Puppy & Kitten Vaccine Schedule: Start Early, Stay Protected

When it comes to keeping your furry family members healthy, vaccines are one of the simplest and most powerful tools we have.

Puppies and kittens don’t come with built-in immunity — but vaccines can give them some. Starting early and staying consistent with boosters helps prevent painful, deadly, and completely avoidable diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and feline distemper (panleukopenia).

At NWA shelters and rescues, we’ve seen how just one missed vaccine can lead to tragedy. But we’ve also seen how early prevention gives pets the healthy, happy lives they deserve.

🐶 Puppy Vaccine Schedule

Age	Vaccine(s)	Purpose / Notes
6–8 weeks	DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)	First “core” puppy shot; starts protection against life-threatening viruses.
10–12 weeks	DHPP booster	Strengthens immunity built from first vaccine.
14–16 weeks	DHPP booster + Rabies	Final round of core vaccines; rabies vaccine required by law.
1 year	DHPP + Rabies boosters	Reinforces long-term immunity; critical for sustained protection.
Every 1–3 years	DHPP + Rabies boosters	Maintains immunity for life; required by most vets and boarding facilities.

💡 Tip: Puppies are not fully protected until 1–2 weeks after their final DHPP vaccine, so avoid dog parks and public places until then.

🐱 Kitten Vaccine Schedule

Age	Vaccine(s)	Purpose / Notes
6–8 weeks	FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)	First “core” kitten shot; protects against severe respiratory and intestinal infections.
10–12 weeks	FVRCP booster	Strengthens immunity and helps the body build lasting protection.
14–16 weeks	FVRCP booster + Rabies	Final round of core vaccines; rabies vaccine required by law.
1 year	FVRCP + Rabies boosters	Reinforces immunity and ensures full, lasting protection.
Every 1–3 years	FVRCP + Rabies boosters	Maintains lifelong health and protection against preventable disease.

💡 Even indoor cats need vaccines — viruses can enter your home on clothing, shoes, or other pets.

💉 Why Booster Schedules Matter

A single shot isn’t enough. Puppies and kittens need a series of boosters spaced 3–4 weeks apart to build full immunity.Skipping or delaying a booster leaves dangerous gaps in protection during their most vulnerable stage of life.

Vaccines are a simple, affordable way to prevent suffering — and they protect not only your pet, but every pet they meet.

🏡 The Bigger Picture: Healthy Pets, Healthy Communities

Vaccines don’t just protect individual pets — they keep entire communities healthy. When more families vaccinate their dogs and cats, it prevents outbreaks, keeps shelters safer, and reduces overcrowding from preventable illness.

That’s why the NWA Animal Alliance is partnering through the Protect the Paws You Love campaign to connect families with free and low-cost vaccine options across Northwest Arkansas.

💉 Find a local vaccine clinic near you

Sources: AVMA “Vaccinating Your Pet: Guidelines for Dogs and Cats” (2024); AAHA “Canine Vaccination Guidelines” (2023); AAFP “Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel Report” (2020); Merck Veterinary Manual “Vaccination Programs for Dogs and Cats” (2024); PetMD Veterinary Review Board “Core Vaccines and Schedules for Puppies and Kittens” (2024); Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine “Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)” (2023).