)
$20–$40
Often bundled in wellness exam
Bordetella
$20–$40
Intranasal or injectable
Leptospirosis
$20–$45
Lyme disease
$25–$50
Canine Influenza
$25–$55
FeLV
$25–$50
Wellness exam (required with vaccines at most clinics)
$45–$150
Low-cost vaccination clinics at PetSmart (Banfield), Petco, and independent mobile clinics can reduce vaccine costs by 50–70% — but typically do not include a full physical exam.
Frequently asked
Questions about this calculator
DHPP starting at 6–8 weeks, repeated at 10–12 and 14–16 weeks, plus Rabies at 12–16 weeks. Non-core vaccines depend on lifestyle and location.
How we calculate
The math, openly documented.
01
Inputs
You enter the facts that change the estimate.
species · age · weight · lifestyle
02
Normalize
We validate ranges and convert units when needed.
lbs ↔ kg · months ↔ years
03
Formula
Published veterinary or industry-standard calculations.
result = f(valid inputs)
04
Results
Rounded outputs — schedules, ranges, or targets — with disclaimers.
