Puppy & Kitten Vaccination Schedules: What to Expect in the First Year
- posted: Apr. 17, 2025
Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is exciting, but it also comes with the responsibility of keeping it healthy. Vaccinations are a vital part of your pet’s care, protecting it from serious diseases and helping it grow into a strong, healthy adult. At Amigo Animal Hospital in Westminster, CA, our veterinarians are here to guide you through your new pet’s first year of vaccines.
Why Vaccinations Are Important
Puppies and kittens are born with immature immune systems, making them vulnerable to diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and feline panleukopenia. Vaccines build their immunity and prevent the spread of contagious illnesses to other animals, and even humans. Starting vaccinations early ensures your pet is protected during this critical stage of development.
The Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Here is a general timeline for puppy vaccinations during their first year:
• 6–8 Weeks:
o Distemper
o Parvovirus
o Adenovirus (hepatitis)
o Parainfluenza (often combined in a single vaccine called DHPP)
• 10–12 Weeks:
o DHPP booster
o Bordetella (if needed)
• 14–16 Weeks:
o DHPP booster
o Rabies (required by law in California)
• Optional Vaccines: Depending on your puppy’s lifestyle, we may recommend leptospirosis or canine influenza.
After the initial series, your puppy will need booster shots at one year of age and then every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine.
The Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Kittens have their own set of core vaccines to protect them from common feline diseases. Here is what their first-year schedule typically looks like:
• 6–8 Weeks:
o Feline distemper (panleukopenia)
o Calicivirus
o Herpesvirus (often combined in a single vaccine called FVRCP)
• 10–12 Weeks:
o FVRCP booster
o Feline leukemia (if recommended)
• 14–16 Weeks:
o FVRCP booster
o Rabies (required by law in California)
• Optional Vaccines: For kittens who spend time outdoors or live in multi-cat households, we may recommend feline leukemia.
Like puppies, kittens will need booster shots at one year of age and then every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine.
What to Expect at Vaccination Appointments
Vaccination visits include a physical exam to ensure your pet is healthy enough for vaccines. Our veterinarians will also discuss your pet’s lifestyle to recommend the right vaccines and answer any questions you have. Most pets handle vaccines well, with only mild side effects like tiredness or soreness. If you notice anything unusual, like swelling or vomiting, give us a call right away.
Call Our Veterinarians near You for Help Protecting Your New Best Friend
Vaccinations are one of the best ways to give your puppy or kitten a healthy start in life. At Amigo Animal Hospital in Westminster, CA, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call us today at (714) 894-5558 to schedule your pet’s vaccination appointment and ensure it is protected for years to come.
- posted: Apr. 17, 2025
Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is exciting, but it also comes with the responsibility of keeping it healthy. Vaccinations are a vital part of your pet’s care, protecting it from serious diseases and helping it grow into a strong, healthy adult. At Amigo Animal Hospital in Westminster, CA, our veterinarians are here to guide you through your new pet’s first year of vaccines.
Why Vaccinations Are Important
Puppies and kittens are born with immature immune systems, making them vulnerable to diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and feline panleukopenia. Vaccines build their immunity and prevent the spread of contagious illnesses to other animals, and even humans. Starting vaccinations early ensures your pet is protected during this critical stage of development.
The Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Here is a general timeline for puppy vaccinations during their first year:
• 6–8 Weeks:
o Distemper
o Parvovirus
o Adenovirus (hepatitis)
o Parainfluenza (often combined in a single vaccine called DHPP)
• 10–12 Weeks:
o DHPP booster
o Bordetella (if needed)
• 14–16 Weeks:
o DHPP booster
o Rabies (required by law in California)
• Optional Vaccines: Depending on your puppy’s lifestyle, we may recommend leptospirosis or canine influenza.
After the initial series, your puppy will need booster shots at one year of age and then every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine.
The Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Kittens have their own set of core vaccines to protect them from common feline diseases. Here is what their first-year schedule typically looks like:
• 6–8 Weeks:
o Feline distemper (panleukopenia)
o Calicivirus
o Herpesvirus (often combined in a single vaccine called FVRCP)
• 10–12 Weeks:
o FVRCP booster
o Feline leukemia (if recommended)
• 14–16 Weeks:
o FVRCP booster
o Rabies (required by law in California)
• Optional Vaccines: For kittens who spend time outdoors or live in multi-cat households, we may recommend feline leukemia.
Like puppies, kittens will need booster shots at one year of age and then every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine.
What to Expect at Vaccination Appointments
Vaccination visits include a physical exam to ensure your pet is healthy enough for vaccines. Our veterinarians will also discuss your pet’s lifestyle to recommend the right vaccines and answer any questions you have. Most pets handle vaccines well, with only mild side effects like tiredness or soreness. If you notice anything unusual, like swelling or vomiting, give us a call right away.
Call Our Veterinarians near You for Help Protecting Your New Best Friend
Vaccinations are one of the best ways to give your puppy or kitten a healthy start in life. At Amigo Animal Hospital in Westminster, CA, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call us today at (714) 894-5558 to schedule your pet’s vaccination appointment and ensure it is protected for years to come.