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Pet Vaccination Ledger & Schedule
Every shot, every expiry, every due date — in one place, with reminders before a booster lapses.
Core vs non-core vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for every animal because the diseases are severe and widespread. Non-core vaccines depend on lifestyle and exposure risk — kennel cough for a boarding dog, for example. Your vet decides based on where you live and what your pet does.
- Dogs, core: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza (often combined as DHPP) and rabies.
- Dogs, non-core: kennel cough (bordetella), leptospirosis — often annual where risk exists.
- Cats, core: feline panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calicivirus (combined as FVRCP) and rabies.
Puppy & kitten schedules
Young animals get a series because antibodies from their mother can block the first shots. Typical timing:
- Puppies: first DHPP at 6–8 weeks, second at 10–12 weeks, third at 14–16 weeks, with rabies at the final visit.
- Kittens: first FVRCP at 6–8 weeks, second at 10–12 weeks, third at 14–16 weeks, with rabies at the final visit.
- Both then get a booster at about one year old, then boosters every one to three years per the vaccine and local law.
Why records matter
- Boarding kennels, groomers, daycare and training classes ask for proof of vaccination.
- Crossing a provincial or national border with a pet requires a valid vaccination certificate.
- An expired booster can mean restarting a series — more cost and more risk.
- In an emergency, the vet needs to know what your pet is protected against.
Titre testing
A blood test can measure existing immunity instead of boosting on a fixed schedule. Useful for older pets or those who reacted to a vaccine — but some kennels and laws still require documented vaccination. Discuss with your vet.
Common questions
Which vaccines does my dog actually need?
Core vaccines — distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza (usually combined as DHPP) and rabies — are recommended for every dog. Non-core vaccines like kennel cough and leptospirosis depend on lifestyle and local risk. Your vet can advise.
How often are booster shots needed?
After the puppy or kitten series and the one-year booster, core vaccines are typically boosted every one to three years depending on the vaccine, age and local law. Rabies frequency follows local legislation — follow your vet's schedule.
Why should I keep vaccination records?
Kennels, groomers, daycare and cross-border travel all require proof of vaccination. An up-to-date ledger also means you never miss a booster that leaves your pet unprotected.