Health & wellness
If you’ve ever brought a new pet home, you’ll know that there can be quite a bit to keep track of: food, worming schedules, vet check-ups — and somewhere in the mix, vaccinations.
So, when exactly does your dog or cat need to be vaccinated?
As a general guide, puppies and kittens usually begin their core vaccinations from six to eight weeks of age. Puppies then receive further core vaccinations every two to four weeks until they’re at least 16 weeks old, with kittens also generally following the same schedule. Current vaccination guidelines also recommend a booster at around six months of age.
After that, your pet’s schedule can vary depending on the vaccine, their age, lifestyle, location, and individual health needs. That’s why your vet should always be the one to confirm the right vaccination plan for your pet.
Table of contents
- Core and non-core vaccinations
- When to vaccinate your dog or cat: a typical schedule
- What happens if my pet misses a vaccination?
- Do pets need to be vaccinated every year?
- Tips to keep track of your pet’s vaccinations
- Are vaccinations covered by pet insurance?
Core and non-core vaccinations
You might hear your vet talk about ‘core’ and ‘non-core’ vaccines. In short: core vaccines are recommended for every pet, while non-core vaccines depend on your pet’s lifestyle and location. For more information, see our guide on what vaccinations dogs and cats need here.
When to vaccinate your dog or cat: a typical schedule
Here’s a simple guide to the vaccination milestones you may encounter as your puppy or kitten grows.
| Age | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First core vaccination | First core vaccination |
| 10–12 weeks | Further core vaccination, with non-core vaccines considered where appropriate | Further core vaccination |
| 14–16 weeks | Further core vaccination, with the final puppy core dose given at 16 weeks or older | Final kitten core vaccination may fall within this period |
| Around 6 months | Booster recommended | Booster recommended |
| Adulthood | Core vaccines generally every one to three years; some non-core vaccines may be required annually | Core vaccines generally every one to three years |
Please note: This is a general guide only. The exact timing can differ depending on the vaccine used and your pet’s circumstances. If you’re not sure when your pet was last vaccinated, take any vaccination records you have to your vet and ask them to confirm what’s due next.
What happens if my pet misses a vaccination?
First things first: don’t panic, and don’t try to work out a catch-up schedule by yourself. What happens next can depend on your pet’s age, what vaccines they’ve previously received, and how long it’s been since their last vaccination. Recommendations also differ between adult dogs and adult cats with incomplete or unknown vaccination histories.
If you’re not sure whether your pet has missed a vaccine, contact your vet, tell them what vaccination history you have for your pet, and ask whether your pet needs a booster or a new course. If you’ve adopted your pet and don’t have their complete records, mention that when booking the appointment too.
Do pets need to be vaccinated every year?
Not necessarily. Once an adult dog or cat has completed their primary vaccination course, some core vaccines may be given every one to three years rather than annually. The interval depends on the vaccine, your pet’s individual circumstances, and your vet’s recommendation.
An annual vet visit is still a good habit even in years when vaccination isn’t due. Both the RSPCA and Australian Veterinary Association recommend regular health checks even when an animal isn’t being vaccinated annually.
Tips to keep track of your pet’s vaccinations
There are enough dates floating around in everyday life without trying to keep track of your pet’s vaccination schedule too. A few simple habits that can help you remember, include:
- Keeping your pet’s vaccination certificate or vet records somewhere easy to find.
- Adding the next vaccination date to your phone or calendar when you leave the vet.
- Checking vaccination requirements before booking boarding, puppy preschool, or other activities involving animals.
- Telling your vet about changes to your pet’s lifestyle, including moving house or travelling to another area.
Are vaccinations covered by pet insurance?
Vaccinations are considered routine or preventative care, so whether they’re covered will depend on the policy you choose.
With RSPCA Pet Insurance, routine care cover can be added to your PetFlex policy and includes one annual vet visit for things such as an annual health check, vaccinations, and microchipping, subject to your policy terms and conditions.
You can also customise your cover to suit your pet and budget, with annual cover options up to $35,000, benefit percentage options up to 90%, and a zero excess option. Every policy also contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives. So while you’re helping to protect your own pet, you’re also making a difference for animals in need across Australia.
To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.
Disclaimer
As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
References
[1] RSPCA Australia. What vaccinations should my dog receive? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/what-vaccinations-should-my-dog-receive
[2] RSPCA Australia. What vaccinations should my cat receive? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/what-vaccinations-should-my-cat-receive
[3] Australian Veterinary Association. Vaccination of dogs and cats. Available from: https://www.ava.com.au/policy/vaccination-of-dogs-and-cats
[4] World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats. Available from: https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/vaccination-guidelines/
FAQs
Puppies generally begin core vaccination from six to eight weeks of age and receive further doses every two to four weeks until at least 16 weeks old. A booster is recommended at around six months. Once the initial course is complete, adult dogs generally receive core vaccinations every one to three years, while some non-core vaccines may be recommended annually. To confirm the right schedule for your dog, it’s best to speak to your vet.
Kittens generally begin core vaccinations from six to eight weeks, followed by further core vaccinations every two to four weeks, with the final primary dose given at 16 weeks of age or older. A booster is recommended at around six months. Adult cats who have completed their primary course generally receive core vaccinations every one to three years, depending on their individual needs and the vaccine used.
Australia is rabies-free, so dogs remaining in Australia don’t routinely need a rabies vaccination. If you’re taking your dog overseas, speak to your vet well before travelling because vaccination and entry requirements depend on the destination.
Book an appointment with your vet and provide any health or adoption records you have. The appropriate catch-up plan depends on whether your pet is a dog or cat, their age, and their previous vaccination history, so it’s best not to try and guess which vaccines they need by yourself.
