How Often Do Dogs and Cats Really Need Vaccines?

One of the most common questions we hear is how often pets actually need vaccines. Many people assume everything is done yearly, but that’s not always the case.

The right schedule depends on your pet’s age, medical history, and lifestyle. At Cali’s Cottage, we take a personalized approach so your dog or cat receives appropriate protection without unnecessary treatments.

Puppy and Kitten Vaccine Schedule

Young pets require a series of vaccines to build proper immunity. These are carefully timed because maternal antibodies can interfere early on, so spacing is important to ensure protection develops correctly.

Dogs (Puppy Schedule)

DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus)

Started at 6–8 weeks of age and repeated every 3–4 weeks until approximately 16 weeks of age.

Leptospirosis

Started at 8–12 weeks of age, followed by a booster 3–4 weeks later.

Rabies

Given once between 12–16 weeks of age as required by California law.

Cats (Kitten Schedule)

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

Started at 6–8 weeks of age and repeated every 3–4 weeks until approximately 16–20 weeks of age.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

Given as an initial vaccine followed by a booster 3–4 weeks later, especially recommended for kittens.

Rabies

Given once between 12–16 weeks of age depending on local requirements.

Adult Vaccine Schedule

Once your pet has completed their initial series, vaccine timing changes.

Dogs (Adult Schedule)

Rabies

Given at 1 year of age after the initial vaccine, then every 3 years thereafter. 

DA2PP

Given at 1 year of age after the initial series, then every 3 years thereafter.

Leptospirosis

Given every 1 year due to environmental exposure and shorter duration of immunity.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Given every 6–12 months depending on exposure to grooming, boarding, daycare, or social environments.

Canine Influenza

Given every 1 year for dogs with higher social exposure risk.

Cats (Adult Schedule)

Rabies

Given at 1 year of age after the initial vaccine, then every 3 years thereafter.

FVRCP

Given at 1 year of age after the initial series, then every 3 years thereafter.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

Given every 1 year for cats with ongoing exposure risk. Often discontinued in strictly indoor adult cats.

Why Vaccine Schedules Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

Every pet has a different level of risk.

A dog that regularly goes to daycare or boarding will have different needs than one that stays mostly at home. A cat that goes outdoors or lives with other cats has different risks than a strictly indoor cat.

We tailor vaccine schedules based on real-life exposure, not a generic timeline.

👉 [Which Vaccines Does My Dog or Cat Actually Need?]

Finding the Right Balance

Vaccines are important, but more frequent is not always better.

Some vaccines provide long-lasting protection, while others need to be given more regularly. The goal is to make sure your pet is protected without unnecessary treatments.

Our Approach at Cali’s Cottage

We take the time to review your pet’s history, lifestyle, and risk factors before making recommendations. Our goal is thoughtful, individualized care in a calm, low-stress environment.

If you’re unsure what your pet is due for, we’re always happy to walk through it with you and build a plan that makes sense.

 

Quick Vaccine Schedule Reference

Dogs (Puppy Schedule)

Vaccine	Schedule
DA2PP	Start at 6–8 weeks, then every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks
Leptospirosis	Start at 8–12 weeks, booster in 3–4 weeks
Rabies	Once at 12–16 weeks

 

Cats (Kitten Schedule)

Vaccine	Schedule
FVRCP	Start at 6–8 weeks, then every 3–4 weeks until ~16–20 weeks
FeLV	Initial vaccine, booster in 3–4 weeks
Rabies	Once at 12–16 weeks

 

Dogs (Adult Schedule)

Vaccine	Schedule
Rabies	1 year, then every 3 years
DA2PP	1 year, then every 3 years
Leptospirosis	Every 1 year
Bordetella	Every 6–12 months
Canine Influenza	Every 1 year

 

Cats (Adult Schedule)

Vaccine	Schedule
Rabies	1 year, then every 3 years
FVRCP	1 year, then every 3 years
FeLV	Every 1 year (if at risk)